Hebrews 13:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 13:10
10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Chapter Context
Hebrews 13 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, hope, covenant. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 13:10
10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Analysis
We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. This verse addresses the relationship between Old and New Covenants. 'We have an altar' refers to Christ's cross and the spiritual privileges Christians possess through His sacrifice. Unlike the literal altar in Jerusalem temple where certain priests and worshipers partook of sacrificial meals, Christians partake of Christ Himself spiritually through faith.
The phrase 'they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle' emphasizes discontinuity between Old and New Covenants. Those who continue serving the Mosaic tabernacle/temple system rather than embracing Christ's once-for-all sacrifice have no share in the gospel's superior privileges. This doesn't mean ethnic Jews are excluded—rather, that clinging to Old Covenant ceremonies while rejecting Christ means forfeiting New Covenant benefits.
This illustrates the Reformed understanding that Old Testament ceremonial law has been fulfilled and superseded in Christ. While moral law remains (summarized in Ten Commandments), ceremonial regulations (sacrifices, food laws, temple service) pointed forward to Christ and are no longer binding. Attempting to maintain both Christ and Mosaic ceremonies demonstrates failure to grasp the gospel's sufficiency. We approach God not through priestly mediators and animal sacrifices but through Christ our High Priest and His perfect sacrifice.
Historical Context
The Jerusalem temple still stood when Hebrews was written (destroyed 70 AD), making this teaching highly relevant and controversial. Jewish Christians faced pressure from unbelieving Jews to continue temple worship and maintain ceremonial observance. Some attempted to combine Christian faith with Jewish ritual, not understanding that Christ's coming rendered temple system obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). The author insists on choosing: either remain in Old Covenant ceremonies (which can't save) or embrace Christ's New Covenant (which alone saves). Within decades, Rome's destruction of the temple would forcibly end temple worship, dramatically confirming this teaching. The early church's transition from Judaism to distinct Christian identity involved painful separation from ancestral traditions.
Reflection
- How does understanding Christ as your altar and sacrifice free you from depending on external religious ceremonies?
- What modern equivalents of 'serving the tabernacle' tempt Christians to add human traditions to Christ's sufficient work?
- In what ways should you more fully embrace New Covenant privileges rather than clinging to shadows and types?
Word Studies
- Altar: θυσιαστήριον (Thusiastērion) G2379 - Altar
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: 1 Corinthians 9:13, 10:20