The words “holy place” can be used to talk about any place where God lives, such as heaven or Judah (see: Deuteronomy 26:15; Psalm 114:2). The words “holy place” can also be used to talk about the tabernacle and the temple (see: Exodus 36:1; Leviticus 6:16, 26; 1 Chronicles 22:19; 23:32). Often, the words “holy place” are used to talk about a room in the tabernacle and temple. These words can also be used to talk about the courtyard.
The tabernacle and temple had two rooms. One was called “the holy place.” The other was called “the most holy place.” The holy place was the first room (see: Exodus 25:28-40; 30:1-10; 35:13-15; 1 Kings 7:48-51). A curtain hung at the entrance of the tabernacle and temple. This separated the holy place from the outside. Another curtain separated the holy place from the most holy place (see: Exodus 26:33; 2 Chronicles 3:14).
Priests served God in the holy place every day. No one was allowed to enter the most holy place, except the high priest once a year.
See: [Holy (Holiness, Set Apart)](../articles/holy.md); [Presence of God](../articles/presenceofgod.md); [Heaven](../articles/heaven.md); [Tabernacle](../articles/tabernacle.md); [Temple](../articles/temple.md); Temple Courts; Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies);[Priest (Priesthood) ](../articles/priest.md); [High Priest](../articles/highpriest.md)