Not Handmade, Not of this Creation

Some thoughts on Hebrews 9

In last week’s post, we looked at a few passages from Hebrews 8 and 9, but our main focus was on chapter 8, so instead of rewriting an article on pattern theology, I want to focus on an interesting text from Hebrews 9 that I believe is a key to interpreting several important and puzzling passages throughout Hebrews.

Creation and de-creation imagery is used throughout Hebrews, and while we may be originally inclined to read these texts as referring to the literal cosmos, I wonder if this passage suggests that the cosmic language may be covenantal. Here it is:

But on the other hand Christos appearing as Senior Priest for the good things that happened through the greater and more complete tent, not handmade that is, not of this creation… Hebrews 9:11, Scot McKnight, The Second Testament.