Chapter 9 continues the conversation about the expectation of the new covenant, why it was necessary, and how Jesus is involved.
The first section focuses on the setup of the sacrificial system itself, how it worked, what instruments and furniture were involved and how they were all used. Also, the distinctions between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place) Notably, the writer mentions the contents of the ark of the covenant, a box of sorts kept within the Holy of Holies that contained items reminding the people of the agreement they have with God (manna, because God provides for them; Aaron’s staff, a reminder that God will keep order, see Numbers 17; and the Ten Commandments, a reminder that God provides them identity and a clear understanding of how to live).
The point of bringing all of this up, though, is to show a connection, or an inference: the Holy Place connects and points ultimately to the Holy of Holies like the sacrificial system connects and ultimately points to Jesus. Jesus enters the greater and more perfect “tent” (dwelling place of God – in Jesus’ case, heaven) having made the sacrifice on behalf of the people. Because it was the perfect sacrifice, it need not be continually made.
A distinction that the writer makes a couple of times is the marked differences between sacrifice for purification of the flesh (which the sacrificial system could do, remember that most of the restrictions around uncleanliness were around worship) and Jesus’ sacrifice for the purification of our conscience and spirit. Ultimately, the work of Jesus not only brings us into right standing with God but calls us away from dead works and into sacrificial service of God.
Following, he posits the transition from the old covenant to the new one as something triggered as if coming from a will, happening upon the death of the one who made it. So, upon the death of Jesus, the covenant begins, which means the old covenant must be gone, it cannot remain (and you wouldn’t want it to, of course, when you have Jesus as an option.)
Ultimately, the things used in the old covenant were foreshadowing what was to come, copies of heavenly realities that Jesus would ultimately enact. The assurance at the end of this chapter is that we can be assured that what Jesus has done is sufficient for everyone and forever. It is not necessary for Jesus to return to deal with sin anymore, it has been dealt with. No, when he returns again it will be to return for those who await him. (I don’t know how many times the Bible can say it or how detailed of an argument you may need – but sin is taken care of, completely, lovingly, forever. It’s a reality we need to live in.)