most holy place

AI summary: The Most Holy Place is one of the Bible's most theologically significant sacred spaces. It stands beyond the veil as the innermost chamber of the tabernacle and temple, linked with the ark and with the symbolism of God's throne-like presence among his people. Because access to it is so restricted, the space embodies holiness, mediation, and atonement in concentrated form. Later biblical reflection, especially in Hebrews, draws deeply on this imagery. The cross references present the Most Holy Place as the most sacred interior of Israel's worship world.¹

One of the two portions into which the tabernacle was divided (Ex. 26:31; 37:17-25; Heb. 9:2). It was 20 cubits long and 10 in height and breadth. It was illuminated by the golden candlestick, as it had no opening to admit the light. It contained the table of showbread (Ex. 25:23-29) and the golden altar of incense (30:1-11). It was divided from the holy of holies by a veil of the most costly materials and the brightest colours. The arrangement of the temple (q.v.) was the same in this respect. In it the walls of hewn stone were wainscotted with cedar and overlaid with gold, and adorned with beautiful carvings. It was entered from the porch by folding doors overlaid with gold and richly embossed. Outside the holy place stood the great tank or “sea” of molten brass, supported by twelve oxen, three turned each way, capable of containing two thousand baths of water. Besides this there were ten lavers and the brazen altar of burnt sacrifice. ³