3. Behind the second curtain, the tabernacle was called the most holy place.
4. It 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.
5. The cherubim of glory were above it overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now.
6. With these things set up this way, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry.
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 of the people committed in ignorance.
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.
9. This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience.
10. They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of restoration.
11. But the Messiah has appeared, high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation ),
12. He entered the most holy place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
13. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh,