The tabernacle area had a tent (sometimes called the “Tent of Meeting”; (see study note on 1:1). The tent was at the west end of the courtyard. Inside the tent, an inner curtain separated the first room, the Holy Place, from the second, the Most Holy Place. The Most Holy Place contained the ark of the Covenant (or Testimony) and represented God's throne room (Exodus 26:31–33; see study note on Leviticus 1:1).
The priests would sprinkle the animal's blood in front of the curtain (Leviticus 4:6, 17). They would also apply it to the horns of the incense altar (4:7, 18). This would atone for the anointed priest or the entire congregation. This action showed the seriousness of the offenses that needed atonement (compare 4:25, 30–35).