Topical Encyclopedia The Second Temple, constructed after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity, served as the central place of worship for the Jewish people from its completion in 516 BC until its destruction in AD 70. This sacred edifice, located in Jerusalem, was a focal point of Jewish religious life and observance, and it played a significant role in the history and theology of the Jewish people.Structure and Layout The Second Temple was built on the site of Solomon's Temple, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The reconstruction was initiated under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Haggai. The Temple was later extensively renovated and expanded by Herod the Great, beginning around 20 BC, which significantly enhanced its grandeur and size. The Temple complex was divided into several courts, each with increasing levels of sanctity. The outermost court was the Court of the Gentiles, accessible to all, including non-Jews. This area was intended for those who wished to learn about the God of Israel and participate in certain aspects of worship, albeit from a distance. Restrictions on Gentile Access The inner courts of the Temple were restricted to Jews only, with the Court of Women and the Court of Israel (or Court of Men) being accessible to Jewish men and women, respectively. The innermost area, the Court of the Priests, was reserved for the Levitical priests who performed the sacrifices and other sacred duties. A significant feature of the Temple's architecture was the Soreg, a low stone barrier that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts. Inscribed on this barrier were warnings in Greek and Latin, cautioning Gentiles against crossing into the inner sanctuaries. The historian Josephus and archaeological findings confirm the existence of these inscriptions, which stated that any non-Jew who ventured beyond the Soreg would be responsible for their own death. This restriction is reflected in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul is accused of bringing a Gentile, Trophimus the Ephesian, into the inner courts, an act that incited a riot (Acts 21:27-29). The accusation highlights the strict enforcement of the separation between Jews and Gentiles within the Temple precincts. Theological Significance The exclusion of Gentiles from the inner courts underscored the holiness and separateness of the Jewish people as God's chosen nation. It was a physical manifestation of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing purity and the distinctiveness of Jewish worship. However, the New Testament presents a transformative view of this separation. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul writes, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." This passage metaphorically refers to the Soreg, illustrating the reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, who abolished the barriers of the Law and created a new, unified people of God. Cultural and Historical Context The prohibition against Gentiles entering the inner courts reflects the broader cultural and religious context of Second Temple Judaism. The Jewish people, under foreign rule for much of this period, were keenly aware of their identity and the need to maintain religious purity. The Temple, as the dwelling place of God's presence, was central to this identity, and its sanctity was fiercely protected. The Second Temple period was marked by a complex interplay of religious, political, and social factors, with the Temple standing as a symbol of Jewish faith and resilience. The restrictions on Gentile access to the inner courts were part of a broader effort to preserve the sanctity of the Temple and the distinctiveness of Jewish worship amidst a diverse and often hostile world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 21:27-30And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Education of the World. The Morning of Good Friday. Against Jovinianus. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Footnotes Resources Was it God's desire for Israel to worship Him in a temple in Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning and significance of the Temple Mount? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Ezekiel's temple? | GotQuestions.org Temple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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