The Earthly Tabernacle

(Exodus 40:1–33, Acts 7:44–47)

vvv Now even[fn] the first [ covenant ][fn] had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was prepared. In [its] first [room] [were] the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread.[fn] This was called [the] Holy [Place]. 3 Behind the second curtain [was] a room called [the] Most Holy Place 4 containing [the] golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside [the ark] [were the] gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above [the ark] [were the] cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat.[fn] vvv [But] we cannot discuss vvv [these things] in detail now.

6 

[When] everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform [their] sacred duties. 7 But only the high priest [entered] the second [room], [and then] only once a year, [and] never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the vvv vvv sins the people had committed in ignorance.

8 

By this [arrangement] the Holy Spirit was showing [that] the way into the [Most] Holy Place[fn] {had} not yet been disclosed {as long as} the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 [It is] an illustration for the present time, because [the] gifts and sacrifices being offered vvv were unable to cleanse [the] conscience of the worshiper. 10 [ They consist ] only in food and drink and special washings and[fn] external regulations imposed until [the] time of reform.

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