How often could the high priest enter the holy of holies?
The high priest could enter the holy of holies only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, not daily or at any time he chose. Scripture specifies he must not come behind the veil at all times, lest he die, because the Shekinah glory, the very presence of God, dwelt above the mercy seat.
Les explains that the Old Testament believer could not go into the presence of God because sins were only covered, not atoned for. The high priest had to undergo the whole ritual of cleansing, just as the Passover lamb had to be perfect without blemish. He could enter behind the veil, before the mercy seat where the Shekinah glory was, only once a year on the Day of Atonement. God warned that he must not come at all times, or every day, into the holy place within, lest he die, for God would appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
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.