holy

About

The inner or western division of the Jewish tabernacle, as distinguished from the outer part, called the holy place. The holy of holies was inclosed on three sides by the walls of the tabernacle, while on the fourth or eastern side a veil, ornamented with figures of cherubim, and suspended from four pillars of shittim-wood overlaid with gold, separated it from the holy place (Ex. xxvi. 31; xxxvi. 35). The holy of holies was a perfect cube in its dimensions, the length, breadth, and height being each ten cubits. In it stood the ark of the testament, or ark of the covenant, of shittim-wood over-laid with gold. Upon the ark was the capporeth or golden mercy-seat, the place of the divine presence (Ex. xxv. 22), and on the capporeth were two cherubim, also of gold, both facing toward its center. No one but the high priest entered the holy of holies, and he only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Lev. xvi.). Also called the most holy place and the oracle.