“Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now” (Hebrews 9:1-5)

Have you ever walked past a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only"? There is a certain mystery to it. You know something important is happening behind that door, but you also know one clear truth: you don’t belong there. To enter would be to break a rule, to cross a line, or perhaps even to face danger.

For centuries, the people of Israel lived with a spiritual "Authorized Personnel Only" sign hanging over their relationship with God.

In the book of Hebrews, the writer takes us on a tour of the ancient tabernacle—the sacred tent where God’s presence dwelt among His people. But as he describes the furniture and the layout, he leads us to a stunning realization. The barriers that once kept us out have been removed. The guards have stood down.

The Room of Silence and Awe

To understand the beauty of what we have now, we must first appreciate the strict regulations of the past. The first covenant had a very specific layout for worship. It wasn't random; it was designed according to a pattern shown to Moses on the mountain.

“Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary... Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place.” (Hebrews 9:1, 3)

Imagine standing in that ancient desert tabernacle. The first room, the Holy Place, was filled with activity—priests tending to the lampstand, arranging the consecrated bread, and burning incense. But behind a thick, heavy curtain lay a second room: the Most Holy Place.

This room was different. It was quiet. It was terrifyingly holy.

Inside this small chamber sat the Ark of the Covenant. Inside the Ark were three items that told the history of a people:

• The Gold Jar of Manna: A reminder of how God fed them in the desert, but also a reminder of their grumbling.

• Aaron’s Staff: The stick that budded miraculously, reminding them of the time they rebelled against God's chosen leadership (Numbers 17).

• The Stone Tablets: The Ten Commandments, the very standard of law that the people had repeatedly broken.

These items were symbols of human failure and God's supernatural care. But they were hidden away, covered by the "Atonement Cover" (or Mercy Seat).

The Cherubim of Glory

Hovering above this Atonement Cover were the Cherubim of Glory.

“Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover.” (Hebrews 9:5)

These weren't the cute, chubby angels we see in Renaissance paintings. In Scripture, cherubim are powerful, majestic creatures often associated with guarding the holiness of God. Remember, it was cherubim who were placed at the entrance of the Garden of Eden with a flaming sword to guard the way to the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve were expelled.

In the tabernacle, these golden figures overshadowed the mercy seat, symbolizing a boundary. They were the silent sentries declaring that the way to God’s direct presence was not open to just anyone.

In fact, only one person—the High Priest—could pass that curtain. And he could only do it once a year, on the Day of Atonement, trembling and carrying blood to offer for his sins and the sins of the people. It was a system of distance. It was a relationship defined by barriers.

Why We Don't Discuss the Details

But then, the writer of Hebrews does something strange. After listing these fascinating items—the manna, the staff, the cherubim—he abruptly stops.

“But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.” (Hebrews 9:5)

Why stop there? Why not elaborate on the gold, the carvings, and the majesty?

Here is a beautiful insight: perhaps he doesn't discuss them because, in light of Jesus, they are no longer relevant. The focus has shifted. The writer is suggesting that the "guards" preventing access to God are no longer at their post.

This connects perfectly to what he said just a few verses prior: “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete” (Hebrews 8:13).

When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom. The restricted area was thrown open. Jesus entered the true, heavenly tabernacle—not with the blood of goats or calves, but with His own blood. He didn't just cover our sins for a year; He removed them forever.

Because the perfect sacrifice has been made, the "warrior angels" protecting the holiness of God no longer need to bar the way. The holiness of God is no longer a threat to us because we have been washed clean by Christ.

From Fear to Confidence

This shift changes everything about how we pray and how we live.

Under the old system, the average person stood outside, hoping the priest did everything right so they would be accepted. Today, you don't need to stand outside.

Jesus has opened a "new and living way" for us (Hebrews 10:20). The cherubim have stepped aside. The curtain is gone. The "Authorized Personnel Only" sign has been taken down and replaced with an invitation:

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

We don't have to approach God with the hesitation of the ancient Israelites. We don't have to worry if we are "good enough" to enter, because our access isn't based on our performance—it is guaranteed by our High Priest, Jesus.

So, take a moment to reflect today. Are you still standing at a distance, afraid that God is guarding Himself against you? Or are you ready to walk through the open door? The barriers are gone. The Father is waiting. You are welcome in the Holy Place.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Do you ever feel like you’re still on the wrong side of the door to God’s presence, or are you embracing the access Jesus gives?

2. When you pray, do you come with hesitation, or with the freedom that Jesus has opened the way for you?

3. Are there past failures you still carry to God, even though Jesus has already removed them?