The History of the Old Testament Methodized, Chapter 5 · Section 1
SECT. I.
IN the year 480 from the coming of the children of Iſrael out of Egypt in the fourth year of the reign of King Solomon, on the ſecond day of the ſecond Month called Zif, (anſwering as ſome think to our 21 of May) the foundation of the Temple was laid in Mount Moriah, (the very place where Abraham was commanded to offer up his Son Iſaac, ſee Gen. 22.2.) and in the threſhing floor of Araunah the Jebuſite, about the year of the world 2988. This foundation was laid with great and coſtly hewed ſtones brought thither by the Kings command, 1 King. 5.17. and this glorious ſtructure with all things belonging to it took up in the building and finiſhing of it ſeven years and an half. The length of this magnificent building was ſixty cubits, beſides ten cubits allowed for the Porch, which made the whole length to be ſeventy cubits, 1 King. 6.2, 3. The cubits after which the Temple was built (it's probable) were after the firſt meaſure, 2 Chron. 3.3. and double to the ordinary cubits which reached only from the Elbow to the tip of the longeſt finger) and equal to our Engliſh yard. If any ſhall think this ſacred pile to be but little in compariſon of other Fanes and Temples, let them conſider the ſtatelineſs of this Temple did not conſiſt ſo much in the greatneſs of it, as the exquiſite workmanſhip, ſymetry, and coſtly furniture thereof. 2ly, It was big enough for the uſes it was intended for, namely to contain the holy veſſels (with ſufficient ſpace between them) and to receive ſuch Prieſts as did officiate therein. For the Holy of Holies was acceſſible only to the High-Prieſt, and that but once a year, and into the holy or inward houſe only ſuch Prieſts entred as by lot or courſe came thither to do the ſervice they were appointed unto, (viz. to light lamps, to ſet ſhew-bread, to offer inincenſe) as appeareth by Zacharies ſole ſtaying therein, whilſt the whole multitude of the people were praying without. 3ly, The great latitude and capacity of the Temple conſiſted in the outward Courts (with the ſtately buildings and Cloyſters about them) which were of ſuch receipt as to entertain multitudes of men ſub dio, in the open air, and ſo it equalled the greateſt buildings in the world. But though the covered Temple was not great, yet it was more than twice as big as the Tabernacle made by Moſes, which was only thirty cubits in length, ten in breadth, and as many in height.
Both Jewiſh and Chriſtian writers place the ends or length of the Temple Eaſt and Weſt, the ſides or breadth North and South, making the Porch or entrance on the Eaſt-end, and the Holy of Holies on the Weſt-end, as is gathered from Ezek. 8.16. & Ch. 44.1. & Ch. 47.1.
We ſhall now deſcribe the parts of this Temple particularly, and ſhall ſpeak firſt of the Porch. 1. The Porch.In the Book of Kings, 1 King. 6.3: we meet with the length and breadth of the Porch, but no height thereof mentioned. In Chronicles we find the length and height thereof, but there the breadth is omitted. Thus we ſee that by comparing one Scripture with another, we may come to find out the truth. This Porch was twenty cubits in length (for its length ran parallel to the breadth of the houſe from North to South) ten in breadth from Eaſt to Weſt, and an hundred and twenty in height, being four times as high as the body of the Temple, ſee 2 Chron. 3.4. not that it was all empty and void to the top, but probably had Chambers in it, and winding ſtairs aſcending up to the roof. The height of the loweſt room within might perhaps be equal to the reſt of the Houſe, viz. thirty cubits. The battlements on the top might have ſtately railes of ſtone, beſides other ornaments and Pinacles. There was a magnificent entrance into it raiſed by many ſteps out of the Area of the Prieſts Court. This Porch, viz. the arched Portal, Solomon overlaid within with pure gold, 2 Chron. 3.4. That is, gilded it all over, it having plates of ſilver underneath. For David is ſaid to have provided ſeven thouſand talents of refined ſilver to overlay the walls of the houſes withal, 1 Chron. 29.4. Thus it took its denomination of gold from the metal which was moſt precious, and moſt viſible on the ſurface of it. And ſo all the ſeveral rooms of the Temple might be overlaid with pure gold. The Porch with leaf, the inward houſe with plate, the Holy of Holies with the moſt refined gold of Parvaim.
