We will never feel the force of what the author of Hebrews is trying to convey if we do not feel the weight that those under the old covenant felt. Let's see if this chapter gives us a chance to do that.
The author describes some of the regulations under the first covenant (vv 1-8). Then verses 9-10 offer an observation: The entire system under the first covenant was just an illustration of a better covenant to come. The animal sacrifices couldn't actually clear consciences, just cover the people's sin temporarily until a perfect "lamb" could be offered.
What might be hard for us to understand though, is that in those days, animals were more than just pets—they represented people's livelihood. Animals provided milk for drinking, meat to be eaten, coats for warmth, and they labored in the field as well. In other words, they were incredibly valuable. So imagine the need to give up one of your most valuable possessions everyday in order to remain faithful to the covenant you made with God. That's what it was like to live under the old covenant.
We do no such thing, however, because Christ offered himself without blemish to God, to purify our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (vs 14). We have no need to purify ourselves by offering something to God, Christ has done that for us.
I wonder if you know any Christians who live like they're under the old covenant. Like they have to earn their salvation by offering things to God. Maybe you're like that. You don't offer sheep, but maybe you read your Bible and pray and go to church as a way to get God to forgive you for your sin. But he already took care of that! The covenant obligation has been paid; you are now free to respond in holy service to God.
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