In the biblical context, the architecture of courts is a significant aspect of ancient Israelite structures, particularly in relation to the Tabernacle, the Temple, and royal palaces. These courts served both religious and administrative functions, reflecting the societal and spiritual priorities of the time.

The Tabernacle and Its Courts

The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was the portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The structure included an outer court, which was a designated area for the congregation to gather and participate in sacrificial rituals. According to Exodus 27:9-19, the court of the Tabernacle was enclosed by linen curtains, supported by pillars, and measured 100 cubits in length and 50 cubits in width. The altar of burnt offering and the bronze basin were located within this court, emphasizing its role in the sacrificial system.

The Temple Courts

Solomon's Temple, a permanent structure built in Jerusalem, expanded upon the concept of courts. The Temple featured multiple courts, each serving distinct purposes. The outermost court, often referred to as the Court of the Gentiles, was accessible to all, including non-Israelites. This inclusivity is reflected in the prophetic vision of Isaiah 56:7, which states, "For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations."

Within the Temple complex, the Court of Women was the next area, where Israelite women could participate in worship. Beyond this was the Court of Israel, reserved for Israelite men, and the Court of Priests, where the altar of burnt offering stood, and only priests could perform their duties. The inner sanctuary, or Holy of Holies, was the most sacred space, accessible only to the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2-34).

Royal Palaces and Administrative Courts

The architecture of courts extended beyond religious structures to royal palaces, which often included administrative courts. King Solomon's palace complex, described in 1 Kings 7, included the Hall of the Throne, also known as the Hall of Judgment, where the king would preside over legal matters. This court was an essential part of the governance system, reflecting the king's role as both a political and judicial leader.

Symbolism and Function

The architecture of courts in biblical times was rich in symbolism and function. Courts served as transitional spaces between the secular and the sacred, facilitating worship, justice, and community gatherings. They were designed to reflect the holiness of God and the order of creation, with specific areas designated for different groups of people, thus maintaining the sanctity and reverence of the worship experience.

The courts also symbolized the accessibility of God to His people, providing a space where they could draw near to Him through prescribed rituals and offerings. This architectural design underscored the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing both His transcendence and immanence.

Biblical References

· Exodus 27:9-19 : "You are to construct the courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side, the courtyard shall have curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on one side..."
· Isaiah 56:7 : "I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations."
· 1 Kings 7:7 : "He made the Hall of the Throne, the Hall of Judgment, where he was to judge; it was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling."

The architecture of courts in biblical times was a profound expression of the theological and societal values of ancient Israel, serving as a bridge between the divine and the human realms.Esther 1:5
And when these days were expired, the king made a feast to all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both to great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace;
Nave's Topical Index

The Second Cleansing of the Temple
... dealers' evidence was refused in the courts of justice. ... relinquish it forever, to
be "your house" " and desolate ... of offerings, and pomp of architecture may go ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 11 15-19 the second cleansing.htm

Psalm CXXII.
... Thee." [5426] "Our feet stood in the courts of Jerusalem ... house of the Lord: because
of the house of the ... this proof of the costly Christian architecture of this ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxii.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... orchestra, concert hall, and opera-house; with her ... great nave are rows of courts,
containing in chronological order, copies of the architecture and sculpture ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... the song of Solomon is sung in your courts, and nowhere ... the inner chamber, the song
of the house of wine ... and yet all these styles of architecture somehow fused ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

First Attempts on Jerusalem.
... I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my ... are so strangely applied to an
architecture of troglodytes ... The courts and the surrounding porticos served as the ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xiii first attempts on.htm

The Westminster Assembly.
... to the offender recourse to the civil courts. ... of sepulchres,' where the Upper House
of Convocation ... The medi??val architecture formed a striking contrast to the ...
/.../ 93 the westminster assembly.htm

Enduring to the End
... he, who came not to be an admirer of architecture, but to ... Perhaps the ale-house may
tell or worse places still ... in corderoy, and I can walk in the courts of kings ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/enduring to the end.htm

The Best Friend
... and cherubim and seraphim that frequent his courts above, he ... name of Jesus"where
there is gorgeous architecture it may ... and when we do go to his house we find ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the best friend.htm

Westminster Abbey.
... chastening and yet ennobling, of such architecture, consecrated by ... as to the builder
of the newest house outside ... the Council of the Nation and the Courts of Law ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture i westminster abbey.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise ... of Christ, long sick and confined to his
house but who ... My notions of architecture are not worth much, because I look ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

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