Definition and Description:
Enclosed courts in biblical times refer to the open spaces surrounded by walls or buildings, often found within the architectural layout of ancient Near Eastern structures, including temples, palaces, and homes. These courts served various purposes, from religious ceremonies to social gatherings and daily household activities.

Biblical References:

1. Solomon's Temple:
The most notable example of an enclosed court in the Bible is found in the description of Solomon's Temple. The temple complex included several courts, with the "inner court" being particularly significant. In 1 Kings 6:36, it is noted, "He built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and a row of trimmed cedar beams." This court was a sacred space, reserved for the priests and certain temple rituals.

2. The Tabernacle:
The Tabernacle, a precursor to the Temple, also featured an enclosed court. Exodus 27:9-19 provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle's courtyard, which was to be enclosed by curtains of fine linen. This court served as a boundary between the sacred space of the Tabernacle and the surrounding camp of the Israelites.

3. The Court of the Gentiles:
In the Second Temple period, the Temple in Jerusalem included the Court of the Gentiles, an outer court accessible to non-Jews. This court is mentioned in the context of Jesus' cleansing of the Temple, where He drove out those buying and selling, saying, "It is written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it 'a den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:13).

4. Palatial and Domestic Courts:
Enclosed courts were also a feature of royal and domestic architecture. In 2 Samuel 11:2, King David is described as walking on the roof of his palace, from where he saw Bathsheba bathing, likely in an enclosed courtyard. This incident highlights the privacy and seclusion that such courts provided.

Functions and Significance:

· Religious Functions:
Enclosed courts in the Temple and Tabernacle served as spaces for worship, sacrifices, and other religious activities. They delineated sacred areas and controlled access to the most holy places, ensuring that only those who were ritually clean could enter.

· Social and Legal Functions:
In ancient Israelite society, courts were also places for social interaction and legal proceedings. The city gates, often leading to an enclosed court, were places where elders and leaders gathered to make judicial decisions and conduct business (Ruth 4:1-11).

· Privacy and Security:
In domestic settings, enclosed courts provided privacy and security for families. They were central to the household, often used for cooking, storage, and family gatherings, shielded from the public eye.

Symbolism:
Enclosed courts symbolize separation and sanctity, representing the boundary between the holy and the common. They reflect the biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for purity and reverence in approaching Him. The courts also illustrate the communal aspect of worship and the importance of gathering spaces in fostering community and fellowship among God's people.