The Holy or inward Houſe had forty cubits in length, the breadth twenty cubits, 2. The Sanctuary or inward houſe, or middle part between the Porch and the Oracle.adaequate to the general dimenſions of the Temple. For the wall, the out-ſide of it which was expos'd to open view, was (as is conceiv'd) of white poliſht marble, or made of ſome excellent ſtone for ſtrength, and the timber and boards within were all Cedar. The Cedar was curiouſly carved with the Imagery of Flowers, Palmes and Cherubims, and thoſe figures being outwardly imboſſed with viſible prominences, the plates of gold being of the pureſt and moſt flexible metal, applied themſelves ſo cloſe to each line in the Sculpture, that they ſet it off and expreſſed the carved work with advantage, abating nothing of the art, and adding much to the beauty and richneſs thereof, 1 King. 6.18, 29. And in ſome ſelect places (as it ſeems) it was moſt gloriouſly adorn'd and garniſht with precious ſtones, 2 Chron. 3.6. For Solomon intended this Temple ſhould be very glorious, it being built for the honour of the all-glorious God.
Of the ſame curioſity for carving were the two doors with folding leaves (made of firr-tree, and overlaid with gold) which led out of the Porch into the Temple. The workmanſhip of theſe doors and the wall being in all particulars ſo alike, that when they were ſhut no breach appeared in them. Poſts of Olive-tree, four ſquare were made for theſe doors to turn upon, 1 King. 6. from the 31 to the 36.
The floor hereof was made of boards of Firr, and they were faced and all overlaid with gold, 1 King. 6.15, 30*V. 30. The floor of the houſe he overlaid with gold within and without; that is, within and without the veil of the Oracle..
Windows alſo were made in the Temple, 3. The Windows of the Temple.but how many we cannot certainly determine, 1 King. 6.4. the fewer would ſerve the turn becauſe of the abundance of artificial lamps conſtantly burning therein.
For the form of theſe windows 'tis probable they were of an oblong ſquare, narrow without, and broad within, and being made as much to let in air as light, and perchance more to let out ſmoke than either, (cauſed by the conſtant lamps and purfumes) we may imagine them to be made with gilded latteſſes, and ſo always open without any ſhutting at all.
For the roof of the Temple4. The roof of the Temple. probably it was flat, like other houſes in Judea, where men might walk upon them according to Gods command, Deut. 22.8.(a)Preach you (ſaith our Saviour) on the houſe-tops, Mat. 10.27. At the ſides it was guarded with battlements, and probably adorn'd with pinacles. We read not that it was ſuſtain'd with any Pillars, either of ſtone or timber. The Covering was of beams, and boards of Cedar; but ſurely to defend it from the injuries of the weather it was covered with ſome metal-ſheets. Villalpandus (the Scripture being ſilent herein) thinks it was covered with tiles of braſs, which (ſquammato opere) in ſcale-work lay one over another. What if we ſhould conjecture it to be ſheeted with ſilver? ſeeing a King of France St. Dagobert by name,See the Learned Mr. Lee's Temple of Solomon pourtrayed, pag. 25. (far inferiour to Solomon in riches) is reported to have covered the famous Church of St. Denis with ſilver. But this we mention only as a conjecture. Let none grudg at this coſt, but let them conſider that this Temple was built for the Glory of the King of Heaven, and that the chief glory of it was to be hidden from common and profane eyes, and therefore vain oſtentation ſurely was no end aimed at by our Royal builder.
The inſide of the Cedar-beams of this ſtately roof was cicled with Firr-trees, and adorned with carvings of Palm-trees and Chains, and overlaid with gold, 2 Chron. 3.5, 6.
It was in faſhion four ſquare, the height, length and breadth thereof equally extending to twenty cubits, (the Holy of Holies 5. The Oracle or Holy of Holies.in the Sanctuary was of the ſame form, but only ten cubits ſquare), 1 King. 6.20. Thoſe ten cubits of room above it reaching up to the roof of the Temple, (which that place the 2 Chron. 3.9. ſeems to ſpeak of) might poſſibly be for Chambers, to lay up thoſe ſacred things of the Holy of Holies which belonged to the Tabernacle, ſuch (I mean) of them as were not uſed by Solomon.
The Windows narrow without and broad within, were above the Chambers round about both of the Temple and Oracle.
The walls were (as is conceiv'd) of ſquare poliſht marble without, the inſide was covered with boards of Cedar, wrought with Cherubims, Palm-trees, and open flowers, and all overlaid with fine gold. 1 King. 6.16, 20, 21, 29. 2 Chron. 3.8.
