What does the Bible say about the Holy of Holies and its significance?

The concept of the Holy of Holies, or the Most Holy Place, is a profound and pivotal aspect of the biblical narrative, particularly within the book of Leviticus. This sacred space, located within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, symbolizes the very presence of God among His people and serves as a focal point for understanding God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the means of atonement.

The Holy of Holies is first described in detail in the book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with specific instructions for constructing the Tabernacle. According to Exodus 26:33-34, the Holy of Holies was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a veil: "And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. The veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place." This veil signified a boundary between the divine presence of God and the sinful nature of humanity.

The central feature of the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark was covered by the mercy seat, a golden lid with two cherubim facing each other. This mercy seat was considered the earthly throne of God, where His presence would dwell. Leviticus 16:2 states, "Tell your brother Aaron not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil before the mercy seat that is on the ark, so that he may not die. For I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat."

The significance of the Holy of Holies is multifaceted:

1. The Presence of God: The Holy of Holies was the physical manifestation of God's presence on earth. It was where God chose to dwell among His people, signifying His desire to have a relationship with them. This presence was so profound that only the High Priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as described in Leviticus 16:29-34. This annual event underscored the holiness of God and the need for purification before approaching Him.

2. The Seriousness of Sin: The restricted access to the Holy of Holies highlighted the gravity of sin and the separation it causes between humanity and God. The veil served as a constant reminder that sin cannot coexist with the holiness of God. The High Priest had to undergo extensive purification rituals before entering, symbolizing the need for atonement and cleansing from sin. Leviticus 16:11-14 details the High Priest's preparation, including the offering of a bull for his own sin offering and the sprinkling of its blood on the mercy seat.

3. Atonement and Sacrifice: The Day of Atonement was the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, emphasizing the need for reconciliation between God and His people. On this day, the High Priest would offer sacrifices to atone for the sins of the nation. Two goats were used: one was sacrificed, and its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat to make atonement for the people's sins (Leviticus 16:15-16); the other, the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:21-22). This ritual illustrated the concept of substitutionary atonement, where the innocent bore the punishment for the guilty.

4. Foreshadowing Christ: The Holy of Holies and the Day of Atonement prefigured the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ. The New Testament book of Hebrews draws a direct connection between the high priest's role and Jesus' sacrificial death. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption." The tearing of the veil in the temple at the moment of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:51) symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through Christ.

5. Theological Implications: The Holy of Holies underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it emphasizes God's transcendence and immanence—His holiness and separateness, yet His desire to be present with His people. Secondly, it highlights the concept of holiness, both of God and what He requires of His people. Leviticus 19:2 instructs, "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." Thirdly, it illustrates the necessity of atonement for sin and the provision of a mediator, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

The Holy of Holies, therefore, is not just an ancient religious artifact but a profound symbol of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the means of reconciliation provided through atonement. It points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect High Priest, entered the heavenly Holy of Holies with His own blood to secure eternal redemption for all who believe. This understanding enriches our appreciation of God's redemptive plan and the depth of His love and holiness.