Hebrews 9:2 " For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary;" (NKJV)

The earthly tabernacle was set up by Moses in the wilderness, according to the pattern shown him on Mount Sinai. Everything about it was meant to be God's means of visible teaching of His so great salvation provided in Christ. The writer to the Hebrews, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, uses God's teaching tool in applying supremely important truth. For our learning the writer to the Hebrews focuses our attention on the tabernacle proper - that is, the sanctuary or holy place and the Holiest of all.

The furnishings are mentioned but not dwelt on. A mention is made of three things in the sanctuary, namely, "the lampstand" (Hebrews 9:2; Exodus 25:31-40 ) - it speaks of Christ the Light. "The table and the shewbread." (Hebrews 9:2; Exodus 40:22; Leviticus 24:5-6 ) - speaks of Christ our life. In the Holiest of all he mentions: "The golden censer" (Hebrews 9:2 ).

"Although the altar of incense stood in the holy place, the author describes it as belonging to the most holy place. His purpose was to show its close relationship to the inner sanctuary and the ark of the covenant ( Exodus 40:5; 1 Kings 6:22 ). On the day of atonement the high priest took incense from this altar, along with the blood of the sin offering, into the most holy place (Leviticus 16:12-14 )." NIV Study Bible Notes

It speaks of the perfect devotion and intercession of Christ. "The Holiest of all" contained "the ark of the covenant" (Hebrews 9:4; Exodus 25:10-16 ). It was the central symbol of the presence and majesty of the covenant God. In the ark were "the golden pot that had the manna" (Hebrews 9:4; Exodus 16:33-34 ). The manna speaks of Christ our true bread from heaven. "Aaron's rod that budded" (Hebrews 9:4; Numbers 17:8-10 ). As Aaron's dead rod in coming to life attested his priesthood, so by the resurrection (Acts 13:33 ) Christ is proved to have an unchangeable Priesthood. Also mentioned as inside the ark were "the tablets of the covenant" (Hebrews 9:4 ). The revelation of God's will written with His finger on the tablets of stone - speak of the writing by His Spirit, of His law in the hearts of the regenerate. The writer finally mentions the Holiest of all above the ark.

Hebrews 9:5 "and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail." (NKJV)

"Two winged figures made of pure gold, of one piece with the atonement cover, or mercy seat, and standing at either end of it. It was between them that the glory of God's presence appeared (Exodus 25:17-22; Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 7:89 ). Atonement cover, fitting exactly over the top of the ark of the covenant, it was a slab of pure gold on which the blood of the sin offering was sprinkled by the high priest on the day of atonement (Leviticus 16:14-15 )." NIV Study Notes

We see God's throne of grace - God's faithfulness and righteousness (Psalm 85:10 ).