Study Desk

Now even the first covenant had ^(C1)regulations for divine worship and ^(C2)the earthly sanctuary.

For ^(C1)a ^(F1)tabernacle was equipped, the ^(F2)outer sanctuary, in which were ^(C2)the lampstand, ^(C3)the table, and ^(C4)the ^(F3)sacred bread; this is called the Holy Place.

Behind ^(C1)the second veil there was a ^(F1)tabernacle which is called the ^(C2)Most Holy Place,

having a golden ^(F1)(C1)altar of incense and ^(C2)the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was ^(C3)a golden jar holding the manna, ^(C4)Aaron's staff which budded, and ^(C5)the tablets of the covenant;

and above it were the ^(C1)cherubim of glory ^(C2)overshadowing the ^(F1)atoning cover; but about these things we cannot now speak in detail.

Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests ^(C1)are continually entering the ^(F1)outer ^(F2)tabernacle, performing the divine worship,

but into ^(C1)the second, only ^(C2)the high priest enters ^(C3)once a year, ^(C4)not without taking blood which he ^(C5)offers for himself and for the ^(F1)(C6)sins of the people committed in ignorance.

^(C1)The Holy Spirit is signifying this, ^(C2)that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the ^(F1)outer tabernacle is still standing,

which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly ^(C1)both gifts and sacrifices are offered which ^(C2)cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,

since they relate only to ^(C1)food, ^(C2)drink, and various ^(C3)washings, ^(C4)regulations for the ^(F1)body imposed until ^(C5)a time of reformation.