Hebrews 9:10 – They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse continues the discussion about the limitations of the old covenant system. The “they” refers to the rules and practices described earlier—sacrifices, rituals, and tabernacle regulations. These included things like dietary laws, drink offerings, and ceremonial washings meant to make someone outwardly clean.

But the key point here is that all of these were only external. They dealt with the outside, not the inside. These rules were temporary. They were in place “until the time of the new order,” which refers to the time when Jesus would come, bringing the new covenant that cleanses the heart and changes the life from the inside out.

Historical Context

The old covenant, given through Moses, came with many detailed laws. There were clean and unclean foods—see Leviticus 11. There were drink offerings—see –Numbers 15:5-10. And there were washings for hands, clothes, and bodies for different reasons—see –Leviticus 14:8-9, Numbers 19:19.

These were all part of Israel’s religious life. But none of them could actually remove sin. They taught the people about God’s holiness and their need for cleansing, but they were never meant to be permanent. They pointed forward to something greater.

That greater reality is what the book of Hebrews is emphasizing: the old was good for its time, but now the new has come in Jesus.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches that external rituals can’t change the heart. They have value only when they point to a deeper spiritual reality. The old covenant rules were temporary signs that prepared the way for Jesus.

The “new order” is the new covenant, when Christ fulfills what the old system symbolized. Under the new covenant, cleansing is no longer about washing the outside but being made clean within—see Hebrews 10:22. This is what true salvation looks like.

It also reminds us that God’s plan was always unfolding. The old covenant had a purpose, but it wasn’t the final chapter. Jesus is.

Literary Analysis

This verse uses contrast to drive its point home. The words “only” and “external” highlight the limits of the old system. The phrase “until the time of the new order” points forward with hope. It suggests a change was always coming.

The structure of the sentence flows from what the old covenant involved to what it could not do. It ends by placing a clear boundary on the old system’s effectiveness. It was never meant to last forever—it was temporary by design.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Leviticus 11 – Food laws for clean and unclean animals

• Numbers 19:19 – Ceremonial washings for purification

• Isaiah 1:13-17 – God rejects empty rituals without obedience

• Colossians 2:16-17 – These are a shadow of the things to come

• Hebrews 10:1 – The law is only a shadow, not the real thing

• Hebrews 10:22 – Let us draw near with a clean heart

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For believers today, this verse warns us not to rely on outward religion. Going to church, reading the Bible, taking communion, or being baptized are all important, but they can’t save you by themselves. What matters is a changed heart, a clear conscience, and a life surrendered to Jesus.

It also encourages us to be thankful. We don’t have to live under a system of constant rituals. We live under grace, with full access to God through Christ. That’s the “new order”—the better way God has made for us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God didn’t create a complicated religious system to burden His people. He gave it to prepare them for something better. He used physical signs to teach spiritual truths. And when the time was right, He sent His Son to fulfill what those signs pointed to—see –Galatians 4:4-5.

His love is seen in how He moved His people from symbols to substance, from ritual to relationship, from shadows to light.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the new order. He’s the one who brings the new covenant—see Hebrews 8:6. His blood brings real cleansing, not just symbolic purity—see Hebrews 9:14. Through Him, we are washed clean in the deepest way, not just our hands or clothes, but our hearts and consciences.

He didn’t just come to start a new religion—He came to finish the work of salvation. Everything the old covenant pointed to finds its completion in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• Why were the old covenant rituals limited in what they could accomplish?

• How do you see the difference between external religion and true heart transformation?

• What does it mean for Jesus to bring the “new order”?

• In what ways are you tempted to rely on outward actions rather than inward faith?

• How can you grow in living from the inside out—letting Christ change your heart first?