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"Into the second part the high priest went alone once a year..."

Text: Hebrews 9:7a

IN THE “HOLIEST OF ALL”

The author of Hebrews went on to discuss the ministry of the Aaronic high priest.

“But into the second part the high priest went alone
once a year, not without blood, which he offered for
himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance.”
Hebrews 9:7

1. Into the second part

This phrase was used to make a careful distinction between the first and the second parts, between the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies.

2. The high priest went alone once a year

The following things are to be noted:-

a) The high priest went alone.

i) The Holy of Holies could not be entered into by anyone else.

ii) Only the high priest could enter into the Holiest of All.

b) Once a year

i) Restriction on frequency was also placed on the high priest.

ii) The holiness of God was thus powerfully taught by these restrictive rules.

3. Not without blood

a) This is a reference to animal sacrifice.

b) Blood represented life.

c) It also represented atonement.

4. Two sacrifices had to be made

a) For the sins of the high priest.

b) For the sins of the people.

5. Sins of ignorance

These sins are dealt with in Leviticus 5. They are linked with “unintentional sins” (Cf. Leviticus 5:15).