Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Ministry Of The Old Covenant

¹ It is true that even the first Covenant had its regulations for divine worship, and its Sanctuary--though only a material one. ² For a Tabernacle was constructed, with an outer part which contained the stand for the lamps, and the table, and the consecrated bread. This is called the Sanctuary. ³ The part of the Tabernacle behind the second Curtain is called the Inner Sanctuary. ⁴ In it is the gold incense-altar, and the Ark containing the Covenant, completely covered with gold. In the Ark is a gold casket containing the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets on which the Covenant was written; ⁵ while above it, and overshadowing the Cover on which atonement was made, are the Cherubim of the Presence. But I must not now dwell on these things in detail.

⁶ Such, then, was the arrangement of the Tabernacle. Into the outer part priests are constantly going, in the discharge of their sacred duties; ⁷ but into the inner only the High Priest goes, and that but once a year, and never without taking the blood of a victim, which he offers on his own behalf, and on behalf of the errors of the People. ⁸ By this the Holy Spirit is teaching that the way into the Sanctuary was hidden, as long as the outer part of the Tabernacle still remained. ⁹ For that was only a type, to continue down to the present time; and, in keeping with it, both gifts and sacrifices are offered, though incapable of satisfying the conscience of the worshiper; ¹⁰ the whole system being concerned only with food and drink and various ablutions--external ceremonials imposed until the coming of the New Order.