1Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary.2For a tent was prepared, the first one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy Place.3Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Most Holy Place.4It contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, and in the ark were a golden jar holding the manna, Aaron's rod that had budded, and the tablets of the covenant.5Above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.6With these arrangements completed, the priests continually enter the first tent to perform their ministry.7But into the second tent only the high priest enters, and he does so only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people.8The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed while the first tent was still standing.9This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.10They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.