Topical Bible: Holy of Holies was Called The: Most Holy Place

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Holy of Holies, also known as the Most Holy Place, is a term used to describe the innermost and most sacred area of the ancient Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. This sacred space was the dwelling place of the presence of God among the Israelites and held profound significance in the religious life of the nation.

Biblical Description and Significance

The Holy of Holies was located at the westernmost end of the Tabernacle, separated from the Holy Place by a veil. In the Temple built by Solomon, it was similarly situated and maintained its distinct separation from the rest of the sanctuary. The dimensions of the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle were a perfect cube, measuring ten cubits on each side (Exodus 26:33-34). In Solomon's Temple, it was twenty cubits on each side (1 Kings 6:20).

The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a golden jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark was the focal point of God's covenant with Israel, symbolizing His throne on earth. The mercy seat, the cover of the Ark, was flanked by two cherubim and was considered the earthly footstool of God (Exodus 25:17-22).

Access and Rituals

Access to the Holy of Holies was highly restricted. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). On this solemn day, the high priest would enter to make atonement for the sins of the people, carrying the blood of a sacrificial animal to sprinkle on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:2-34). This act symbolized the reconciliation between God and His people, highlighting the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

The Holy of Holies represented the unapproachable holiness of God and the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place was a constant reminder of this division. However, the tearing of the veil at the moment of Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) signified the removal of this barrier, granting believers direct access to God through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. This event marked a pivotal shift in the relationship between God and humanity, as described in Hebrews 10:19-22: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

Historical Context

The concept of the Holy of Holies is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of sacred space. The Israelites' construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple reflected a divinely ordained pattern, emphasizing God's desire to dwell among His people while maintaining His holiness. The destruction of the Temple in 70 AD marked the end of the physical Holy of Holies, but its spiritual significance endures in Christian theology as a symbol of God's presence and the believer's access to Him through Christ.

Conclusion

The Holy of Holies, or the Most Holy Place, remains a profound symbol of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the transformative power of Christ's atonement. Its legacy continues to inspire reverence and awe in the hearts of believers, reminding them of the privilege of entering into the presence of a holy God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 26:31-33
And you shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubim shall it be made:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the Holy of Holies.
... which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called "the bride ... until
he come out."(712) So when Christ entered the holy of holies to perform ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /24 in the holy of.htm

In the Holy of Holies
... City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom,
is called "the bride ... So when Christ entered the holy of holies to perform ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 24 in the holy.htm

How Pompey had the City of Jerusalem Delivered up to Him but Took ...
... How He Went Into The Holy Of Holies; As Also ... they were then under, as that their
holy place, which had ... Dora, and that which was anciently called Strato's Tower ...
/.../chapter 7 how pompey had.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... For that part which was called the Holy of Holies signified the higher world, which
is that of spiritual substances: while that part which is called the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
... much is this the case, that the place where God dwells came to be called the holy ...
till we come within the veil, to the most holy place, the holy of holies. ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/eighth day holiness and indwelling.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... that which hung between the holy of holies and the ... it: the table for the so- called
shew-bread ... eminently the people's, just as the most holy place was eminently ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... whole temple was called The Holy Place: but that part which was within the four
pillars, and to which none were admitted, was called The Holy of Holies. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Hebrews ix. 5-Jan
... For inasmuch as he called the Cross a sacrifice, though it had neither fire ... Hebrews
6:19.) And again, "entering into [3054] the Holy of Holies, to appear ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xv hebrews ix 5-jan.htm

Cannot be Proved from Scripture, that Believers under the Old ...
... vail, was separated and divided from that in which the priests daily appeared, and
which was called "The Holy of Holies," in contradistinction to that ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article x it cannot be.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... the third,"when Christ, being bred up in Nazareth, was called a "Nazarene ... high-priest
alone should enter, once a year, into the Holy of Holies, not without ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm