The Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem
The Holy of Holies was the innermost chamber of the Temple of Jerusalem, believed to be the most sacred place in Judaism. It was located at the western end of the Temple, separated from the rest of the structure by a thick curtain called the parokhet or veil. Only the High Priest was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and this was done only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
The Significance of the Holy of Holies
The Holy of Holies was considered the dwelling place of God on earth, and it was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Ark contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, the staff of Aaron, and a jar of manna. It was believed to be the physical manifestation of God’s presence, and as such, it was considered the holiest object in Judaism. The Holy of Holies was a symbol of Israel’s special relationship with God, and entering it was a great privilege and responsibility.
The Role of the High Priest in the Holy of Holies
The High Priest was the only person allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, he could only do so on the Day of Atonement. He had to prepare himself through a series of rituals and purification ceremonies before he could enter. He wore special garments and carried incense, and he had to recite prayers and confess his sins before he could approach the Ark.
The Rituals of Entry into the Holy of Holies
The High Priest had to follow a precise set of rituals and procedures when entering the Holy of Holies. He had to first wash his entire body, put on special garments, and perform a series of ablutions. He then had to sacrifice a bull and a goat for himself and for the people of Israel. He would then enter the Holy of Holies, carrying incense and a censer, and place the incense on the coals on the altar. He would then sprinkle the blood of the sacrifices on the Ark of the Covenant.
The Importance of Atonement on the Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement was the most important day in the Jewish calendar, and it was the day when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people of Israel. It was believed that on this day, God would forgive the sins of the people and renew his covenant with them. The rituals of the Day of Atonement were designed to purify the people and the Temple, and to ensure that they were worthy of God’s forgiveness.
The History of the Holy of Holies
The Holy of Holies was a central feature of the Temple of Jerusalem, which was built by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE. The Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, but was rebuilt by the Jews when they returned from exile in Babylon. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, and the Holy of Holies has not been rebuilt since.
The First Known Entry into the Holy of Holies
The first known entry into the Holy of Holies was by the High Priest Shimon HaTzaddik, who was believed to have entered the chamber on the Day of Atonement during the Second Temple period. According to tradition, he saw a vision of the face of God and emerged unscathed from the chamber.
The Great Revolt and Destruction of the Second Temple
The Great Revolt against the Romans in 66-70 CE ended with the destruction of the Second Temple and the Holy of Holies. The Ark of the Covenant was lost, and the location of the Holy of Holies is now uncertain.
The Fate of the Holy of Holies after the Destruction of the Temple
After the destruction of the Second Temple, the Holy of Holies lost its significance as the dwelling place of God on earth. It became a symbol of the lost Temple and the exile of the Jewish people. Today, the location of the Holy of Holies is uncertain, and its exact nature and significance are the subject of much debate among scholars and religious leaders.
The Debate Surrounding the Entry into the Holy of Holies
The question of who entered the Holy of Holies and when is a subject of much debate among scholars and religious leaders. Some believe that the stories of High Priests entering the chamber are purely mythical, while others believe that such entries did occur. The debate continues to this day, and there is no consensus on the matter.
Conclusion: The Mysterious Person Who Entered the Holy of Holies
The identity of the person who entered the Holy of Holies is shrouded in mystery and may never be known for certain. The High Priests who entered the chamber were believed to have had a profound spiritual experience, but their stories may have been embellished over time. What is clear is that the Holy of Holies was a sacred place that symbolized the special relationship between God and the Jewish people, and its legacy continues to be felt to this day.
Further Reading: Sources on the Holy of Holies and its Importance
- The Bible (Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament)
- Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews
- Mishnah Yoma (tractate on the Day of Atonement)
- Talmud Bavli Yoma (commentary on the Mishnah)
- Encyclopedia Judaica