“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (Hebrews 9:11).
Hebrews 9:11 marks an important transition, for it speaks of a “…greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation)” (CSB).
You see, the author of Hebrews offered a description of the Mosaic tabernacle along with its furnishings and practices earlier within this chapter. For instance, he discussed the interior room divisions between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. He addressed the veil (or curtain) that separated those two inner rooms. He spoke about the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread (or showbread). He talked about the altar of incense, the ark of the covenant, and the items that resided within the ark. Finally, our author discussed the cherubim that were placed above the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat itself.
But after completing that extensive inventory, our author then followed with a rather abrupt conclusion: “…now is not the time to discuss these things in detail” (Hebrews 9:5 CJB). With this in mind, we might ask why he chose to provide us with such a comprehensive list. The answer to that question is given to us here in Hebrews 9:11 and the verse that follows.
Having established this foundation related to the tabernacle and its furnishings, our author will now contrast those items to Jesus’ ministry within a greater tabernacle. Hebrews 9:11 opens that portion of our author’s discussion in saying that “…Christ does not serve in a place like the tent that those other priests served in. He serves in a better place. Unlike that tent, this one is perfect. It was not made by anyone here on earth. It does not belong to this world” (ERV).
When God communicated His design for the Old Covenant tabernacle and its accouterments, He said to Moses, “Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you” (Exodus 25:9 NIV). The tabernacle that was constructed under that design was an earthly representation of the place where God dwells, and Jesus ministers today.
So, while the Levitical high priest ministered within a tabernacle here on earth, Hebrews 9:11 tells us that Jesus serves in a superior sanctuary. In fact, the following verse will tell us that Jesus has entered the very throne room of God. Thus, He ministers in a place that is greater than anything a mere human being might construct.