Hebrews 9:2-3
A tabernacle the first ( σκηνη η πρωτη ). See 8:2 for σκηνη. Large tents usually had two divisions (the outer and the inner or the first and the second). Note πρωτη for the first of two as with the first covenant (8:7, 13; 9:1). The large outer tent was entered first and was called Hαγια (Holy), the first division of the tabernacle. The two divisions are here termed two tabernacles.Was prepared ( κατεσκευασθη ). First aorist passive of κατασκευαζω. See 3:3. For the furniture see Ex 25; 26. Three items are named here: the candlestick ( η λυχνια, late word for λυχνιον ) or lampstand, necessary since there were no windows (Ex 25:31-39); the table ( η τραπεζα, old word, Mt 15:27) for the bread (Ex 25:23-30; Le 24:6 of pure gold); the shewbread ( η προθεσις των αρτων ) as in Ex 25:30; 40:23; Le 24:5-9. Probably a hendiadys for the table with the loaves of God's Presence.
After the second veil ( μετα το δευτερον καταπετασμα ). The first veil opened from outside into the Holy Place, the second veil opened from the Holy Place into the Holy of Holies ( Hαγια Hαγιων ). The word καταπετασμα is from καταπεταννυμ, to spread down, and we have already had it in 6:19. Cf. also Mt 27:51.
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