What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple / tabernacle?

Answer

The tabernacle constructed by Moses and, subsequently, Solomon’s temple were divided into the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). To comprehend these locations, it will be beneficial if we initially grasp the concept of “holy.” Essentially, holy means “set apart” or even “different.” God is holy because He is entirely different, completely set apart from everything else. He is entirely distinct from all other entities referred to as “gods.” He is also entirely separated from sin, which is likely the aspect most commonly associated with God’s holiness. To elaborate further on this concept, consider the term bible, which is derived from the Latin word for “book.” While the term Bible has evolved into a technical (or semi-technical) expression for the Word of God, its literal meaning is “book.” Numerous books exist in the world. Hence, it is common to see the official title as “Holy Bible” on the cover or title page. In essence, there are many bibles (books), but this particular Book (Bible) is holy; meaning, it is distinct and set apart from all other books because it is the Word of God.

The Holy Place and the Most Holy Place were primarily locations that were set apart. They were entirely distinct from any other place on Earth because the presence of God was uniquely manifested there. The Israelites were prohibited from creating any images to represent God (Exodus 20:4-5). However, given that humans are physical and visual beings, God provided the Israelites with an object that would enable them to perceive His presence among them—the tabernacle (a tent functioning as a portable temple), which was subsequently replaced by a magnificent temple in Jerusalem. The Holy Place and Most Holy Place served the same purpose in both contexts.

The entire tabernacle was holy as it was designated for worship and offerings to God. Nonetheless, the tabernacle was not inherently holy; its holiness stemmed from its purpose and the presence of God within it.

Was separated into 3 areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). Priests and Levites ministered in the Outer Court as they offered sacrifices for sin and guilt, as well as other sacrifices. In the center of the Outer Court was a tent that only the priests could enter. This place was set apart—it was holy.

The tabernacle had only one entrance. Upon entering, a priest would be in the Holy Place, where there were three articles of furniture. One was the golden lampstand, which was to be kept burning continually, giving light to the Holy Place. The second article of furniture in the Holy Place was the table for the bread of presence (or the table of showbread). This bread was baked fresh every week, and only the priests were allowed to eat it as it was holy as well. Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of both of these symbols as the Light of the World: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) and the Bread of Life: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35). The final article in the Holy Place was the altar of incense. Special incense was to be burned each morning and evening as an offering to the Lord. The Holy Place was set apart (holy) because it was a special representation and reminder of the presence of God.

At the back of the Holy Place was a smaller chamber called the Holy of Holies or Most Holy Place. In this smaller room was the ark of the covenant. On top of the ark was a special area called the mercy seat. This was seen as the throne of God. While God is omnipresent, this location was seen as a special place for God to dwell in.The center of His people. This second chamber could only be accessed by the high priest once a year, on the Day of Atonement, and solely with a blood offering. The high priest would go into the Most Holy Place with incense smoke to partially obstruct his vision and sprinkle blood on the ark of the covenant to make amends for the people’s sins. Anyone who trespassed into this chamber when unauthorized would face death.

The tabernacle and the temple highlighted God’s presence among His people. God was always present and approachable. Simultaneously, the Holy Place and Most Holy Place underscored God’s sanctity and His unapproachability due to the people’s sins.

When Jesus died on the cross, three Gospels mention that the temple curtain, the divider between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place, was miraculously torn in two (see Matthew 27:51;Mark 15:38;and Luke 23:45). The torn curtain symbolized that the pathway to God was now open to everyone through Christ’s sacrifice. Animal blood was no longer necessary. Hebrews 10:19–22a explains, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”