For the entring of the Oracle there were made two folding-doors of Olive-tree, carved with Cherubims and overlaid with gold. The lintel and ſide-poſts thereof being five ſquare of the ſame matter and metal. The wall on each ſide had five cubits, and the doors with their Poſts ten. The hinges of theſe doors as alſo of the holy place were of Gold, 1 King. 6.31, 32.
The floor was covered with boards of Cedar overlaid with Gold, 1 King. 6.16, 20.
The weight of the nails uſed in this room was fifty ſhekels of Gold, 2 Chron. 3.9. Poſſibly they were ſtiffened with ſome mixture of Silver or Copper, not for cheapneſs, but for the greater uſefulneſs; for where the utenſils of the Temple are ſaid to be of pure Gold, we muſt underſtand it ſo pure as the end for which they were intended would permit. For ſome allay of baſer metal ſeems neceſſary to make them more durable and ſerviceable for the purpoſes for which they were made.
The roof of this room as of the whole houſe was laid with beams or boards of Cedar, and overlaid with Gold, and ſet as ſome conceive with precious ſtones, 2 Chron. 3.8.
A ſtately Veil was uſed as a traverſe croſs the Holy of Holies, which Solomon made of blew and purple, and crimſon, and fine linnen, and wrought Cherubims thereon, 2 Chron. 3.14. This Veil doubtleſs was within the wall of the Holy of Holies, elſe the High-Prieſt might enter within the Veil, and yet not be in the moſt holy place, if the wall and the door were between the Veil and the Oracle. In the Tabernacle there was no other partition but the Veil, which when the High-Prieſt had entred through, he was within the Holy of Holies. Arias Montanus thinks that the Chains of Gold that were within the Oracle were to hang the Veil upon, 1 King. 6.21.
6. The ſide-Chambers about the Temple.There were Chambers round about the Temple and Oracle, excepting only at the Eaſt-end where the Porch ſtood, which was clear having no other buildings to hinder the proſpect thereof. Three rows there were of theſe Chambers. In the loweſt each Chamber was five, in the middle ſix, in the third and higheſt ſtory ſeven cubits broad, and each of them five cubits in height, going up from the firſt to the middle, thence to the higheſt ſtory with winding ſtairs. Yet on the outſide the ſtone-work of the Chambers was perpendicularly equal. The beams of theſe Chambers did not lye in, but did reſt on the walls of the Temple, which being narrowed in as they went up higher and higher afforded fit ſtays for that purpoſe. For the wall of the Temple for five cubits height above the ground was a cubit thicker than it was in its height above thoſe five cubits. So that at five cubits height there was a ſeat of ſtone of a cubit broad, round about the Temple, whereupon one end of the Cedar-beams of the Chambers did reſt to bear up the roof of the loweſt, and the floor of the ſecond ſtory. Five cubits higher from thence, or at ten cubits height from the ground the thickneſs of the Temple wall was yet a cubit leſs, and upon that ſecond ſeat thus made by a cubits rebatement in the wall reſted the Cedar-beams for the roof of the ſecond, and floor of the third ſtory. At fifteen cubits height from the ground the Temple-wall was yet a cubit leſs, than it was at ten cubits height, which yielded a third ſeat on which the beams for the roof of the third and higheſt ſtory were laid. So that as the wall of the Temple abated in thickneſs, the meaſure of the Chambers increaſed in breadth, 1 King. 6.6, 7, 8, 10. Poſſibly theſe Chambers were imploy'd for Repoſitories, wherein the holy veſtments and veſſels were ſafely laid up together with thoſe of the Tabernacle, which (though not now uſed) were here carefully preſerved.
7. The Courts, Buildings and Cloyſters about the Temple.A Court conſiſted of an open ſpace in the middle expoſed to wind and weather, and a Covert or Cloyſters on the ſides thereof, whither in heat or rain men might retire for ſhade or ſhelter.
Solomon made two of theſe on the Eaſt of the Temple: 1. The Inner Court or Court of the Prieſts, 2 Chron. 4.9. built with three rows of hewn ſtone, and a row of Cedar-beams, 1 King. 6.36. We muſt underſtand theſe three rows as being in height one above another. Probably certain aſcents led to them out of the outward Court, as there did alſo into the Temple; hence the phraſe of going up to Gods-houſe. But how many theſe ſtairs or ſteps were is uncertain, though ſome will have them fifteen according to the number of the Pſalmes of degrees; and theſe were the ſteps whereon (as ſome conceive) the Levites ſang the fifteen Pſalmes of degrees. This inner Court was only for the Prieſts to enter into, yet it ſeems the Common people made a tumultuous incurſion into it when they ſtoned Zachariah at the command of King Joaſh in the Court of the houſe of the Lord, even betwixt the Temple and the Altar, 2 Chron. 24.21.
