Topical Bible: Holy of Holies: Divided from the Outward Tabernacle by a Vail

Bible > Topical > Holy of Holies

◄ Holy of Holies: Divided from the Outward Tabernacle by a Vail ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Holy of Holies, also known as the Most Holy Place, is a central and sacred part of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the Hebrew Bible. It represents the innermost and most sacred area where the presence of God was believed to dwell. The Holy of Holies was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle, known as the Holy Place, by a vail, a thick curtain that served as a physical and symbolic barrier.

Biblical Description and Significance

The instructions for the construction of the Holy of Holies are detailed in the Book of Exodus. The Lord commanded Moses to build the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for His presence among the Israelites. The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. The Ark was considered the earthly throne of God, and His presence was said to dwell above the mercy seat, the cover of the Ark.

Exodus 26:33 describes the separation of the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place: "Hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place."

The Vail

The vail was a significant element in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. It was made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully woven into it (Exodus 26:31). The vail's purpose was to shield the Holy of Holies from the view of the priests and the people, emphasizing the holiness and separateness of God. Only the high priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-34).

Theological Implications

The vail symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. It underscored the holiness of God and the need for atonement and purification before approaching Him. The high priest's annual entry into the Holy of Holies foreshadowed the ultimate atonement that would be accomplished through Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, the tearing of the vail at the moment of Jesus' death is a pivotal event. Matthew 27:51 states, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." This event signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through the atoning sacrifice of Christ.

Historical Context

The Holy of Holies was initially part of the portable Tabernacle used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Later, it became a permanent fixture in Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians and the subsequent rebuilding of the Second Temple maintained the Holy of Holies as a central feature. However, the Second Temple lacked the Ark of the Covenant, which was lost or hidden during the Babylonian conquest.

The Holy of Holies remains a profound symbol of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of atonement. It points to the ultimate reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the great High Priest who entered the heavenly Holy of Holies on behalf of all believers (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 26:31-33
And you shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubim shall it be made:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptural Types.
... The tabernacle itself was divided by a vail supported on four pillars into two parts;
the inner sanctuary, or "holy of holies," ten cubits every way ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm