Sanctuary

In the Bible, the term "sanctuary" generally refers to a sacred place set apart for worship and the presence of God. It is derived from the Hebrew word "miqdash," which signifies a holy place or dwelling. The most prominent sanctuary mentioned in the Scriptures is the Tabernacle, later succeeded by the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle was constructed according to God's specifications as a mobile dwelling place for His presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness (Exodus 25:8-9). The Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, was where God's presence resided, and only the High Priest could enter it once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).Beyond the physical structures, the concept of sanctuary extends to the idea of refuge and safety. In ancient Israel, cities of refuge were designated as places where individuals could flee for safety from retribution (Numbers 35:6-34). In a spiritual sense, the sanctuary also represents a place of communion with God, as seen in Psalm 63:2, where the psalmist expresses a longing to see God's power and glory in His sanctuary. Thus, the biblical understanding of sanctuary encompasses both a physical space dedicated to divine worship and a metaphorical space representing safety, holiness, and proximity to God.

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