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The Temple is a major element in the House of Israel (the Northern Kingdom)'s return to the Covenant of Yahweh.
The temple was actually never commanded by YHWH as such. The tabernacle that it replaced, however, was.
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
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.
The Triple Gates
By Yahshua's day most pilgrims entered the Temple here. After a ritual washing outside, they had to go through a long tunnel, across a wide courtyard, and only then reached the real starting point! We can re-enter Yahweh's presence, but only by repentance, Yahshua's blood, and the Torah, which teaches us how to again be innocent as Adam was before he fell. And only then can we BEGIN to choose to be righteous!
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.
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 retaining wall of Herod's Temple complex,
often known as the "Western Wall" or "Wailing Wall" today.
Its position in relation to the ancient Temple.
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
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.
"You are a Kingdom of Priests, a Holy Nation." A re-enactment of the Beth HaShoevah ("House of the Water-Pouring" ceremony which was a part of the regular Temple services on the final day of Sukkoth. This is when Yahshua stood up in the Temple and said,
"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink!" (John 7)
The rectangular footing A simplified replication of the High Priest's garments.
Y'shua said not one stone of the Temple would be left on top of another--an allusion to the Torah command that a "leprous" house had to be dismantled. (Lev. 14:43-45) But the fact that stones that were actually part of the Temple--like the one shown here--are now being identified is symbolic of the fact that the day for it to be rebuilt is fast approaching.
The Table of the Bread of the Faces ("Showbread") A wax model of the solid-gold Menorah to be used in the Holy Place. Psalm 122:1-6
Key to the Map of the Temple Complex:
A three-dimensional view
(Ex. 19:6)
After this ceremony, four great lights were kindled in the Court of Women, called "the Light of the World". Yahshua referred to himself by this title.
Afterward, the sages first, then the whole nation of Israel danced in celebration well into the night.
that Solomon cut
for the Ark of the Covenant
in the Holy of Holies,
under the Dome of the Rock today.
which has been built for the next Temple. >>>
The Temple Institute will make a cast from it when there is enough gold."I was glad when they said to me,
'Let us go into the House of Yahweh!'
Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem!
Jerusalem is built as a city compacted together [where earth and heaven meet],
to which the tribes go up, the tribes of Yahweh,
unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the Name of Yahweh.
For there are set thrones of judgment
--thrones of the House of David.
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem! They who love thee will prosper."