Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: The Holy Place

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The Holy Place in Solomon's Temple was a significant component of the First Temple, constructed under the reign of King Solomon, as described in the Hebrew Bible. This sacred space was part of the larger temple complex in Jerusalem, which served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of the Name of the LORD.

Construction and Design

The Holy Place was situated in the main structure of the temple, preceding the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies. According to 1 Kings 6:17, "The main hall in front of the inner sanctuary was forty cubits long." The Holy Place was a rectangular room, measuring approximately 40 cubits in length, 20 cubits in width, and 30 cubits in height. The interior was lined with cedar wood and overlaid with pure gold, reflecting the opulence and sanctity of the space (1 Kings 6:20-22).

Furnishings and Symbolism

The Holy Place housed several key furnishings, each with profound symbolic significance. Among these were the golden lampstands, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense.

1. Golden Lampstands: According to 1 Kings 7:49, "the lampstands of pure gold, five on the right side and five on the left, in front of the inner sanctuary." These lampstands, also known as menorahs, were crafted from pure gold and provided light within the Holy Place. They symbolized the divine light and presence of God among His people.

2. Table of Showbread: The table, overlaid with gold, held the showbread, which consisted of twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel. As described in 1 Kings 7:48, "Solomon also made all the furnishings that were in the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was the Bread of the Presence." The showbread was a continual offering before the LORD, signifying God's provision and covenant with Israel.

3. Altar of Incense: Positioned before the veil leading to the Holy of Holies, the altar of incense was used for burning fragrant incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Exodus 30:1-10 provides detailed instructions for its construction and use, emphasizing its role in the worship practices of the Israelites.

Priestly Functions

The Holy Place was accessible only to the priests, who performed daily rituals and maintained the sacred objects within. The priests were responsible for lighting the lamps, replacing the showbread every Sabbath, and burning incense on the altar. These duties underscored the mediatory role of the priesthood between God and the people of Israel.

Spiritual Significance

The Holy Place in Solomon's Temple was a vital part of the Israelites' religious life, serving as a constant reminder of God's holiness, provision, and covenantal relationship with His chosen people. It was a place of reverence and worship, where the divine presence was honored and the spiritual needs of the nation were addressed through ritual and sacrifice.

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1 Kings 8:8,10
And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are to this day.
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Library

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... of the temple, and gives his own sons to the sons of Solomon, to hew, in company
with them, the great and precious stones for the holy place, which, in the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... This was a holy place, and he hoped that there Solomon might have mercy on him.
And Solomon said: ... [Illustration: Supposed form of Solomon's temple]. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

Building a Great Temple
... it as an inner room, even as the most holy place. ... And there was cedar inside the
temple with carving in the ... Solomon prepared the inner room as a place for the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/building a great temple.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... without all beauty, save that of the holy life; this ... of the temple that is commonly
called Solomon's.1. This ... so became the common way into the temple (1 Kings 6 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... round and facing westwards to the Holy Place, they repeated ... 3959] Jesus Himself appeared
in the Temple, and taught. ... He walked and taught in Solomon's Porch,' and ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi at the feast.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... of the law, was carried into the most holy place, and set ... Then Solomon stood before
all the people and gave thanks ... God and asked him to take the temple for his ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... In bringing to the temple the sacred ark containing the ... God the precepts of the
Decalogue, Solomon had followed ... of the house, into the most holy place." Verse 7 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ...
... The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ... The holy house,
too, was got ready in peace ... or tumult somewhere outside the temple, so that ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the account of the.htm

That in These Two Portions of the Soul There are Four Different ...
... from women not being made by Solomon); the third ... art within me." In this mystical
temple there are ... very naturally represented by the sanctuary or holy place. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii that in these.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... and in the pouring out of wine, in holy baptism"in ... Hence his church is said to be
his temple Oh, Christian ... he manifests his love; the song of Solomon is sung ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm