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. ^d3Behind the second curtain, the tabernacle was called the most holy place. ^e4It contained the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which there was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. ^f5The cherubim of glory were above it overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now. ^g

⁶With these things set up this way, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. ^h7But 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 of the people committed in ignorance. ⁱ⁸The 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. ^j9This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience. ^k10They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of restoration. ^l