2. The greater or outward Court *In Solomon's days we read but of theſe two Courts, but in the days of the ſucceeding Kings ſome think there were added two Courts more, viz. the Court of the women, and the Court of the Gentiles.(of which mention is made, 2 Chron. 4.9.) was of the ſame form for building with the Inner; this Court was large, an hundred cubits ſquare at the leaſt, yet this ſeems not large enough to contain all Iſrael, except the people were ſucceſſively admitted to this place. Aſcents and Stairs did alſo lead into this Court, but poſſibly they were but low. This Court was by ſucceſſive Kings (eſpecially by Hezekiah who caſed the pillars thereof with ſilver, ſee 2 King. 18.16.) improved to more beauty than it had in Solomon's days, though the covered Temple had no addition made to it. There was a ſtately aſcent from the Kings Palace to this Court. It was at firſt made by King Solomon, and was then ſo ſtately a ſtructure that (among other things) the Queen of Sheba was raviſhed with admiration at the ſight thereof, when ſhe beheld the aſcent by which Solomon went up into the houſe of the Lord, 1 King. 10.5. and yet afterwards it was made more magnificent, and Terraſſed on both ſides with Pillaſters made of thoſe Almug-trees which were brought from Ophir by the ſervants of Hiram, 2 Chron. 9.11. and 1 King. 10.11, 12. which if odoriferous (as ſome will have it) made that paſſage as ſweet to the ſmell as ſpecious to the ſight.
Several fair Gates on all ſides gave entrance into the Courts of Solomon's Temple,8. The Gates of the outward great Court, and the Porters belonging to them. and the doors or folding leaves were overlaid with braſs, 2 Chron. 4.9. the Gates were theſe: 1. The Eaſt-gate where Shelemiah was Porter, 1 Chron. 26.14. this Gate was ſet in the front leading directly to the Temple. King Jotham rebuilt it, 2 King. 15.35. 2 Chron. 27.3. At this Gate there were ſix Levites to watch. Some think it was called the Kings-gate, not that the King went in that way, but becauſe King Solomon built it, in a more ſumptuous and extraordinary manner than the reſt.
In ſome one of the Chambers of this Gate ſat the Sanedrim, and ſometimes alſo in the Eaſt-gate of the Inner or higher Court, as ſome gather by comparing, Jer. 35.4. & Ch. 36.10. together.
2. The Northgate, where Zachariah (the Son of Shelemiah a wiſe Counſellor) was Porter; here there were four Levites placed in daily watch, 1 Chron. 26.14, 17.
3. The South-gate, attended on by the Sons of Obed-Edom; here there were four Levites alſo in conſtant watch. The houſe of Aſuppim (rendred by Hierom and Pagnine a Council-houſe, by Tremellius Aerarium the Treaſury) was for conveniency united to their charge. A place probably of entrance from the City, but certainly of great conſequence as needing conſtantly a Guard about. Poſſibly here were two little Gates, and two Porters aſſigned to each, v. 17.
4. The Weſt-gate where Shuppim and Hoſah were Porters, there were alſo four Porters conſtantly to attend. It was called Shallecheth from Shalach to caſt up; it was ſo denominated from the famous cauſey which Solomon caſt up or made here to paſs from his own houſe over the valley into the mountain of the Temple. Each ſide of this Cauſey was planted with Oaks and Teyl-trees, there were alſo made ſtately Rails of Almug-trees, of which before; this was the paſſage to the houſe of the Lord from the Kings houſe.
Laſtly, we come to Parbar, 1 Chron. 26.18. ſeated on the Weſt, but whither Porters Lodg, Prieſts Veſtry, or place where ſacrificing inſtruments were laid up, is not certain; however it ſeems to have ſomething of the nature of a Gate, becauſe two Levites daily attended at it.
So that there were four prime Gates (which reſpected the four Cardinal Winds) and three leſſer ones towards the Weſt beſides. In all ſeven, and twenty four Levites in their conſtant order and courſe watched at them according to the lot of their Fathers houſe, and their ſeveral diviſions.
