Definition: A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important passage from Hebrews 8:2. It’s a really significant statement about God's relationship with humanity and how He chooses to connect with us. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about the original arrangement of worship in the Old Testament, and it highlights that God’s presence was not just near people, but actively involved in their lives through a special, physical place. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “A minister of the sanctuary” : This refers to a specific person – a high-ranking priest – who was responsible for leading the worship and rituals of the Jewish people in the Tabernacle. Think of them as the primary intermediary between God and the community. “and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched” : This is key! The “true tabernacle” refers to a specific, portable building that God used for His ministry – the Tabernacle . It wasn’t just any building; it was a physical space dedicated to God's presence. “and not man” : This is the crucial part. This isn’t about a simple altar or a place of worship. It means that the real connection with God happened within this specific, specially-built structure. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests that God established a unique and powerful way to connect with people – through a physical space dedicated to Him. The Tabernacle wasn't just a place for prayers; it was a living representation of God’s presence and intimacy with his people. It was designed to be the focus of worship, offering a tangible demonstration of God’s care and closeness. Why is this important? Hebrews 8:2 teaches us about the foundation of God's relationship with humanity. It shows that God’s plan wasn’t just about hearing prayers; it was about experiencing a direct, personal connection through a physical place dedicated to Him. It's a powerful reminder that God’s love and involvement are always present, even when we don’t feel it immediately. In short, it’s saying that God chose a specific, physical location – the Tabernacle – as the central point of His relationship with humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Hebrews 8? Give you some examples of how this concept applies today?