1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a ^utent¹ was prepared, the first section, in which were the ^vlampstand and the ^wtable and the ^xbread of the Presence.² It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section³ called the ^yMost Holy Place, 4 having the ^zgolden altar of incense and the ^aark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the ^bmanna, and ^cAaron’s staff that ^dbudded, and the ^etablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the ^fcherubim of glory overshadowing the ^gmercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

6 These preparations having thus been made, ^hthe priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but ⁱonce a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers ^jfor himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the ^kway into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 9 (which is symbolic for the present age).⁴ According to this arrangement, ^lgifts and sacrifices are offered ^mthat cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.