It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Read Chapter 9
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
It is, or was necessary that the patterns of heavenly things (i.e. the former tabernacle and sanctuary) should be cleansed with these; that is, by the blood of such victims then offered.
But the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices. By the heavenly things, may be understood the faithful, who are the members of Christ's Church, to whom heaven is prepared, and who must be cleansed by better sacrifices; that is, by the blood of Christ, and by his sacrifice on the cross. (Witham)
And how are they patterns of things in the heavens? And what does he mean now by the things in the heavens? Is it Heaven? Or is it the Angels? None of these, but what is ours. It follows then that our things are in Heaven, and heavenly things are ours, even though they be accomplished on earth; since although angels are on earth, yet they are called Heavenly. And the Cherubim appeared on earth, but yet are heavenly. And why do I say appeared? Nay rather they dwell on earth, as indeed in Paradise: but this is nothing; for they are heavenly. And, Our conversation is in Heaven Philippians 3:20, and yet we live here.
But these are the heavenly things, that is, the philosophy which exists among us; those who have been called thereto.
With better sacrifices than these. What is better is better than something [else] that is good. Therefore the patterns also of things in the heavens have become good; for not even the patterns were evil: else the things whereof they are patterns would also ...
