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"Son of Man, show the House of Israel the Temple, and let them be ashamed of their iniquities, and let them measure the pattern..." (Ezek. 43:10)
The Temple is a major element in the House of Israel (the Northern Kingdom)'s return to the Covenant of Yahweh.
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The Southern Steps--the way everyone but the priests entered the Temple precincts in Yahshua's day.
Notice that they are staggered in length so no one could rush frivolously into this holy place. But the steps also teach us about spiritual growth. It would be easy to say, "This step is nice and wide; I'm going to camp here for a while", and never get to the goal at the top. Many people find a set of doctrines that are comfortable to them, but never reach the depths of all YHWH has for them. |
Anyone who wanted to know about Yahweh could enter the outer court, called the Court of Gentiles.
That low wall visible near the far right, however, prevented anyone but Jews from going in during Second Temple times. This was understandable, after the Greeks had defiled the altar by sacrificing a pig on it during the events we commemorate at Hanukkah. But such a restriction went beyond Yahweh's will, since it unwittingly screened out those returning from the Northern Kingdom, who were still thought to be Gentiles. So this is the "wall" that Paul said Yahshua had figuratively broken down.
This model is on the grounds of the Holy Land Hotel in Jerusalem. |
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Overview of the Whole Temple Complex
The steps in the center led from the Court of Women to the Court of Priests. here, the Levitical choirs chanted Psalms during the Sabbath and Festivals. Surrounding the Court of Women are the Chamber of Wood, the Chamber of Oil, the Chamber of Nazirites, and the Lepers' Chamber. They each teach us an aspect of the preparation we need to make in our hearts before approaching Yahweh's throne.
This model is in the Hasmonean Tunnel along the Western Wall of the Temple Mount, just north of the "Wailing Wall" plaza. |
The Court of Women from the Eastern Gate
The shape of the steps to the Nicanor Gates is more accurate on this model made by Steve Salter of HaTikvah Ministries. It is based on the most up-to-date research and is the most accurate available today.
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The Court of Priests
This is the area where animals were slaughtered, "rightly divided", and offered on the altar. Notice that the altar is right in front of the doors to the Sanctuary (Heykhal) itself. This reminds us that atonement is needed before we can enter Yahweh's presence. |
The Second Temple
Key to the diagram at right:
1. Court of Women
2. Chamber of Wood
3. Lepers' Chamber
4. Oil Chamber
5. Nazirites' Chamber
6. The 15 Steps of Ascent
7. East (or Nicanor) Gates
8. Court of Israel
9. Court of Cohanim (Priests)
10. The Ramp (Kevesh)
11. The Great Altar (Mizveach)
12. The 24 Rings for Slaying
13. Eight posts for skinning
14. Eight marble tables for dividing
15. Twelve Steps
16. Porch (Ulam)
17. The Holy Place (Qodesh)
18. Golden Lampstand (Menorah)
19. Table of the Bread of the Faces/Presence
(Shulkhan haLechem haPanim)
20. Golden Incense Altar (Mizveach Zahav)
21. Double Veil (Parokhet)
22. Holy of Holies (Qodesh haQodeshim)
23. Ark of the Covenant (Aron haBrith)
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The actual size of the altar in the Tabernacle courtyard
Notice it was much smaller than the one at the Temple. In the background you can see the screen that served as the entryway to the Tabernacle court in the wilderness. It is woven from purple (argamon), blue (tehelet), scarlet-crimson (shani-tola), and white linen.
This model is at the Mennonite Information Center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. |
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