9:1 Now the first covenant, ¹  in fact, had regulations for worship and its earthly sanctuary. 9:2 For a tent was prepared, the outer one, ²  which contained ³  the lampstand, the table, and the presentation of the loaves; this ⁴  is called the holy place. 9:3 And after the second curtain there was a tent called the holy of holies. 9:4 It contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered entirely with gold. In this ark ⁵  were the golden urn containing the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 9:5 And above the ark ⁶  were the cherubim ⁷  of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Now is not the time to speak of these things in detail. 9:6 So with these things prepared like this, the priests enter continually into the outer tent ⁸  as they perform their duties. 9:7 But only the high priest enters once a year into the inner tent, ⁹  and not without blood that he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. ¹⁰  9:8 The Holy Spirit is making clear that the way into the holy place had not yet appeared as long as the old tabernacle ¹¹  was standing. 9:9 This was a symbol for the time then present, when gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper. 9:10 They served only for matters of food and drink ¹²  and various washings; they are external regulations ¹³  imposed until the new order came. ¹⁴