“Journey Through the Kingdom to God’s Throne” – Part 3: The Temple Mount and Courts: Ascending to God’s Presence Through Judgement and Revelation

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“Journey Through the Kingdom to God’s Throne” – Part 3

The Temple Mount and Courts: Ascending to God’s Presence
Through Judgement and Revelation

[Study Aired Nov 19, 2024]

Introduction

In our previous studies, we traced the spiritual journey of drawing near to God’s presence, beginning at the gates of Jerusalem: “Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:2). These gates revealed Christ as the only true entrance: “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9). This journey emphasized the narrow way leading to life: “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14).

Through these gates, we explored a progression of transformation, each step revealing Christ’s work within us: “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). This ascent follows the psalmist’s declaration: “They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God” (Psalm 84:7).

In this study, we advance from the city gates to the Temple Mount and its courts, uncovering deeper spiritual truths. These physical structures represent the stages of spiritual ascent: from foundational purification to higher revelation. Each step draws us closer to God, transforming us “into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

The Temple Mount: Foundation of Ascent

The Temple Mount, located in Jerusalem, holds profound spiritual significance both in its historical context and in its symbolism for our spiritual journey. It is first mentioned in Scripture as the site where Abraham’s faith was tested when God asked him to offer his son Isaac: “And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of” (Genesis 22:2). This ultimate act of obedience foreshadowed Christ’s sacrifice and established Mount Moriah as a place of revelation and communion with God.

A Place of Elevation

When Solomon built the temple, he chose this same mount for its construction: “Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father” (2 Chronicles 3:1). Its elevation above the city reflects the principle of drawing closer to God through spiritual ascent. As Isaiah declared: “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain” (Isaiah 40:9). This elevation also calls believers to rise above the distractions and impurities of the world, as Paul exhorts: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

The physical height of the Temple Mount symbolizes the spiritual truth that approaching God requires a higher perspective. It asks us to leave behind worldly concerns and ascend toward His presence, as reflected in the psalmist’s question: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?” (Psalm 24:3). The answer reveals that only those with clean hands and pure hearts — qualities that only Christ can produce in us — are prepared for such communion: “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:4).

Separation and Sanctification

The elevation of the Temple Mount not only reflects physical separation from the rest of the city but also teaches the spiritual principle of sanctification. God calls His people to be distinct: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing” (2 Corinthians 6:17). This separation is not isolation, but a life set apart for God’s purposes. Jesus exemplified this in His prayer for His disciples: “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15).

As believers, we are called to live lives of holiness that reflect our position as a “city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14). The Mount’s elevation teaches that those who seek higher revelation must walk in greater obedience and purity, for “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

Christ as the Foundation

The massive foundation stones of the Temple Mount serve as a powerful symbol of Christ, the cornerstone of our faith: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). These stones were carefully hewn and prepared before being placed, reflecting God’s work in shaping His people through judgment and refinement. Solomon’s command regarding these stones echoes this preparation: “And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house” (1 Kings 5:17).

This preparation mirrors God’s work in believers, as Paul describes: “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). Each stone represents a life shaped by God’s hand, fitting perfectly into His spiritual house. The Mount’s foundation stones also speak to the enduring strength and stability that Christ provides, for “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Unity and Equality in Christ

The level platform created by the Temple Mount’s massive foundation stones symbolizes the unity and equality believers have in Christ. Regardless of background, all are brought to the same spiritual level through His work: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). This leveling process humbles the proud and exalts the lowly: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10).

Orientation Toward Revelation

The Temple Mount’s careful orientation, with the temple facing east, carries profound spiritual significance. Eastward orientation often symbolizes anticipation of God’s glory and the dawning of new revelation. Ezekiel foresaw this when he described God’s glory approaching from the east: “And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east” (Ezekiel 43:2). This vision connects with the promise of Christ’s return and the increasing clarity of revelation for those who seek Him: “When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

The eastward focus also ties to Christ as the rising Sun of Righteousness: “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings” (Malachi 4:2). As we ascend spiritually, we are called to orient our lives toward His light, seeking His guidance and revelation: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

The Great Court: Initial Cleansing and Revelation

The Great Court, also called the Outer Court, represents the initial stage of drawing near to God. It was the largest area of the temple complex, designed to accommodate multitudes, symbolizing the inclusive nature of God’s call to salvation: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Yet, while God desires all to approach Him, entering the deeper courts requires a process of cleansing and spiritual refinement.

A Place of Sacrifice: The Brazen Altar

At the heart of the Great Court stood the brazen altar, constructed of brass, a material that represents judgment. This was the site of animal sacrifices, where offerings were consumed by fire as a foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice: “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). The altar teaches that our first approach to God is not based on our works but on the beginning work of Christ: “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).

The perpetual fire on the altar symbolizes the ongoing work of God’s judgment and refinement in our lives: “The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out” (Leviticus 6:13). This continual fire reflects the process of sanctification, where believers are purified through trials that reveal and remove impurities: “That the trial of your faith… might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). These trials teach us reliance on God, who purifies us as gold is refined in fire: “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. And he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver. And they shall offer to LORD offerings in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:3).

Cleansing Through the Brazen Laver

Beyond the altar stood the brazen laver, a large basin made of brass and filled with water. Priests were required to wash at the laver before ministering: “When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not” (Exodus 30:20). This washing represents the cleansing power of God’s Word, which purifies our hearts and minds: “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).

Positioned between the altar and the tabernacle, the laver shows that deeper revelation and service to God follow the acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice. This ongoing cleansing is essential for spiritual growth, as David prayed: “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2). Just as the priests could not approach God without washing, believers must continually examine themselves to ensure they are walking in purity: “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup” (1 Corinthians 11:28).

The laver’s location teaches that cleansing is not a one-time event but a continuous process, preparing us to draw nearer to God. This principle aligns with the psalmist’s declaration: “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130). As we allow God’s Word to reveal and correct our shortcomings, we are transformed into vessels fit for His service.

Symbolism of Hewn Stones and Cedar Beams

The Great Court’s construction included rows of hewn stones and cedar beams: “And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams” (1 Kings 7:12). The hewn stones, shaped with precision, symbolize the believer’s transformation through God’s judgment: “As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand” (Jeremiah 18:6). These stones, like the foundation stones of the Temple Mount, were prepared before being placed, reflecting the refining process God performs in our lives.

The cedar beams atop these stones represent strength that comes through humility. While cedar often symbolizes pride and loftiness—“The cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up” (Isaiah 2:13)—it must first be broken before it can be used in God’s house: “The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon” (Psalm 29:5). This breaking process aligns with James’s teaching: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). Together, the hewn stones and broken cedar beams illustrate the balance of humility and strength needed for spiritual growth.

Exposure to Natural Elements

The Great Court was open to the natural elements—sun, rain, and wind—reflecting the believer’s early spiritual experiences, where external circumstances still greatly influence their walk with God. This exposure symbolizes the trials and challenges faced by those beginning their journey of faith. Yet even in these early stages, God provides stability and protection, as depicted by the covered areas supported by pillars around the court: “Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars” (Proverbs 9:1).

The pillars also represent God’s enduring support for His people, as seen in His promise to overcomers: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God” (Revelation 3:12). These structures remind us that while we may be exposed to the elements, God is our refuge and strength: “For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy” (Psalm 61:3).

Purging Worldly Influences

The Great Court also accommodated activities such as buying and selling, which Jesus later cleansed: “Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” (John 2:16). This act of purging underscores the need to remove worldly distractions from our approach to God. Paul exhorts believers to separate the precious from the vile: “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use” (2 Timothy 2:21).

The purging of worldly influences is a key part of our preparation to serve God, as David prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). This cleansing brings greater joy and understanding, enabling us to draw nearer to God with pure motives: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalm 51:12).

The Inner Court: Drawing Nearer Through Greater Judgment

The Inner Court represents a deeper stage of spiritual communion, marked by greater purification and revelation. Unlike the Great Court, which was accessible to all Israelites, the Inner Court was restricted to the priests, emphasizing the principle of greater separation for those who draw nearer to God. This deeper level of access requires not only outward cleansing but inward transformation, as Isaiah declared: “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD” (Isaiah 52:11).

Restricted Access and Spiritual Separation

The restricted access to the Inner Court highlights the spiritual principle of sanctification, where greater intimacy with God requires greater holiness. Paul wrote, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). This purification is not merely external but a deep, inward work of judgment that refines and prepares the believer for closer fellowship with God.

The distinction between those permitted in the Great Court and those allowed in the Inner Court symbolizes the call to priesthood, a role that involves not only privilege but also accountability. Believers are called to this spiritual priesthood through Christ: “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

Spiritual Ascent Through Judgment

The elevation of the Inner Court above the Great Court required ascending steps, a clear picture of spiritual ascent through judgment. “My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.” (Psalms 57:4-5). This ascent reflects the believer’s call to rise above earthly concerns and seek the things of God: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

Spiritual ascent requires a willingness to endure God’s refining process. Just as Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive God’s law, believers are invited to draw closer to God, even as He works to purify their hearts. God’s invitation to Moses reflects this calling: “Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them” (Exodus 24:12). This ascent brings not only revelation but also the warning to live according to God’s word.

Priestly Service: Duties and Preparation

The Inner Court was the place of daily service for the priests, including preparing sacrifices, maintaining the altar, and ensuring the temple was in order. These duties required diligence and discernment, reflecting the call for believers to grow in their understanding of God’s word: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

The preparation of sacrifices and the careful inspection of offerings for blemishes symbolize the believer’s call to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). This service requires attention to spiritual purity and readiness, as Paul instructed Timothy: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Timothy 4:15).

The priests’ work also involved the constant upkeep of the altar and temple, a reminder that spiritual growth requires ongoing effort. Just as the priests tended to the temple, believers must continually nurture their relationship with God through prayer, study, and obedience: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Drawing Closer to God’s Presence

The Inner Court’s proximity to the temple building symbolizes the privilege and availability of drawing nearer to God’s presence. This nearness brings greater revelation, as David expressed: “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10). Even the lowest position near God’s presence surpasses any worldly honor.

With this nearness, however, comes increased accountability. Jesus taught: “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). Believers who draw closer to God are entrusted with greater understanding and are called to live lives that reflect His holiness: “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). This deeper communion with God is accompanied by the privilege of knowing His heart, as the psalmist declared: “The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant” (Psalm 25:14).

The refining work that takes place in the Inner Court leads to transformation, as Paul described: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). This transformation prepares believers for even deeper communion with God, as they progress toward the Most Holy Place.

Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation

The journey through the courts of the Temple Mount represents a progressive path of drawing nearer to God, one that requires judgment, purification, and spiritual ascent. Each stage—from the Temple mount to the Great Court to the Inner Court—teaches essential principles for those seeking deeper communion with Him.

The Great Court: Beginning the Journey

In the Great Court, we learn that the first step toward God is through sacrifice and cleansing. The brazen altar reminds us that Christ’s sacrifice is the foundation of our salvation: “For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). Here, we acknowledge our need for His atonement and embrace the process of sanctification, symbolized by the perpetual fire and the washing at the laver.

This outermost court also reflects the believer’s early spiritual experiences, where external influences still affect their walk with God. Through the trials and cleansing represented in this court, we begin to separate from worldly distractions, preparing to enter a closer relationship with Him: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).

The Inner Court: Drawing Closer

Progressing to the Inner Court symbolizes a deeper commitment to God’s purposes. This stage requires greater separation, as represented by the restricted access granted only to priests. It calls for a higher level of purity and readiness, reflecting the truth that those who are drawn closer to God must also endure greater judgment: “Every branch in me that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit” (John 15:2).

The duties of the priests in the Inner Court point to the spiritual discernment and preparation required for deeper service. This preparation refines us, teaching us to “offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Here, we experience the transformation that comes from proximity to God’s presence, being changed “from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Ascending Toward the Holy

Both courts point to the ultimate goal of the believer’s journey: entering the Most Holy Place, where God’s presence dwells. The progression from the Great Court to the Inner Court mirrors the believer’s spiritual ascent, moving from initial cleansing to a deeper, more intimate communion with God. This journey is not merely one of physical location but of the heart, as the psalmist declared: “Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God” (Psalm 84:5-7).

The courts teach us that each stage of this journey requires greater surrender, humility, and reliance on God’s grace. The sacrifices, washing, and acts of service all point to the necessity of transformation, as we are conformed to the image of Christ: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

A Call to Prepare for His Presence

The Temple Mount’s physical courts serve as a shadow of spiritual truths, reminding us that approaching God requires preparation and holiness. The writer of Hebrews captures this reality: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Each step closer to God demands not only greater obedience but also greater reliance on His Spirit to guide and transform us: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

As we reflect on this journey, we see that the courts are not merely destinations but stages of relationship with God. They remind us that the path to Him is one of constant growth, requiring us to leave behind the distractions of the world and press toward the mark for the prize of His calling: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Looking Ahead: The Temple Building

Our journey does not end here. Beyond the courts lies the sanctuary itself—the temple building, with its three sections: the Porch, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. Each section reveals deeper revelations of Christ and His work in us. As we move toward the Most Holy Place, we will examine the golden furnishings, the veil, and the ark of the covenant, all of which point to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ.

Join us in our next study as we continue this journey into “the Holiest of all” (Hebrews 9:8), exploring the riches of God’s presence and the transformative power of His Spirit.

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