The Earthly Sanctuary

9 Now [fn]even the first [fn]covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared. In the first room were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second veil was a room called the Holy of Holies. 4 It had a golden censer and the ark of the covenant, which was overlaid on all sides with gold. In the ark were the golden jar containing the manna, the rod of Aaron that had budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.

6 When these things were all in place, the priests regularly entered the first room of the tabernacle, performing their sacred duties. 7 But into the second room, the high priest alone entered only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the holy places had not yet been disclosed as long as 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 conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink, and various [fn]washings and regulations for the flesh, imposed until the time of reformation.