Holy Place

AI summary: This entry names the same kind of sacred chamber as the other Holy Place record, but it remains distinct by reference set. Its importance lies in the repeated biblical attention given to the ordered space of worship, where priests serve among the lampstand, table, and incense altar. These passages help readers understand how holiness was structured in the tabernacle and temple before the New Testament's later theological reflection. The cross references present this Holy Place as a sacred service area central to priestly ministry and the symbolism of access to God.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