Holy of Holies

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Holman The Holy of Holies

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Tabernacle

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Magdala Stone (5)

Holy of Holies is a term in the Hebrew Bible that refers to the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle where God's presence appeared. The Holy of Holies was considered the most sacred site in Judaism, as it was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, which contained the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Access to the Holy of Holies was strictly limited to the High Priest of Israel, and only once a year on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, could the High Priest enter the sanctuary to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Biblical Description

The Holy of Holies, also known as the Most Holy Place, is described in detail in the Book of Exodus within the Hebrew Bible. According to the biblical account, the Holy of Holies was a cube, measuring 10 cubits in length, width, and height. It was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a curtain, or veil, which symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The only item within the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's throne on earth. The lid of the Ark, known as the Mercy Seat, was considered the actual point of God's presence.

Significance

The Holy of Holies holds immense significance in Jewish religious tradition. It symbolizes the direct presence of God among His people, as well as the concept of atonement and reconciliation between God and humanity. The annual entry of the High Priest into the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, carrying the blood of sacrificed animals, was a central aspect of the atonement process for the Israelites.

Temple Period

During the time of the First Temple and Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Holy of Holies continued to be the most sacred part of the temple. The First Temple, built by King Solomon, housed the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies until the temple's destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The Second Temple, which was constructed after the return of the Jews from Babylonian exile, also had a Holy of Holies, but it is believed that the Ark of the Covenant was no longer present.

Post-Temple Period

After the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, the physical Holy of Holies ceased to exist. However, the concept of the Holy of Holies continues to hold spiritual significance in Judaism. The Western Wall in Jerusalem, the last remaining part of the Second Temple, is considered the closest accessible site to the original location of the Holy of Holies, and it remains a place of prayer and pilgrimage for Jews worldwide.

In Christianity

In Christianity, the Holy of Holies is interpreted as a symbol of access to God through Jesus Christ. The New Testament describes Jesus' death as tearing the veil of the temple, symbolizing the opening of direct access to God for believers. Thus, the concept of the Holy of Holies is seen as fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus.

Conclusion

The Holy of Holies represents the heart of Jewish and Christian religious tradition, symbolizing God's presence, the importance of atonement, and the sacredness of direct communion with the divine. Despite the physical absence of the Holy of Holies today, its spiritual legacy continues to influence religious thought and practice.