Both Courts were paved with ſtones, and adorned with Porches, and Cloyſters, and Chambers, (as 'tis probable) round about them. In the buildings of the outward Court were Chambers and Lodgings for the Levites, eſpecially in thoſe near the Gates where their offices lay. Some places 'tis like were imployed as Treaſuries wherein conſecrated things were laid up, and Miniſterial veſſels, and the utenſils of the Sanctuary. Other rooms might be for fine Flower, Salt, Wine, Oyl, Frankincenſe, Spices, &c. 1 Chron. 9. from v. 27, to 32. The Prieſts alſo and the Singers and players on inſtruments (as 'tis like) had their Chambers here. Poſſibly after the death of Solomon the firſt Temple might by ſucceeding Kings have another Court added to it, whereof we find a double intimation in Scripture, one when Jehoſhaphat is ſaid to ſtand in the houſe of the Lord before the new Court, 2 Chron. 20.5. which probably about his reign was added to the firſt Fabrick. Another at the Coronation of Joaſh, at which time Jehojadah gave order that the Prieſts alone ſhould come into the houſe of the Lord, (to wit the Inner Court) whilſt the people ſhould be in the Courts of the houſe of the Lord, importing two Courts at leaſt into which the people at that time had free acceſs, 2 Chron. 23.5, 6.
Having thus ſpoken of the ſeveral parts of the Temple, we come now to ſpeak of the Furniture, Ornaments, Ʋtenſils and Veſſels belonging to them.
In the Porch 1. Of the Porch.there were two great brazen pillars ſet up, for height eighteen cubits a piece, each of them twelve cubits in compaſs bearing about four cubits in diameter; they were four fingers thick, of ſolid metal, and hollow within; there is ſome appearing difference in the meaſure of their height, it being variouſly preſented unto us, in 1 King. 7. from 15, to 23. and 2 Chron. 3.15. In the firſt place 'tis ſaid he caſt two pillars of braſs of eighteen cubits high a piece. In the ſecond 'tis ſaid he made two pillars of thirty and five cubits high. To reconcile this difference ſome probably conjecture that in Chronicles the height of both pillars are counted together. And whereas 18 and 18 make 36, one cubit more than the number mentioned in the Book of Chronicles, 'tis conceiv'd that each Chapiter did ſink half a cubit within the ſocket of the Cylinder for their faſtening. So that only ſo much as appeared of theſe pillars is reckoned, each of them having half a cubit of their ſhaft loſt in their height and running in, and hid in his Chapiter grafted upon it.
The Chapiters of theſe Pillars were curiouſly adorn'd with Net-work, Chain-work, and rows of Pomegranates, Lilies alſo were made on the top of theſe Chapiters. And whereas 'tis ſaid [2 King. 25.17.] that each Chapiter was but three cubits high, it is to be underſtood of the ſtately embroidery and ornaments of Net-work, Chains, and Pomegranates which were at the beginning of the third cubit.
The Pillar that ſtood on the right hand in the Porch was called Jachin (that is, he will eſtabliſh) and the other on the left hand, Boaz, (that is, in him is ſtrength, 1 King. 7.21.) both thoſe pillars there ſet up, ſignified Gods protection of the place.
2. The Furniture of the Sanctuary or Inner Temple.1. There were placed there ten Candleſticks of pure gold (the Tabernacle had but one, Exod. 37.17.) five on the right ſide, and five on the left, each of them no doubt faſhioned like that which Moſes made, viz. ſevenfold, with a great ſhaft for the body in the midſt, and three ſtemms on each ſide branching out thereof; in ſome reſemblance perhaps of the ſeven Planets, among which the Sun (the great ſtock of light) is in the midſt, and three of them on each ſide, above and beneath it, 1 King. 7.49. Beſides theſe ten ſtanding Candleſticks of Gold, there were many more moveable ones, but all thoſe made of ſilver, which the Prieſts in the night might carry about with them, 1 Chron. 28.15.
2. The Tables of ſhew-bread which Solomon made of Gold, his Father David having peculiarly provided Gold for that purpoſe [1 Chron. 28.16.] as he provided ſilver for the Tables of ſilver, of whoſe uſe and ſituation we read not. Poſſibly they might be uſed in the Chambers belonging to the Temple. In the 1 King. 7.48. we read but of one Table of ſhew-bread, but in the 2 Chron. 4.8. we find expreſly ten in number, together with their ſituation, five on the right, and five on the left ſide of the Sanctuary. The deſcription of Moſes's one Table, may be ſeen in the 25 of Exodus, from 23, to 29. But the dimenſions of Solomon's we have not, though perhaps double to Moſes's according as the place wherein they were ſet was double to his in capacity. Some think that Moſes's Golden Table was one of theſe, and the other nine framed according to that ſize. On theſe Tables the ſhew-bread was ſet, on each Table twelve cakes were daily preſented unto God. The Prieſts were allowed by God (when new was ſubſtituted in the room of the former) to eat thoſe loaves which were taken away.
