The inner sanctuary of the tabernacle set up at Sinai and of Solomon's temple, where the ark of the covenant was kept. It is a symbol of the unapproachable presence of God.

Exodus 26:33

Terms used to describe the Most Holy Place

1 Kings 6:16

"the Most Holy Place" (or "Holy of Holies"), in contrast to the "Holy Place" where the altar stood. This superlative suggests increasing closeness to the presence of God. The distinction is not always observed, however. In Leviticus chapter 16 "Holy Place" is used regularly (translated in NIV as "Most Holy Place" in verses 2, 16, 17, 20, 27, and as "sanctuary area" in verse 3, though it is the inner sanctuary that is referred to, as the phrase "behind the curtain" (verse 2) shows)

Hebrews 9:7

the "inner sanctuary" in contrast to the outer

literally "the second (tabernacle)" in contrast to the first or outer

The structure and design of the Most Holy Place

Exodus 26:31-33; 36:35-36; 40:21

In the wilderness tabernacle

The only details concern the curtains forming the walls of the two sanctuaries, and in particular the dividing curtain which separates the Most Holy Place from the outer sanctuary:

1 Kings 6:16,19-20

In Solomon's temple

1 Kings 6:23-28

pp 2Ch 3:8

1 Kings 6:31-32
2 Chronicles 3:14

pp 2Ch 3:10

Ezekiel 41:4,15-21,23; 45:3

In the temple in Ezekiel's vision

In Ezekiel's vision a portion of the land was sacred to the LORD and called the Most Holy Place.

Exodus 26:33

The significance and function of the Most Holy Place

See also

To house the ark of the covenant

Exodus 40:3
1 Kings 6:19; 8:6-9
1 Kings 6:22

pp 2Ch 5:7-9

Hebrews 9:3-4

To house the incense altar (in Solomon's temple)

Psalms 28:2

Ex 30:6 and 40:5 suggest that the incense altar was housed in front of the curtain, i.e., in the Holy Place, the outer sanctuary.

See also

To be a symbol of the presence of God

Exodus 26:33
Leviticus 16:2

The curtain veiling the Most Holy Place represents the unapproachable presence of the Holy God

Hebrews 9:7

The Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement

See also

Leviticus 16:16-17
Hebrews 9:8

The NT understanding of the Most Holy Place as the place of God's heavenly presence

See also

Jesus Christ enters the Most Holy Place as Mediator

Hebrews 6:19-20; 9:11-12,24
Hebrews 10:19-22

See also

Entry to the Most Holy Place is open to all believers

Matthew 27:51

See also

pp Lk 23:45

By Jesus Christ's death the dividing curtain has been torn in two.

1065 God, holiness of
2306 Christ, high priest
2525 Jesus Christ, cross of
6606 access to God
7306 ark of the covenant
7308 Atonement, Day of
7344 curtain
7459 tabernacle, in OT
7467 temple, Solomon's