I've been trying to find a source for the claim that the high priest of Israel would enter the Holy of Holies room in the Temple alone on the Day of Atonement to sacrifice for the nation. That is surprisingly hard to pin down reliably, but the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 9, is a source. I've added my own boldface, as usual.
2 For there was a tabernacle
made; the first, wherein was the
candlestick, and the table, and
the shewbread; which is called
the sanctuary.
3 And after the second veil, the
tabernacle which is called the
Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden
censer, and the ark of the
covenant overlaid round about
with gold, wherein was the
golden pot that had manna, and
Aaron's rod that budded, and
the tables of the covenant;
5 And over it the cherubims of
glory shadowing the mercyseat;
of which we cannot now speak
particularly.
6 Now when these things were
thus ordained, the priests went
always into the first tabernacle,
accomplishing the service of
God.
7 But into the second went the
high priest alone once every
year, not without blood, which
he offered for himself, and for
the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Ghost this
signifying, that the way into the
holiest of all was not yet made
manifest, while as the first
tabernacle was yet standing:
9 Which was a figure for the
time then present, in which were
offered both gifts and sacrifices,
that could not make him that did
the service perfect, as pertaining
to the conscience;
10 Which stood only in meats
and drinks, and divers
washings, and carnal
ordinances, imposed on them
until the time of reformation.
11 But Christ being come an
high priest of good things to
come, by a greater and more
perfect tabernacle, not made
with hands, that is to say, not of
this building;
12 Neither by the blood of
goats and calves, but by his
own blood he entered in once
into the holy place, having
obtained eternal redemption for
us.
1 Then verily the
first covenant had also
ordinances of divine service, and
a worldly sanctuary.
As a general rule, a theme of the Old Testament is the Distance and Holiness of God,
while a theme of the New Testament is how Jesus Christ allows us, without any
dimunition in God's holiness, to come close to Him.
[permalink, http://php.indiana.edu/~erasmuse/w/03.11.16d.htm ]
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