3. The moſt eminent utenſil in the Sanctuary was the Altar of Incenſe ſtanding before the Oracle, [1 King. 6.22.] on which was daily burnt the perfume, ſee Exod. 30.34, &c. The Altar of Incenſe which Moſes made was made of Shittim-wood, and overlaid with pure gold round about. David prepared refined Gold on purpoſe for the making of this Altar, [1 Chron. 28.18.] and Solomon made his altar of incenſe of Cedar, and overlaid it with Gold, 1 King. 7.48. 2 Chron. 4.19. 1 King. 6.20. Beſides for the ſervices of the Golden Altar, the Tables and the Candleſticks there were made by Solomon many other excellent veſſels of pure Gold, which were appointed by his Father, as as an hundred baſons of gold, bowls, cenſers, cups, flowers, lamps for the Candleſticks, ſnuffers, ſpoons, tonges, all of pure gold, beſides ſome baſons of ſilver. 1 King. 7.49, 50. 1 Chron. 28.13, 17. 2 Chron. 4.8, 20, 21, 22.
Be it premiſed that both the Sanctuary and the Oracle were adorned on all ſides within with Cherubims, and Palm-trees carved in Cedar, and overlaid with Gold. But though Solomon altered and enlarged the utenſils in the Sanctuary and outward Courts, yet in the Holy of Holies he made uſe of the very ſame that Moſes had made, only for the more magnificence he added two extraordinary Cherubims, of which more preſently. But to ſpeak of the ſacred things in the Oracle or Holy of Holies more particularly.
Firſt, The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord was ſet in this moſt holy place,3. The Ornaments of the Oracle or Holy of Holies. under the wings of the Cherubims, the very ſame that Moſes made in the Wilderneſs, of which ſee more, Sect. 21. of Chap. 4. pag. 132. In this Ark there were the two Tables of ſtone which Moſes put therein at Horeb, whereon were engraven the Ten Commandments on all the four ſides of them, being the work of God himſelf, and written with his own finger. It ſeems they were not very ponderous and large, becauſe Moſes carried them both in one hand. They were call'd the Tables of the Covenant, (and the Ark wherein they lay, the Ark of the Covenant) becauſe they contained the Ten Commandments, which if they kept, God made a Covenant with them to bleſs them. There was nothing elſe put within this Ark or holy Cheſt, 1 King. 8.9. 2 Chron. 5.10.
2. Over this holy Cheſt there was laid a covering of pure beaten Gold called the Mercy-ſeat or Propitiatory, equal in its meaſures of length and breadth to the Ark, Exod. 37.6.
3. At the two ends of this Mercy-ſeat ſtood the two Cherubims of Moſes's making, both of beaten Gold; their faces were oppoſite one to the other, and made looking down upon the Mercy-ſeat with their wings over-ſhadowing it. Between whoſe wings upon the Mercy-ſeat the Majeſty of God is ſaid to ſit. The Mercy-ſeat ſignified Jeſus Chriſt the Mediator between God and man, interpoſing betwixt Gods wrath and our perſons, who have broken the Commandments which lay within the Ark, Exod. 37.7, 8, 9. 1 Sam. 4.4. Iſa. 37.16.
Secondly, There were beſides Moſes's Cherubims ſtanding on the Ark two other Cherubims made by Solomon ſtanding on the ground, or Golden floor, and each of them was ten cubits or thirty foot in height; they were made of Olive-tree within, but overlaid with Gold, and their faces were towards the Sanctuary or holy place. Each wing of theſe Cherubims was five cubits long. All their four wings were extended to the length of twenty cubits, which was the whole breadth of the Oracle. Their two inward wings touched each other, and the two ends of their outward wings touched the wall of the houſe. Under their two inward wings ſtood Moſes's Ark and Cherubims. Theſe Cherubims were ſo made as the parts of them might be taken aſunder. See 2 Chron. 3.10. and they were the moſt ſplendid ornament of the whole Temple, and carried away (as 'tis probable) by the rapacious Babylonians at the taking of Jeruſalem by Nebuchadnezzar. 1 King. 6. from 23. to 29. 2 Chron. 3. from 10. to the 14.
Theſe four Cherubims in the 1 Chron. 28.18. are likened to a Chariot of four wheels, whereon the Divine Majeſty did ſit or ride, and uttered intelligibly his Sacred Oracles. See Pſal. 99.1.
