Topics

Holy of Holies

The Holy of Holies was the innermost sanctuary of the tabernacle and temple where God's presence dwelt, separated by a veil and accessible only to the high priest once yearly. It contained the Ark of the Covenant with the mercy seat, symbolizing God's holiness and the basis for atonement.

Overview

The Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place) was the sacred innermost chamber of Israel's tabernacle and later the temple. This cube-shaped room housed the Ark of the Covenant topped with the mercy seat, flanked by golden cherubim. Only the high priest could enter once annually on the Day of Atonement, representing the unapproachable holiness of God and the separation sin creates between God and humanity.

Key Scriptures

"And you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold... And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you shall make them on the two ends of the mercy seat" (Exodus 25:17, 18, ESV). "He also made two cherubim of olive wood, ten cubits high... And he set the cherubim in the inner room" (1 Kings 6:23, 27, ESV). "And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia wood... And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy" (Exodus 26:32, 33, ESV).

Application

Reflect on how Christ's sacrifice tore the veil (Matthew 27:51), granting believers direct access to God's presence through His blood.

Scripture References 17
Full Topical Reference List 17 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Divided from the outward tabernacle by a vail