The Holy of Holies, also known as the Most Holy Place, is the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem, where God’s presence dwelled. Only the high priest could enter it once a year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Exodus 25:22, Leviticus 16:2-34).
Scripture
31 And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it.
32 And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver.
33 And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy.
34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place.
Holy of Holies in the Bible
The Holy of Holies represents the ultimate manifestation of God’s presence and holiness in the biblical narrative. Located within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, it was a sacred space separated by a heavy veil, symbolizing both the divine barrier between God and humanity and the sanctity of His dwelling (Exodus 26:33). The significance of this exclusivity is underscored by the rigorous protocols surrounding entry; only the high priest, representing the entire nation of Israel, was permitted access, and only once a year on Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16:2). This highlights the deep reverence and fear associated with approaching God in His holiness, recognizing humanity’s frailty and sinfulness in contrast to divine purity.
The theological implications extend beyond the physical boundaries of the Holy of Holies. It foreshadows the ultimate reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ, who, according to Hebrews 10:19-20, opened a new and living way through His sacrifice, allowing believers access to God’s presence. The tearing of the veil at Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes the removal of barriers that separate humanity from God, marking a transformative shift in the relationship between the divine and mankind. Hence, the Holy of Holies serves not only as a historical site of worship but also as a profound symbol of the longing for closeness with God and the means of reconciliation made available through Christ, inviting believers into a personal and transformative experience of His presence.
In addition to its physical significance, the Holy of Holies holds a profound spiritual symbolism throughout the Scriptures. The Ark of the Covenant, which resided in this sacred space, contained the tablets of the Law, symbolizing God’s covenant with His people. This connection emphasizes the relationship between divine law and divine presence; where God’s guidance and holiness intersect. The absence of any image or idol in the Holy of Holies further reinforces the concept of God’s transcendence, inviting contemplation on the indescribable nature of the divine, beyond human comprehension and representation. It is a space that embodies both the glory of God and the gravitas of divine commandments, signifying the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching the Almighty.
Additionally, the prophetic literature often alludes to the Holy of Holies as a foreshadowing of a future restoration in which God’s presence would not merely reside in a temple made by human hands. For example, the vision in Ezekiel captures the hope of a restored relationship, picturing a future where God’s glory would once again fill the temple, indicating a renewed closeness between God and His people. The absence of the Holy of Holies after the destruction of the Second Temple also leads to reflections on the importance of spiritual intimacy as opposed to mere physical location. This shift emphasizes the belief that true access to God and His holiness is found in the heart of the believer and through the transformative work of the Spirit, highlighting the continuous invitation to dwell in His presence and the emphasis on communal and personal worship. Ultimately, the Holy of Holies serves not only as a historic architectural feature but also as a multi-dimensional representation of God’s desire for relationship with humanity across the entirety of the biblical narrative.
The Sacred Space of Divine Encounter
The Holy of Holies represents the ultimate sacred space where God’s presence dwells. It is a place set apart from the rest of the temple, symbolizing the profound separation between the divine and the human. This exclusivity emphasizes the holiness of God and the reverence required to approach Him. The Holy of Holies serves as a reminder of the need for purification and atonement before entering into communion with the divine.
Symbol of Redemption and Access
The Holy of Holies also signifies the concept of redemption and the access believers have to God. In the context of the temple, only the high priest could enter this sacred space, and only once a year, highlighting the barriers that existed due to sin. However, the significance of the Holy of Holies evolves in the New Testament, where it symbolizes the new covenant and the open access to God through Christ. This transformation illustrates the belief that through Jesus, believers can approach God directly, breaking down the barriers that once existed.
Representation of God’s Sovereignty
Furthermore, the Holy of Holies embodies the sovereignty of God over creation. It is not merely a physical location but a representation of God’s ultimate authority and power. The presence of the Ark of the Covenant within the Holy of Holies signifies God’s covenant with His people and His active role in their lives. This aspect underscores the belief that God is not distant but intimately involved in the affairs of humanity, ruling with justice and mercy from His holy throne.
How to Create Sacred Spaces for Divine Connection
Creating sacred spaces for divine connection is a beautiful way to deepen your relationship with God and invite His presence into your daily life. Start by designating a specific area in your home or garden where you can retreat for prayer, meditation, or reflection—this could be a cozy corner with a comfortable chair, a small altar adorned with meaningful symbols, or even a peaceful spot outdoors surrounded by nature. Fill this space with items that inspire you, such as your favorite Bible verses, candles, or images that remind you of God’s love and grace. Make it a habit to spend time there regularly, free from distractions, allowing yourself to be fully present with God. As you cultivate this sacred space, you’ll find that it becomes a sanctuary for your soul, a place where you can listen for His voice, seek guidance, and experience the profound peace that comes from being in His presence. Remember, it’s not just about the physical space, but the intention behind it—approach it with an open heart, and you’ll discover a deeper connection to the divine.
Bible References to the Holy of Holies:
Leviticus 16:2-4: 2 and the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.
3 But in this way Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with a bull from the herd for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering.
4 He shall put on the holy linen coat and shall have the linen undergarment on his body, and he shall tie the linen sash around his waist, and wear the linen turban; these are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water and then put them on.
1 Kings 6:19-22: 19 The inner sanctuary he prepared in the innermost part of the house, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
20 The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high, and he overlaid it with pure gold. He also overlaid an altar of cedar.
21 So Solomon overlaid the house on the inside with pure gold.
22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished. And the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.
2 Chronicles 3:8-14: 8 The Most Holy Place was twenty cubits long, corresponding to the width of the house, and twenty cubits wide.
9 The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He also overlaid the upper chambers with gold.
10 And he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished.
11 The wings of the cherubim together extended twenty cubits: one wing of the one, of five cubits, touched the wall of the house, and its other wing, of five cubits, touched the wing of the other cherub.
12 The two doors were of olive wood, and he carved on them carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees.
13 The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. The cherubim stood on their feet, facing the main hall.
14 He made the veil of blue and purple and crimson fabrics and fine linen, and he worked cherubim on it.
Hebrews 9:1-7: Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness.
2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.
3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place,
4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.
6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties.
7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people.
Exodus 25:10-22: 10 “They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.”
11 You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and outside shall you overlay it, and you shall make on it a molding of gold around it.
12 And cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.
13 You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
14 And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them.
15 The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it.
16 And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you.
17 You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold.
18 And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat.
19 And make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends.
20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.
21 And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you.
22 There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.
Leviticus 16:11-17: 11 “Aaron shall present the bull as a sin offering for himself, and shall make atonement for himself and for his house.
12 And he shall take a censer full of coals of fire from the altar before the Lord, and two handfuls of sweet incense beaten small, and he shall bring it inside the veil
13 and put the incense on the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is over the testimony, so that he does not die.
14 And he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the front of the mercy seat on the east side, and in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.
15 “Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people and bring its blood inside the veil and do with its blood as he did with the blood of the bull, sprinkling it over the mercy seat and in front of the mercy seat.”
16 Thus he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleannesses of the people of Israel and because of their transgressions, all their sins. And so he shall do for the tent of meeting, which dwells with them in the midst of their uncleannesses.
17 There shall be no man in the tent of meeting when he enters to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out and has made atonement for himself and for his house and for all the assembly of Israel.
1 Kings 8:6-11: 6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim.
7 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles.
8 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day.
9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord,
11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 5:7-10: 7 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim.
8 And the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim made a covering above the ark and its poles.
9 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day.
10 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.
Hebrews 10:19-22: 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.