Solving
the contradiction in Hebrews 9:2-4
There
is an apparent contradiction in Hebrews 9:2-4,
(NRSV)
2. For
a tabernacle was constructed, the first one, in which were the lampstand,
the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy
Place.
3.
Behind the second curtain was a tabernacle called the Holy of Holies.
4.
In it stood the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant…
But
according to Exodus 30:1-10; 35:12-15; 40:16-28, the tabernacle was not arranged
like that. The altar of incense
stood in the Holy Place.
The Holy of Holies contained only the ark.
This problem is important because Paul, the presumed author of Hebrews
and a scholar of Scripture could never have made such a glaring error.
A
likely answer is found in comparing the Greek Text with the Aramaic Text.
The Aramaic online source page is found at http://www.aramaicpeshitta.com/
(click Murdock Bible, click Hebrews).
Hebrews
9:2-4,
2.
For in the first
tabernacle which was erected, there was the candlestick, and the table and
the bread of the presence; and this was called the Sanctuary.
3. But the inner tabernacle, which was within the second veil, was called
the Holy of Holies.
4. And there were in it the golden censer and the ark of the covenant…
Hebrews
9:7 speaks of the High Priest going in the Holy of Holies once
a year. This is indicated
in Lev. 16:12-13:
He
shall take a censer full of coals of fire from the
altar before the LORD,
and two handfuls of crushed sweet incense, and he shall bring it inside the
curtain and put the incense on the fire before the LORD,
that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat… (NRSV).
This is undoubtedly what is being referred to in Hebrews 9:2-4 and it
solves the contradiction. The incense
altar was not in the Holy of Holies, only the censer.
Evidently Aramaic versions are worth a check to find Greek Text inadequacies.
Paul
Phelps