How often could the high priest enter the Most Holy Place in the Old Testament?
The high priest could enter the Most Holy Place behind the veil only once a year, specifically on the Day of Atonement. Scripture specifies he could not come at all times or every day, lest he die, because God's Shekinah glory appeared upon the mercy seat.
Les explains from Leviticus 16 that the Lord spoke to Moses after the death of Aaron's two sons. Aaron was commanded not to come at all times into the holy place within the veil, before the mercy seat upon the ark, so that he would not die. The Shekinah glory was upon the mercy seat, the very presence of God, and the high priest could only enter behind the veil once a year on the Day of Atonement. The priest had to undergo cleansing rituals, just as the Passover lamb had to be perfect without blemish.
And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
More Questions
Why was Aaron forbidden from entering the holy place at all times?
Aaron was forbidden from entering the holy place at all times, lest he die, because God would appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
Why was Aaron not allowed to enter the holy place at all times?
God commanded Moses to tell Aaron not to come into the holy place behind the veil at all times, so that he would not die.