Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 9:21

"Moreover the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry he sprinkled in like manner with the blood." — Hebrews 9:21 (ASV)

“In the same way” does not imply “at the same time,” for when the covenant was made, the tabernacle had not been constructed. But the cleansing with blood that marked the solemn inauguration of the covenant marked also the solemn inauguration of the place of worship (according to Josephus, Aaron’s garments, Aaron himself, and the tabernacle and its vessels were all sprinkled with blood). Under the old covenant sprinkling with blood was the accepted way of cleansing. Perhaps the dedication of the tabernacle should be seen as a kind of renewal of the covenant.