Lev 16:2 | TNotes | STEP | 16:2 An inner curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place . Conceptually, the sanctuary was God’s palace, the Most Holy Place was his throne room, and the Ark was his throne (see 1:1 ). In the ancient Near East, entering the presence of a king without invitation meant risking death (Esth 4:11 ). The Most Holy Place, therefore, was not a place that Aaron could enter casually. It was off-limits even to the high priest, except when his presence was required by God as part of the ritual of the Day of Atonement.

cEsth 4:11►

‏ Leviticus 16:2

16:2 ^a An inner curtain separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Conceptually, the sanctuary was God’s palace, the Most Holy Place was his throne room, and the Ark was his throne (see 1:1 ^b). In the ancient Near East, entering the presence of a king without invitation meant risking death (Esth 4:11 ^c). The Most Holy Place, therefore, was not a place that Aaron could enter casually. It was off-limits even to the high priest, except when his presence was required by God as part of the ritual of the Day of Atonement.