Holy of Holies: The Sacred Heart of the Tabernacle and Temple in Ancient Israel
The Holy of Holies (also known as the Most Holy Place) is the innermost and most sacred area of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem in ancient Israelite worship. It is where God’s divine presence was believed to dwell, and only the High Priest was permitted to enter this sacred space. Here are the key aspects of the Holy of Holies:
1. Location and Structure:
- The Holy of Holies was located within the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), separated from the rest of the space by a thick veil or curtain. In the Tabernacle, it was a small, cube-shaped room, measuring 15 feet by 15 feet (approximately 4.5 meters by 4.5 meters). The dimensions remained similar in the First Temple built by King Solomon.
2. Significance:
- The Holy of Holies was considered the dwelling place of God on Earth, representing the ultimate symbol of God’s holiness, power, and presence among His people. It was not a space for regular worship or interaction but was reserved for the most sacred and intimate communion with God.
- The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the Holy of Holies. The Ark contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff, and a jar of manna—symbols of God’s covenant with the Israelites.
3. Access and Rituals:
- The High Priest was the only person allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and only on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On this day, the High Priest would enter to offer sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the people for the forgiveness of their sins (Leviticus 16).
- Before entering, the High Priest would perform purification rituals and offer incense to create a cloud of smoke, symbolizing the barrier between God’s holiness and the priest. This was to ensure the safety of the High Priest, as the presence of God was considered overwhelming and holy.
4. The Veil:
- A thick veil or curtain separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Tabernacle or Temple. This veil symbolized the separation between the holiness of God and the people. It was torn in two at the moment of Jesus’ death, as described in the Gospel of Matthew 27:51, which many Christian theologians interpret as symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through Jesus’ sacrifice.
5. Symbolism:
- The Holy of Holies symbolized God’s ultimate holiness and the idea that God’s presence was too sacred for anyone but the High Priest to approach. It marked the separation between the divine and the human, reflecting the importance of purity, righteousness, and atonement.
- In Christian theology, the Holy of Holies is seen as a precursor to the idea that believers can now directly approach God through Jesus Christ, who is considered the High Priest in the New Testament.
Conclusion:
The Holy of Holies was not only a physical space but a deeply spiritual symbol of God’s holiness and His covenant with His people. Its design and the rituals surrounding it emphasized the sanctity and reverence due to God’s presence, and it played a central role in the worship practices of ancient Israel.
