What was the tabernacle and temple worship to Israel?
Israel’s tabernacle and later temple worship was part of their heritage and the very center of Jewish life. They were constantly meeting in the temple complex. The context contrasts this with religion, ritual, and service—a system of bondage from which believers are freed.
Les explains that Israel’s tabernacle and later temple worship was part of their heritage; it was the very center of Jewish life, and they were constantly meeting in the temple complex. He contrasts this with the believer’s liberty, warning against turning again to the beggarly and weak elements of religion, ritual, and service—attempts to appease a holy God that result in bondage. Paul’s “but now” marks the difference this side of the cross: the unbeliever has no relationship with God, but the believer is known of God as His own child.
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;