History of God's House

(4) Before the Mishkan was constructed, the Bamot [personal altars] were permitted, and the services were performed by the first-borns. Once the Mishkan was constructed, the Bamot were forbidden, and the services were performed by the Kohanim [the priestly caste, a subgroup of the tribe of Levi, uniquely responsible for maintaining and carrying out the sacrificial services in the Temple]. Kodshai Kodashim were eaten within the [Mishkan] curtains, and Kodashim Kalim [were eaten] anywhere in the camp of Israel.

(5) Once they [the nation] came to Gilgal, the Bamot were permitted. Kodshai Kodashim were eaten within the curtains, [and] Kodashim Kalim [were eaten] anywhere.

(6) When they came to Shiloh, Bamot were forbidden. [The Mishkan there] had no [fixed] roof, but was a structure of stone [walls] beneath, and curtains above them. It was [considered] "the Resting Place" (of Devarim 12:9). Kodshai Kodashim were eaten within the curtains, [and] Kodashim Kalim and Ma'aser Sheni [the second tithe of produce which must be taken to Jerusalem and consumed there, were eaten] anywhere within sight [of Shiloh].

(7) When they came to Nov and to Giv'on, the Bamot were permitted. Kodshai Kodashim were eaten within the curtains, [and] Kodashim Kalim were eaten in any Israelite city.

(8) When they came to Jerusalem, the Bamot were forbidden, and they were never permitted again. It was [considered] "the Inheritance" (of Devarim 12:9). Kodshai Kodashim were eaten within the curtains [which were walls in the Temple], [and] Kodashim Kalim and Ma'aser Sheni [were eaten] within the walls [of Jerusalem].