The term "The Most Holy Things" refers to items, offerings, and places that are set apart for the highest level of sanctity in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as prescribed in the Old Testament. These elements are distinguished by their exclusive dedication to God and their role in the sacrificial and ceremonial system established under the Mosaic Law.

Biblical References and Context

The concept of "The Most Holy Things" is primarily found in the Pentateuch, where God provides detailed instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, the consecration of the priests, and the offerings to be made by the Israelites. These instructions emphasize the holiness required in approaching God and the need for purity and reverence in handling sacred items.

The Tabernacle and Its Furnishings

Central to the idea of "The Most Holy Things" is the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Within the Tabernacle, the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Ark was considered the most sacred object, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to offer blood for his own sins and the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-34).

Sacrificial Offerings

The offerings designated as "most holy" include the sin offering, the guilt offering, and portions of the grain offering. These sacrifices were to be consumed by the priests in a holy place, emphasizing their sanctity and the need for the priests to maintain ritual purity. Leviticus 6:25-29 states, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is the law of the sin offering: The sin offering is most holy and must be slaughtered before the LORD in the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered. The priest who offers it shall eat it; it must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting.'"

Priestly Duties and Sanctification

The priests, particularly the high priest, were entrusted with the care and handling of the Most Holy Things. Their duties included offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred fire on the altar, and ensuring the purity of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The consecration of the priests, as described in Exodus 29 and Leviticus 8, involved elaborate rituals to sanctify them for their service, underscoring the gravity of their role in mediating between God and the people.

The Temple and Its Continuation of Holiness

With the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem under King Solomon, the concept of "The Most Holy Things" continued. The Temple's inner sanctuary mirrored the Tabernacle's Most Holy Place, and the Ark of the Covenant was placed there (1 Kings 8:6). The Temple became the central place of worship, and the regulations concerning holiness and purity persisted, as seen in the detailed descriptions of Temple worship in the books of Kings and Chronicles.

Theological Significance

The Most Holy Things underscore the holiness of God and the separation between the divine and the profane. They illustrate the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin, as well as the provision of a means for reconciliation with God through the sacrificial system. The reverence and care required in handling these sacred items reflect the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the call for His people to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2).

In the New Testament, the ultimate fulfillment of the Most Holy Things is found in Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect high priest and sacrifice, entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption for believers (Hebrews 9:11-12). This shift from the earthly to the heavenly highlights the continuity and culmination of the holiness theme throughout Scripture.