Holy of Holies 1

This is an accurate reconstruction of the "Holy of Holies" in the Israelite Temple at Arad.  Note the two incense altars in the foreground and the two standing stones in the rear (the one on the right is embedded in the wall!).

The two standing stones are not inscribed, but possibly one represented the presence of Yahweh, while the other may represent his Asherah.

All of this is of course contrary to biblical injunctions and this may be one of the “High Places” mentioned in the Bible.  It seems that this sanctuary was desecrated during the religious reforms of both Hezekiah (715–686 B.C.) and Josiah (640–609 B.C.).

Compare the on-site reconstruction Click Here.

Click Here for a map and a brief description of the Arad Citadel.