What Was Most Holy Place in the Bible?
The Most Holy Place in Jerusalem
The Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies, holds significant importance in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. This sacred inner room in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple of Jerusalem, was where the presence of God dwelt. Let’s delve into this topic from a biblical perspective, drawing from relevant Bible passages.
Construction and Purpose
1 Kings 6:16: Building the Temple
In 1 Kings 6:16, the construction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem is described, with the Most Holy Place as a central part of it. The verse states, “He built the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the Lord there.” This sacred space was separated from the Holy Place by a veil, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 3:14: “He made the curtain of blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it.”
The Ark of the Covenant
The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the presence of God among His people. Hebrews 9:3-4 explains, “Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant.” The Ark contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a jar of manna, representing God’s covenant, authority, and provision.
Access to the Most Holy Place
Leviticus 16:2: The Day of Atonement
The Most Holy Place was so holy that only the high priest could enter it, and that too only once a year on the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 16:2 states, “The Lord said to Moses: ‘Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.'” This act was a solemn and crucial part of the Israelites’ worship, representing the need for atonement for sin before a holy God.
Symbolism and Fulfillment
Hebrews 9:11-14: Jesus as the High Priest
The significance of the Most Holy Place goes beyond its physical representation. It points to the ultimate reality of the presence of God among His people. In the New Testament, the book of Hebrews explains how Jesus, as the High Priest, entered the true Most Holy Place, not made with hands, once and for all, offering His own blood for the forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, “But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands… He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Holiness of God
The Most Holy Place symbolizes the holiness of God and the need for atonement for sin. This sacred space, accessible only by the high priest and only once a year, highlights the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. As modern Christians, we are reminded of God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin. Isaiah 6:3 declares, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
The Need for Atonement
The annual entrance into the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement emphasized the need for atonement. This ritual foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who through His death, provided the perfect and final atonement for sins. 1 John 2:2 explains, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Connection to a Loving God
Direct Access to God
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the veil separating the Most Holy Place was torn, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Matthew 27:51 describes, “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” This act signifies that through Jesus, we now have direct access to God. Hebrews 10:19-22 encourages us, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”
God’s Presence Within Us
As believers in Christ, we are now temples of the Holy Spirit, and God’s presence dwells within us. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This indwelling presence of God signifies our continuous relationship with Him and His guiding influence in our lives.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus as the Ultimate High Priest
Jesus’ role as the ultimate High Priest surpasses the temporary and limited priesthood of the Old Testament. His once-for-all sacrifice provides eternal redemption and reconciliation with God. Hebrews 7:24-25 highlights this, “But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
The New Covenant
The Most Holy Place foreshadowed the new covenant established through Jesus’ sacrifice. Jeremiah 31:31-34 prophesied this new covenant, which was fulfilled in Christ. Hebrews 8:6 confirms, “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.”
Conclusion
The Most Holy Place in Jerusalem was a physical representation of God’s presence among His people in the Old Testament. It pointed to the ultimate reality of Jesus Christ, who through His sacrifice, opened the way for all believers to have direct access to God. For modern Christians, the Most Holy Place serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness of God, the need for atonement, and the incredible access to God made possible through Jesus. Understanding this profound truth deepens our appreciation for the redemptive work of Christ and encourages us to live in close relationship with our loving God, guided by His Holy Spirit within us.