From now until the end of the Masechet (tractate), we’ll talk about Bamot. Bamot, or a Bama in the singular, is a private Mizbeach (altar) that people would use at certain points in Jewish history when it was permitted. There were times when it was permitted, and eventually, once the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was built, it was pretty much outlawed. The Mishnayot (Mishnah teachings) will elaborate on the details that came with it.
Mishnah says, “Until the Mishkan was built in the desert, Bamot were permitted to be used.” A person was allowed to offer an individual Korban (offering) on a Bama that stood anywhere. There was no designated spot. The Avodah (service) of the Korban was done by the firstborn children, not by the Kohanim (priests).
Once the Mishkan was built, Bamot became forbidden, and Korbanot could only be offered in the Mishkan. The Avodah of the Korban could only be done by the Kohanim; no more Bechor (firstborn children) doing the Avodah. When the Mishkan stood, the Kodshei Kodashim (most holy offerings), like the Korban Chatat (sin offering) and the Korban Asham (guilt offering), could only be eaten within the Kela’im, within the curtains which enclosed the courtyard of the Mishkan. Kodashim Kalim (lesser holy offerings), like the Korban Todah (thanksgiving offering) and the Korban Shelamim (peace offerings), could be eaten anywhere within the camp of Israel, but not outside of it.