Thirdly, Beſides the Ark and theſe glorious Cherubims it appears from Heb. 9.4. that within the Holy of Holies was placed Aaron's Rod that budded, and the pot of Manna *See the Apoſtolical Hiſtory on Heb. 9.4., [Numb. 17.10.] and the Golden Cenſer of Aaron.
Laſtly, In the time of Moſes there was alſo the Book of the Law (call'd by ſome Deuteronomion) laid on the ſide of the Ark, ſee Deut. 31.26. But whither it was placed there in Solomon's days we do not, yet we find in Joſiah's reign when the Temple was purged, the Book of the Law was found in the Temple by Hilkiah the Prieſt, though no expreſs mention is made that it was found in the Oracle.
So that by the ſide of the Ark or before the Teſtimony in Solomon's Temple were placed (as it ſeems) the pot of Manna, Aaron's Rod, the Golden Cenſer, and the Book of the Law, as they had formerly been in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle.
4. Of the Veſſels in the Prieſts Court.1. There we find the Altar of Braſs which was twenty cubits in length, twenty in breadth, and ten in height, 2 Chron. 4.1. Its ſituation was before the Porch, whereon the Sacrifices were daily offered to God, 2 Chron. 8.12.
As for the Sacrifices we read of many inſtruments that were uſed about them, as fleſh-hooks of Gold, [1 Chron. 28.17.] alſo pots, ſhovels and baſons of bright braſs, 1 King. 7.45.
2. The next veſſel to be conſidered was the molten Sea, a moſt rare and admirable piece of ſolid braſs caſt in the clay ground in the plains of Jordan. It was five cubits high, and ten over from ſide to ſide, being round, and thirty cubits in compaſs, containing two thouſand baths *A Bath contained about 8 gallons, 4 baths made a barrel, ſo that there were uſually put into this Sea 500 barrels of water, and if filled up to the brim it would contain 750., namely as they uſually filled it for ordinary uſe, but if it had been filled up to the brim it would then contain three thouſand, viz. a third part more, 1 King. 7.23.26. 2 Chron. 4.5. therefore 'twas called a Sea for the largeneſs thereof. It's brim was wrought about with Lilly-work, under the brim thereof were brazen knobs round about, reſembling the heads of oxen. Theſe were caſt together with the veſſel. It ſtood upon twelve brazen oxen, which by four ſeveral Threes reſpected the four quarters of the world.
The uſe of this veſſel was for the Prieſts to waſh in [2 Chron. 4.6, 10.] that is, by water derived to them by a pipe and cock out of it they did waſh their hands and feet, for that they did waſh their whole bodies in it ſeems not very probable(a)See Mr. Lee, pag. 86:. 'Tis like the Gibeonites or Nethinims, (whoſe office it was to be drawers of water for the Congregation, Joſh. 9.27.) did out of the fountain of Siloam or pool of Betheſda hard by fill this Sea, and furniſhed all other Lavatories with water about the Temple.
3. In this Court alſo were placed ten lavers appointed for the waſhing of the Sacrifices; in the Tabernacle there were none of theſe; that ſingle laver made by Moſes for the Prieſts ſervice anſwering only to the molten Sea. Theſe lavers of braſs contained forty haths apiece, each ſet op his baſis with wheels for their more convenient removal (if need were) though generally their ſtation was five on the one ſide, and five on the other in the Court of the Prieſts, and Eaſt of the covered Temple; they were adorn'd with brazen borders engraven with Lions, Oxen, Cherubims and Palm-trees, had pillars and wheels, and other curioſities which we cannot well here deſcribe. 1 King. 7. from v. 27, to 40.
5. Of the Furniture, Utenſils and Chambers in the outward Court.In the outward Court or Court of Iſrael, (many no doubt) were the utenſils there uſed; Tremellius thinks the brazen ſcaffold made by Solomon for himſelf to ſtand and pray upon, 2 Chron. 6.12, 13. with the Kings pillar, was placed in this Court. Alſo Pulpits and Desks wherein the Prieſts expounded the Law to the people.
The Chambers in the outward Courts were ſeverally imployed for ſundry uſes, as for laying up of Tythes, Firſt-fruits, Wood, Salt, and other requiſites for the Sacrifices. Of Salt a maſs was ſpent in the Temple, ſeeing no Offering was acceptable without it, Mark 9.49. Some rooms ('tis like) were imployed to contain the Muſical Inſtruments, whereof thirteen ſorts are mentioned and explained by Mr. Fuller, Ch. 10. Book 3.
