In verses 1-5 the Hebrew writer described the earthly tabernacle and its furnishings. In verses 6-10, he describes the actions of the priests as they ministered in that holy place under the law of Moses.
The sanctuary, the holy place, was a location of daily worship. The lamp was trimmed, incense was burned, and the shewbread was renewed each Sabbath day.
The holiest of all, behind the veil where the ark of the covenant resided could only be entered by the High Priest. He entered this sacred place once a year to offer blood sacrifices for himself and the people on the Day of Atonement.
This prohibition against entering was symbolic regarding our access to God. It is only under the New Covenant that the Holiest of All can be entered by God’s people. This is the victory of Jesus Christ. Through Him we can come “boldly to the throne of grace” (4:16).
The sacrifices and ministrations of the old covenant, which can not bring perfection, are no longer valid. The time of reformation has come!
