The Inner Sanctuary, often referred to as the "Most Holy Place" or "Holy of Holies," is a significant element in the biblical description of the tabernacle and the temple, serving as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence among His people. This sacred space is central to the worship and religious life of ancient Israel, symbolizing the holiness and majesty of God.

Biblical Description and Significance

The concept of the Inner Sanctuary is first introduced in the construction of the Tabernacle during the wilderness period under Moses' leadership. According to Exodus 26:33-34, the Inner Sanctuary was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a veil: "Hang the veil from the clasps, and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place."

The Inner Sanctuary housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark was topped with the mercy seat, where the presence of God was believed to dwell, and from where He would communicate with Moses (Exodus 25:22).

In Solomon's Temple, the Inner Sanctuary was a cube measuring twenty cubits on each side (1 Kings 6:20). It was overlaid with pure gold, emphasizing its sanctity and the glory of God. The entrance to the Inner Sanctuary was guarded by two large cherubim, also overlaid with gold, whose wings spanned the entire width of the room (1 Kings 6:23-28).

Access and Rituals

Access to the Inner Sanctuary was highly restricted. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Leviticus 16 details the elaborate rituals and sacrifices required for the high priest to enter the Most Holy Place, emphasizing the need for purification and atonement for the sins of the people. The high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial animal on the mercy seat to atone for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:14-15).

The veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was a constant reminder of the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. This separation was symbolically overcome through the sacrificial system, which pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Theological Implications

The Inner Sanctuary holds profound theological significance. It represents the holiness of God and the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The restricted access underscores the need for mediation and atonement, which is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. At the moment of Christ's death, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity and granting believers direct access to God through Christ.

The Inner Sanctuary thus serves as a powerful symbol of God's desire to dwell among His people and the means by which He provides for reconciliation and communion with Him. It foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people in the person of Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers.