The “soreg” at Jerusalem’s temple was a fence that separated the Gentiles court from the rest of the complex mount temple, where the Israelites and non-Israelites were ritually unclean and forbidden from passing through, experiencing death and pain.
The Apostle Paul, referring to the conversion of the Gentiles in Ephesus, stated in his statement that he wrote when he was on the fence about this matter. In this Greek-written document, he dared to threaten anyone who was a Gentile with death. It is worth noting that the majority of the Jews in Jerusalem were extremely zealous in keeping the “purity” of the area around the temple, as evidenced by the fact that they placed stones along the soreg fence.
Therefore, remember that you were once Gentiles in the flesh . . . And that you were without Christ at that time, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel . . .
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far off are made near by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, Who has made both one, and has broken down the MIDDLE WALL OF PARTITION (located in Jerusalem’s temple, Ephesians 2:11 – 14, HBFV).
In Acts 21, the apostle narrowly escaped death during a violent disturbance instigated by fervent Jews, who believed he had brought Gentiles (Greeks) into the sacred barriers. Paul, accompanied by four Jewish individuals who had converted to Christianity, paid a visit to the temple in Jerusalem towards the conclusion of his third missionary expedition in the year 58 A.D.
The Outer Court
The gates of the massive gate, which were considered beautiful because they were made of richly ornamented Corinthian brass, were opened and closed by twenty strong men. This gate, mentioned in the Bible (Acts 10:3:2), served as the main entrance to the outer court of the women or the hall of beautiful women.
In Jerusalem, the outer courtyard was regarded as the area where Israelite women were able to worship God. Unless they were offering a sacrifice, females were not permitted to proceed past this point into the Israelite court. During the time of Jesus, there was a market permitted to occupy the outer court. Sacred currency was exchanged for foreign money, sacrificial creatures were purchased, and the less fortunate were able to buy sacrificial doves in this location.
Jesus expelled the “currency exchangers” and other individuals from the temple courtyard, where he also served at the start and close of his ministry (John 2:13 – 16, Matthew 21:12).
The chamber for selecting wood for the hearth and altar was the location where the hair of a person’s head could not be cut during the period of their vow. At the end of their Nazarite vows, their hair was cut and burned, and their peace offerings were cooked. The Nazarites’ chamber was the place where these activities took place, and it was contained within the large court that housed several special chambers for women.
The store within the temple was utilized to house staples such as wine and oil. Prior to entering the inner court, individuals were required to undergo purification, and the chamber served as a place for healing those afflicted with leprosy in the presence of diseases.
The inner courtyard, referred to as the Jerusalem temple precinct, connected to the Nicanor Gate, a splendid entrance situated on the western edge of the women’s enclosure. Approximately thirteen trumpet-shaped receptacles for collecting monetary donations from the individuals were dispersed throughout the courtyard (refer to Mark 12:41, Luke 21:1).
The Inner Court
The dukan was the spot where the priests bestowed blessings upon the individuals. Separating the area of Israel from that of the priests is a series of three levels known as the dukan. This is the spot where Israelites patiently waited in respectful hush as their offerings to God were being consumed by fire. Inside the inner court of Jerusalem’s place of worship is the area of Israel.
Next, these sacrifices, which were washed, were placed on tables arranged in four rows to the south. On the northern end, animals that were flayed and hung were sacrificed on posts arranged in four rows. At the southern end of this court, where God’s sacrifices were offered and prepared, is the place referred to as the court of the priests. This area is sometimes known as the proper temple court, located between the hall of the priests and the area.
The kebesh, which were wooden planks (a bridge) leading up to the altar, was situated at the southern edge of the altar. Adjacent to the slaughterhouse, the brass altar (also known as the altar of burnt offerings) was where not only animals but also offerings made of grains and liquids were incinerated in the presence of God (Exodus 29:38 – 42, Leviticus 6:14 – 15, etc.). The slaughterhouse was a designated space equipped with rings to secure the heads of animals, allowing for their slaughter and the collection of their blood.
The Holiest Places
The region of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies constitute the primary sections of Jerusalem’s temple proper. Showbread (shewbread) was positioned on a table, a golden altar for burning incense, and a seven-branched candlestick were housed within the Holy Place. Furthermore, the northern and southern boundaries of the region featured five tables each.
The area was devoid of any inhabitants, but during the time of King Herod’s rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, it held great significance. This was the same area where Aaron’s rod budded and a flask containing manna from the Covenant was stored within the original construction of the Ark of the Covenant by King Solomon. It was also the original location of the Holy of Holies.