The term "Sanctuary of the LORD" refers to the sacred space designated for the worship and dwelling of God among His people. Throughout the Bible, the concept of the sanctuary evolves from a portable tent in the wilderness to a permanent temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence and holiness.

The Tabernacle

The first sanctuary, known as the Tabernacle, was constructed under the leadership of Moses following the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. God provided detailed instructions for its construction in Exodus 25-31. The Tabernacle was a portable tent that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was divided into three main areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's throne on earth.

The purpose of the Tabernacle was to provide a place where God could meet with His people and where the priests could offer sacrifices and perform rituals to atone for the sins of the nation. Exodus 25:8 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them."

The Temple of Solomon

With the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land, King David desired to build a permanent house for the LORD. However, it was his son Solomon who constructed the First Temple in Jerusalem, as detailed in 1 Kings 6-8. This temple maintained the basic layout of the Tabernacle but was more grand and permanent. It became the central place of worship for the Israelites and the location of major religious festivals.

The dedication of Solomon's Temple is recorded in 1 Kings 8, where Solomon prays, "But will God indeed dwell on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built" (1 Kings 8:27). This highlights the understanding that while the temple was a special place of God's presence, it could not contain the fullness of God.

The Second Temple

After the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. This Second Temple was later expanded and renovated by King Herod the Great, becoming a magnificent structure by the time of Jesus.

The Second Temple continued to serve as the center of Jewish worship until its destruction by the Romans in AD 70. Jesus Himself taught in the temple courts and referred to His body as a temple, indicating a shift from a physical structure to a spiritual understanding of God's dwelling (John 2:19-21).

The New Testament Understanding

In the New Testament, the concept of the sanctuary evolves further. Believers are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit, with God's presence dwelling within them individually and corporately as the Church. 1 Corinthians 3:16 states, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?"

The Book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the High Priest who entered the heavenly sanctuary, offering His own blood for the atonement of sins once for all (Hebrews 9:11-12). This signifies the ultimate fulfillment of the sanctuary's purpose, providing direct access to God through Christ.

Symbolism and Significance

The sanctuary, in all its forms, symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people and the means by which they can approach Him. It underscores themes of holiness, sacrifice, and redemption. The sanctuary serves as a reminder of God's covenantal relationship with His people and His provision for their spiritual needs.

Throughout Scripture, the sanctuary of the LORD is a profound representation of divine presence, worship, and the unfolding plan of salvation, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.