Sanctuary

In biblical terms, the "sanctuary" refers to a sacred or holy place set apart for the worship of God. The concept of the sanctuary is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The Hebrew word for sanctuary, "miqdash," signifies a place of holiness and is used to describe the dwelling place of God among His people.

The Tabernacle, described in the book of Exodus, was the first sanctuary established by the Israelites. It was a portable tent of meeting that accompanied the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. God provided Moses with detailed instructions for its construction, emphasizing its sanctity and the importance of following divine specifications (Exodus 25-27). The Tabernacle housed the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's presence with His people.

Later, King Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem, which became the permanent sanctuary for the Israelites. This Temple was a magnificent structure that served as the center of Jewish worship and the location of various sacrifices and religious festivals. The Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the Babylonian exile. After the return from exile, the Second Temple was constructed, which stood until its destruction by the Romans in AD 70.

In the New Testament, the concept of the sanctuary evolves with the coming of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple is no longer the sole focus of God's presence. Instead, Jesus Himself is seen as the ultimate sanctuary, the embodiment of God's presence on earth. In John 2:19-21, Jesus refers to His body as the Temple, indicating that He is the new meeting place between God and humanity. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul teaches that believers themselves become the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), signifying that God's presence now dwells within His people.

Host

The term "host" in biblical literature can refer to several different concepts, depending on the context. One primary meaning is that of a large group or army. The Hebrew word "tsaba" is often translated as "host" and is used to describe the armies of Israel or the heavenly hosts, which are the angelic beings that serve God.

In the Old Testament, the "host of heaven" refers to the celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars, which were often wrongly worshiped by pagan nations (Deuteronomy 4:19). However, in a more spiritual sense, the host of heaven also includes the angels who serve God and carry out His will. These heavenly hosts are depicted as powerful and numerous, often accompanying God in His divine actions (1 Kings 22:19).

In the context of the sanctuary, the "host" can also refer to the people of Israel, who are considered God's chosen people and His army on earth. In Daniel 8:13, the term "host" is used in a prophetic vision to describe the people of God and their struggles against oppressive forces.

The New Testament continues the theme of the heavenly host, particularly in the account of Jesus' birth. In Luke 2:13-14, a multitude of the heavenly host appears to the shepherds, praising God and announcing the birth of the Savior. This event underscores the role of the heavenly host in proclaiming God's glory and the coming of His kingdom.

In summary, the terms "sanctuary" and "host" carry rich theological significance throughout the Bible, representing both the physical and spiritual dimensions of God's interaction with His creation. The sanctuary serves as a symbol of God's presence, while the host encompasses both the celestial beings that serve God and the people who are called to be His representatives on earth.