The phrase "Praise God in His Sanctuary" is derived from Psalm 150:1, which states, "Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens" (Berean Standard Bible). This exhortation is a call to worship and glorify God within the sacred spaces dedicated to His presence, as well as in the vast expanse of His creation.

Sanctuary in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the sanctuary refers primarily to the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. These were the designated places where God's presence dwelt among His people. The Tabernacle, described in detail in the book of Exodus, was a portable dwelling place for the divine presence during Israel's wilderness journey. The Temple, built by Solomon, became the permanent sanctuary in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people (1 Kings 8:10-13).

The sanctuary was a place of holiness, set apart for worship, sacrifices, and offerings. It was where the Israelites gathered to perform rituals and ceremonies commanded by God. The sanctuary served as a focal point for the community's spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of worship and reverence for God.

Praise in the Sanctuary

Praising God in His sanctuary involves acknowledging His greatness, holiness, and sovereignty. The Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, are replete with calls to praise God in the sanctuary. Psalm 100:4 encourages believers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name" . This verse highlights the attitude of gratitude and reverence expected of worshippers as they approach God's holy dwelling.

The act of praising God in the sanctuary is not limited to verbal expressions of adoration. It encompasses a lifestyle of worship, obedience, and devotion. The sanctuary serves as a reminder of God's covenant with His people and His faithfulness throughout generations.

New Testament Understanding

In the New Testament, the concept of the sanctuary expands beyond a physical location. With the coming of Jesus Christ, the focus shifts to the spiritual reality of God's presence among His people. Jesus Himself is described as the true temple (John 2:19-21), and through His death and resurrection, believers have direct access to God.

The Apostle Paul teaches that the body of the believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), emphasizing the indwelling presence of God in the life of each Christian. Consequently, the call to "praise God in His sanctuary" extends to the personal and communal worship of believers, who are now the living sanctuaries of God's presence.

Corporate Worship and the Church

The early church gathered regularly for worship, teaching, fellowship, and prayer (Acts 2:42-47). These gatherings were opportunities for believers to praise God collectively, reflecting the communal aspect of worship seen in the Old Testament sanctuary. The church, as the body of Christ, becomes the new sanctuary where God's presence is manifested through the Holy Spirit.

In contemporary Christian practice, praising God in His sanctuary often takes place in church buildings, where believers come together to worship through song, prayer, preaching, and the sacraments. These gatherings serve as a foretaste of the heavenly worship described in Revelation, where a multitude from every nation, tribe, and language praises God before His throne (Revelation 7:9-10).

Conclusion

The call to "Praise God in His Sanctuary" is a timeless exhortation for believers to honor and glorify God in both personal and corporate worship. Whether in the sacred spaces of the Old Testament, the spiritual reality of the New Testament, or the communal gatherings of the church today, the sanctuary remains a central theme in the life of faith, inviting all to participate in the eternal praise of the Almighty.