Topical Bible: Holy of Holies was Called The: Sanctuary

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Holy of Holies" refers to the innermost and most sacred area of the ancient Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. This sacred space was also known as the "Sanctuary," a term that underscores its role as a place set apart for the divine presence of God. The Holy of Holies was the most hallowed part of the worship structure, symbolizing the dwelling place of God among His people.

Biblical Description and Significance

The Holy of Holies was located within the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, and later in Solomon's Temple, as detailed in the Books of Kings and Chronicles. It was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle or Temple by a veil, signifying the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to offer sacrifices for the atonement of the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:2-34).

The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:3-4). The Ark was considered the earthly throne of God, with the mercy seat atop it symbolizing God's presence and His covenant with Israel.

Scriptural References

The construction and significance of the Holy of Holies are detailed in several passages. In Exodus 26:33-34 , God instructs Moses: "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."

In 1 Kings 6:16 , the construction of the Holy of Holies in Solomon's Temple is described: "He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place."

Theological Implications

The Holy of Holies represents the ultimate sanctity and holiness of God, emphasizing His transcendence and the need for atonement and mediation between God and humanity. The veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple was a constant reminder of the barrier sin creates between God and man.

The tearing of the veil at the moment of Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) holds profound theological significance. It symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This event marks the fulfillment of the Old Covenant and the establishment of the New Covenant, where Christ serves as the ultimate High Priest and mediator.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the context of ancient Israel, the Holy of Holies was central to the religious life and identity of the people. It was the focal point of worship and the place where God's presence was most intensely manifested. The high priest's annual entry into the Holy of Holies was a solemn and significant event, underscoring the gravity of sin and the necessity of divine forgiveness.

The Holy of Holies, as the Sanctuary, remains a powerful symbol of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the profound grace offered through Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of God's presence and the privilege of access granted to believers through faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 4:6
And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the veil of the sanctuary.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 20:2
Send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hebrews ix. 5-Jan
... And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all ... How?
This, he says, [was] the "Holy" [3030] and the "Holy of Holies." [3031] The ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xv hebrews ix 5-jan.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... of burnt-offering, the tabernacle itself consisted of two apartments called the
holy and ... 676) and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

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

What is the Sanctuary?
... of burnt offering, the tabernacle itself consisted of two apartments called the
holy ... 11:19), and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.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

Phenomena Accompanying the Death of Christ: the Earthquake the ...
... 51, it is most natural to understand the curtain before the "Holy of Holies," for
this was distinctively so called; the veil before the Sanctuary was called ka ...
/.../section 293 phenomena accompanying the.htm

Cannot be Proved from Scripture, that Believers under the Old ...
... that in which the priests daily appeared, and which was called "The Holy of Holies,"
in contradistinction to that which is called "The Sanctuary," (Hebrews 9:2 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article x it cannot be.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... "Holiness becometh thy house." This applied to the whole temple, but the inner
shrine was called "sanctum sanctorum""the Holy of Holies, for so ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

A Description of the Temple.
... In this there was nothing at all. It was inaccessible and inviolable, and
not to be seen by any; and was called the Holy of Holies. ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of 2.htm

The Ark of his Covenant
... And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; ... no
tabernacle, no temple, no holy court, no inner shrine, the holy of holies. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/the ark of his covenant.htm