9:4 Which had the golden censer. The critics are divided whether the Greek word thumiasterion rendered censer refers to the golden censer or to the altar of incense. Both the Common and Revised Versions have adopted censer, which is probably correct. In the golden censer was burned incense in the Most Holy Place, when the High Priest entered it once a year (Le 16:12). The altar of incense stood against the veil of the Most Holy Place.
The ark of the covenant. See Ex 25:10-16. This chest, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, was the most sacred thing in the tabernacle.
Wherein [was] the gold pot that had manna. See Ex 16:32-34.
And Aaron's rod that budded. See Nu 17:1-11.
And The tables of the covenant. See De 10:1-5. The two stone tables of the law. All these but the tables had been removed before the temple was built (1Ki 8:9). Many hold that they were by the ark, not in it. See De 31:26 Nu 17:10. The ark itself disappeared when the temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar.
9:4 Having the golden censer - Used by the high priest only, on the great day of atonement. And the ark, or chest, of the covenant - So called from the tables of the covenant contained therein. Wherein was the manna - The monument of God's care over Israel. And Aaron's rod - The monument of the regular priesthood. And the tables of the covenant - The two tables of stone, on which the ten commandments were written by the finger of God the most venerable monument of all.
9:1-5 The apostle shows to the Hebrews the typical reference of their ceremonies to Christ. The tabernacle was a movable temple, shadowing forth the unsettled state of the church upon earth, and the human nature of the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom the fulness of the Godhead dwelt bodily. The typical meaning of these things has been shown in former remarks, and the ordinances and articles of the Mosaic covenant point out Christ as our Light, and as the Bread of life to our souls; and remind us of his Divine Person, his holy priesthood, perfect righteousness, and all-prevailing intercession. Thus was the Lord Jesus Christ, all and in all, from the beginning. And as interpreted by the gospel, these things are a glorious representation of the wisdom of God, and confirm faith in Him who was prefigured by them.
