Connect 1 Kings 6:19 with Hebrews 9:3-5 regarding the Holy of Holies. The Inner Sanctuary in Solomon’s Temple “Solomon prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there.” (1 Kings 6:19) • The “inner sanctuary” (Hebrew: dĕbîr) is literally the most secluded room, designed solely for the ark. • Only one piece of furniture is mentioned—the ark—underscoring that God’s throne was the entire focus (2 Samuel 6:2; Psalm 99:1). • Overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:20–22), the room radiated holiness and cut off all distraction. • Access was restricted to the high priest, once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 34). The Most Holy Place Described in Hebrews “Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.” (Hebrews 9:3-5) • Hebrews recalls the wilderness tabernacle yet also informs our understanding of Solomon’s stone temple. • Key elements are identical: – A second veil or curtain (1 Kings 6:21; 2 Chronicles 3:14). – The ark of the covenant, overlaid with gold. – Cherubim guarding the mercy seat (1 Kings 6:23-28). • Hebrews adds the contents of the ark, highlighting covenant faithfulness: the tablets (law), manna (provision), and Aaron’s staff (priestly authority). Parallel Themes You Can Trace • Location of God’s throne – Tabernacle: mobile throne in the desert. – Temple: permanent throne in Jerusalem. • Single entrance, single mediator – One veil, one high priest (Hebrews 9:7). • Gold-covered perfection – Symbolizes divine glory and purity (Revelation 21:18). • Overshadowing cherubim – Guardians of holiness since Eden (Genesis 3:24). • Centrality of covenant – Tablets, manna, and staff remind Israel of God’s past acts; Solomon’s placement of the ark affirms the same covenant. From Structure to Savior • The veil pointed ahead to Christ’s flesh, torn so we may enter (Hebrews 10:19-20; Matthew 27:51). • The ark, once hidden, foreshadows Christ Himself—the meeting place between holy God and sinful humanity (Romans 3:25). • The golden altar of incense signals unceasing intercession; Jesus now ever lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25; Revelation 8:3-4). Living Implications • Approach with reverence and confidence (Hebrews 4:16). • Guard personal holiness; you are now a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Celebrate God’s faithfulness—His law, provision, and priestly leadership remain secure in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). |
    |