Topical Encyclopedia The term "sanctuary" in the context of the Bible refers to a sacred space set apart for the worship and presence of God. In the Old Testament, the sanctuary is most prominently associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The Holy Place, as part of the sanctuary, holds significant theological and liturgical importance.Biblical Description and Structure The concept of the sanctuary originates with the Tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for the Divine presence during Israel's wilderness journey. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the design of the tabernacle as well as the design of all its furnishings." The sanctuary was divided into two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Holy Place was the first chamber, entered by the priests daily to perform sacred duties. It contained the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense (Exodus 26:33-35). The Temple in Jerusalem King Solomon constructed the First Temple in Jerusalem, which became the permanent sanctuary for the Israelites. The design of the Temple mirrored the Tabernacle's layout, with the Holy Place serving as a central area for priestly ministry. 1 Kings 6:17 describes the Holy Place: "The main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long." The Holy Place was a site of continual worship and service, where priests maintained the lampstand, replaced the showbread, and burned incense. These acts symbolized the light of God's presence, His provision, and the prayers of the people ascending to heaven. Theological Significance The Holy Place in the sanctuary represents the intermediary space between God and humanity. It signifies the holiness required to approach God and the mediating role of the priesthood. Hebrews 9:2 reflects on this: "A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread, which is called the Holy Place." The sanctuary's design and function underscore the themes of separation and access. While the Most Holy Place was accessible only once a year by the high priest on the Day of Atonement, the Holy Place allowed for regular priestly service, symbolizing ongoing intercession and worship. Christological Fulfillment In the New Testament, the sanctuary finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is seen as the true High Priest who enters the heavenly sanctuary on behalf of believers. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." The Holy Place, therefore, prefigures the work of Christ, who provides believers with direct access to God, rendering the earthly sanctuary's functions complete in His sacrificial atonement. Nave's Topical Index Lamentations 2:7,20The LORD has cast off his altar, he has abhorred his sanctuary, he has given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of her palaces; they have made a noise in the house of the LORD, as in the day of a solemn feast. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 42:20 Greek 40. hagios -- sacred, holy ... Holy (92), holy (62), Holy of Holies (1), holy one (5), holy ones (1), holy place (7), most holy (1), saint (1), saints (59), saints' (1), sanctuary (2 ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/40.htm - 8k Library July the Twentieth Defiling the Holy Place In the Holy of Holies. In the Holy of Holies What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? A Little Sanctuary July the Twenty-Fourth Love of the Sanctuary The Temple and Its Dedication Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold. In his Temple Resources Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow good things to happen to bad people? | GotQuestions.org Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Sanctuary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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