Lesson
4
The
Holy of Holies
VII. The Holy of
Holies
Behind the vail at the
west end of the Holy Place was the Holy of Holies, which was the dwelling place
of God. In the Holy of Holies was the ark of the covenant, which contained
Aaron's rod that budded, the tables of stone (Ten Commandments) and a golden
pot of manna.
The budding rod was a type of Christ in that it showed
the miracle of life. Live buds and almonds sprang forth from Aaron's dead rod
(Numbers 17:8). The golden pot of manna was a reminder of God's ability to
provide miraculously for the needs of His children during their journey through
the wilderness. The law written upon tables of stone gave God's direction to
the nation of Israel. Resting on the top of the Ark was the Mercy Seat made of
pure gold. The Mercy Seat was stained with the blood of an innocent sacrifice.
This represented the redemptive work of Christ's death ". . .by His mercy
He saved us. . ." (Titus 3:5). The Mercy was God's throne to His people.
The tabernacle was located in the center of all the tribes of Israel. God, the
church, and His will must be in the center. When Israel was traveling, the ark
was to be carried before the people, just as we are to follow the Lord in our
walk with Him. At the death of Jesus, the vail of the temple was rent in twain
from top to bottom, making it possible for all to approach the throne of God.
The rent vail represented two things. It brought man into the presence of God
and revealed God's glory to man.