Nigeria, Oct. 18 -- In the tabernacle Moses built, the inner court was reserved for consecrated priests (descendants of Aaron) to perform sacrifices. The Holy of Holies was off-limits. It was a no-go area. It was a sacred space within the Temple where the Ark of the Covenant was placed, protected by a heavy veil. Only the High Priest could enter there, once a year, on Yom Kippur. This restriction represented the high holiness required to approach God's presence.

If any man violated these restrictions, he died on the spot. This is what happened to Nadab and Abihu when they offered strange fire in the temple. Priests entering the inner court and the holy of holies had a rope tied around their waist. If they died as a result of ritual impur...