Hekhal
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This article is about the Hekhal in the Temple. For the Hekhál in a synagogue, see Ark (synagogue).
"Holy Place" redirects here. For sacred sites in the Land of Israel, see Holy Land.
The Hekhal (variously spelled Hechal or Haichal), Hebrew ההיכל, also known as the Sanctuary or Holy, was the part of Tabernacle and Temple in Jerusalem between the outer altar, where most sacrifices were performed, and the Holy of Holies originally containing the Ark of the Covenant. The Hekhal contained a number of sacred ritual objects including the Menorah, the inner altar for incense offerings (also called the "Golden Altar"), and the Table of the Showbread.
The Hekal is repeatedly mentioned in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), for example:
- In the year that king Uzziah died. I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, and His train filled the Hekhal (sanctuary). Isaiah 6:1.
It is referred to by various names: "the holy place", 1 Kings 8:8-10, the "greater house" (2 Chronicles 3:5) and the "temple" (1 Kings 6:17).
