Hebrews 9:1–10

OLD COVENANT MINISTRY

9Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. ²For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves.^{t 3}Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place.^{u 4}It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.^{v 5}The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now.^a

⁶With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry.^{b 7}But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.^{c 8}The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing.^{d 9}This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience.^{e 10}They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order.^f