The divided sanctuary

1Even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary.

2For a first tabernacle was prepared, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence, which is called the Holy Place.

3And behind the second curtain was a tabernacle called the Most Holy Place,

4having the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which were a golden jar holding the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant,

5And above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the atoning sacrifice; about these things it is not now possible to speak in detail.

6With these things prepared in this way, the priests continually enter the first tabernacle, performing the services,

7But into the second room only the high priest enters once a year, and not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance.

8By this the Holy Spirit is indicating that the way into the holy places has not yet been revealed while the first tabernacle still has standing,

9which is a parable for the present time, according to which both gifts and sacrifices are offered that are not able to perfect the worshiper with respect to conscience,

10concerned only with foods and drinks and various washings, fleshly regulations imposed until the time of reformation.