Inside the Earthly Sanctuary

Hebrews briefly tours the first covenant’s sanctuary: lampstand, table, bread of the Presence, the inner holy place, golden incense-associated furnishing, ark, manna, Aaron’s rod, covenant tablets, cherubim, and mercy seat. The description draws together tabernacle texts from Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Some details raise textual and historical questions—especially the placement or association of the golden censer or altar and the items linked with the ark. The writer’s purpose is not to provide an excavation diagram. He is preparing a theological argument about restricted access and the way the sanctuary arrangement taught worshipers about approach to God.