Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7300 Institutions and culture of OT » 7438 sanctuary A place or structure set aside for the worship of God. In Scripture the word generally refers to the tabernacle or the Jerusalem temple. By extension the word signifies a location or spiritual state providing refuge from hostile forces, human, spiritual or natural. The tabernacle Exodus 25:8-9 See also Exodus 36:1; Hebrews 8:2,5 Worship in the tabernacle was divinely ordained in great detail Exodus 30:7-10; Leviticus 7:37-38; Leviticus 23:44; Exodus 39:1; Numbers 3:30-31; Hebrews 9:1 The people gave generously for the tabernacle Approach to God's sanctuary was strictly regulated Leviticus 12:4 See also Leviticus 21:21-23; Numbers 3:10,38; Numbers 8:19; Numbers 18:5; Numbers 19:20; 2 Chronicles 26:18 A reverent attitude was commanded Leviticus 19:30 pp Leviticus 26:2 The Jerusalem temple David made extensive preparations for Solomon to build the temple 1 Chronicles 22:17-19 See also 1 Chronicles 28:2-3,6 The inner sanctuary of the temple corresponded to the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle 1 Kings 6:19 See also 1 Kings 8:6 pp 2 Chronicles 5:7; 1 Chronicles 6:49; Hebrews 9:1-4 Some places were considered sacred because of God's presence and activity Exodus 15:17 See also Genesis 28:16-17; Exodus 3:1-5; Psalm 15:1; Psalm 63:2; Psalm 73:16-17; Jeremiah 17:12 Conduct that displeases God will lead to a nation's sanctuaries being destroyed Disobedience to God Leviticus 26:31 See also 2 Chronicles 30:8; Ezekiel 7:24; Lamentations 2:7; Amos 7:9; Malachi 2:11 Dishonesty in dealings Idolatry See also Leviticus 20:3; Ezekiel 8:6; Ezekiel 23:38-39 Profaning the sanctuary Sanctuary from vengeance: the cities of refuge Joshua 20:2-3 See also Numbers 35:6,9-12 God himself is his people's sanctuary Psalm 31:20 See also Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 17:7-9; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 32:7; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 64:1-2; Psalm 91:4; Isaiah 25:4; Ezekiel 11:16; Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 4:7; Hebrews 6:19 Non-material “sanctuaries” of God Heaven, where God is perfectly worshipped Psalm 102:19 See also Hebrews 9:24 God's worshipping people, in whom God dwells Psalm 114:2 See also 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 2:21; 1 Peter 2:5 Jesus Christ himself as the “place” where God dwelt on earth See also
3278 Holy Spirit, indwelling |
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