Temple regulations in the Bible refer to the divinely ordained rules and guidelines governing the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Temple, as well as the conduct of priests and worshipers within its precincts. These regulations are primarily found in the Old Testament and are integral to understanding the religious life and worship practices of ancient Israel.

Construction and Design

The initial instructions for the construction of the Temple were given to King David, but it was his son Solomon who built the first Temple in Jerusalem. The design and dimensions were divinely inspired, as detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4. The Temple was to be a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a central place of worship for the Israelites. The regulations specified the use of the finest materials, such as cedar wood, gold, and precious stones, reflecting the holiness and grandeur of the structure.

Priestly Duties and Conduct

The Levitical priesthood was charged with the responsibility of performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of the Temple. Regulations concerning the priests are found in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Priests were required to be descendants of Aaron, maintain ritual purity, and adhere to specific dress codes, as outlined in Exodus 28:2-4: "Make holy garments for your brother Aaron, to give him glory and splendor. You are to instruct all the skilled craftsmen, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, to make Aaron’s garments for his consecration, so that he may serve Me as priest."

Sacrificial System

Central to Temple worship was the sacrificial system, which included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Each type of sacrifice had specific regulations regarding the type of animal, the manner of its offering, and the purpose it served. Leviticus 1-7 provides detailed instructions on these offerings, emphasizing the need for unblemished animals and the proper handling of sacrificial blood.

Festivals and Holy Days

The Temple was the focal point for the celebration of major Jewish festivals, including Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Regulations for these festivals are found in Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16, which outline the specific sacrifices and rituals to be performed. For example, during the Passover, Deuteronomy 16:5-6 instructs, "You are not to sacrifice the Passover animal in any of the towns the LORD your God is giving you. You must only offer the Passover sacrifice at the place the LORD your God will choose as a dwelling for His Name."

Purity Laws

Purity laws were essential to maintaining the holiness of the Temple. These laws, found in Leviticus 11-15, dictated what was clean and unclean, affecting both the priests and the people. Ritual purification was required for those who became unclean through contact with certain animals, diseases, or bodily discharges. Leviticus 15:31 states, "You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling My dwelling place, which is among them."

Temple Maintenance and Offerings

The upkeep of the Temple and the support of the priesthood were funded through various offerings and tithes. The people were commanded to bring their tithes, firstfruits, and other contributions to the Temple, as described in Deuteronomy 14:22-29. These offerings ensured the continuous operation of the Temple services and the welfare of the Levites, who had no inheritance of land.

Regulations for Worshipers

Worshipers were expected to approach the Temple with reverence and adherence to the law. Regulations included requirements for ritual cleanliness, appropriate offerings, and the observance of the Sabbath. The Psalms often reflect the attitude of worshipers, such as in Psalm 24:3-4: "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully."

These Temple regulations underscore the holiness of God and the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. They served to set Israel apart as a people dedicated to the service and worship of the one true God.