instructed that he is not free to enter the Most Holy Place at any time other than that which is to be pro vided in what follows in this chapter. The reason given is that the mercy seat, the cover of the ark of the covenant, is the place where God chooses to appear. Thus, it came to be regarded as the place where God dwelt. Even the high priest is forbidden casual entrance into the presence of God, just as Moses had experienced on Mount Sinai. For those of us who grew up with popular songs such as