In other Chambers (undoubtedly) the ſtandards of all meaſures were carefully kept; for we find that the inferiour Levites (among other ſervices) had a ſuperintendency over all manner of meaſures and ſizes, [1 Chron. 23.29.] It belonged to their office to ſet out the pars quota, the exact quantity of the meal, oyl and wine that was to be uſed in their ſeveral ſacrifices; therefore they were highly concerned to be skilful in meaſures. 'Tis likely that the Book of the deſcription of the land into ſeveral parts by lot, as being of publick concernment and uſe, was preſerved in ſome room of the Temple. See Joſh. 18.9.
Some Chambers, 'tis like, were for lodgings for the Prieſts and Levites that attendded on the holy ſervice in the Temple, and others for refectories and rooms wherein the Prieſts had their repaſt or hallowed food as on ſhew-bread, &c. which though ſhifted but once a week by Gods command, Lev. 24.8. yet by his Providence was doubtleſs preſerved, that it loſt nothing of its goodneſs. There was alſo as it ſeems an Armory in the Temple furniſhed with weapons to guard the Treaſure there kept. David provided Spears and Bucklers, and Shields for that purpoſe; and Joaſh by the aſſiſtance of thoſe weapons recovered the Crown.
Many other Ʋtenſils were added to the Temple after Solomon's death by ſucceeding Kings as occaſion did require; as particularly that Cheſt which in the reign of King Jehoaſh was made by Jehoiada to receive the peoples free offerings for the repair of the Temple. A Cheſt with an hole in the lid thereof, 2 King. 12.9. In after ages it was called Corban, which ſignifies ſometimes the gift it ſelf, ſometimes the veſſel receiving it, ſee Mark 7.11.
Having ſpoken of the Ornaments of the Temple, it will not be amiſs to ſpeak ſomething alſo of the Temple-Officers.
The Temple-Officers were
Prieſts.
Levites.
Nethinims.
The Prieſts were diſtinguiſhed into
Chief Prieſts.
Inferiour Prieſts of the twenty four Courſes.
1. The chief Prieſts were two, the High Prieſt and his ſecond. The High Prieſt was (by Gods appointment) that perſon who was the right heir in Aaron's line, or the Eldeſt that deſcended in a direct line from his loyns. One great part of his office was, upon the day of expiation to perform the ſolemn rights of that ſervice in entring into the Holy of Holies with blood, and to perfume the Oracle, Exod. 30.10. Levit. 16.34. Heb. 9.7.
2. The ſecond Prieſt was the moſt eminent among the reſt, who in caſe of the ſickneſs or pollution of the High Prieſt, or any other emergency did ſupply his place,(a)So Annas and Caiphas are called the High Prieſts, Luk. 3.2. not that there were two in that great office at once, but the one was a ſubſtitute to the other. 2 King. 25.18.
3. The ordinary Prieſts were ſuch as ſprang from the loyns of Aaron, and were in a Collateral line of kindred, allied to the High Prieſt; they were all Levites, as deſcending from Levi the great Grandfather of Aaron. But the Prieſts were ſeparated from the reſt of the Levites for the more immediate ſervice of God, and the term Levite is reſtrained to all others of the poſterity of Levi, beſides the line of Aaron.
Theſe Prieſts for the more eaſie carrying on of Temple-ſervice were divided into twenty four Courſes by lot as we have ſhewed before; each Courſe miniſtred to the Lord for eight days together, viz. from Sabbath to Sabbath. The work of the Prieſts was,
1. The Government of the Sanctuary and houſe of God, 1 Chron. 24.5.
2. Sacrificing, with all its rites on the Altar of Burnt-offering, 1 Chron. 6.49. 2 Chron. 29.22.
3. They ſet the new prepared ſhew-bread on the Golden Tables within the Sanctuary every Sabbath, and removed the old.
4. They ordered the lamps of the Golden Candleſticks.
5. They kindled the daily incenſe to make a ſweet perfume in the Temple.
6. They were the Judges of Leproſie and jealouſie betwixt man and wife, Levit. 13.2, 3.
7. They blew the Trumpets to the Solemn feaſts, alſo before the Ark at its removals, and were alſo to accompany the Captains of the hoſt in war with their ſilver Trumpets. Joel 2.15. 2 Chron. 13.12. 1 Chron. 15.24. & Chap. 16.6. Numb. 10.8. & Chap. 31.6.
8. They were to look to the burning of wood continually upon the brazen Altar, that the fire that deſcended from Heaven might not be extinguiſhed, Levit. 6.12, 13.
9. They were to make the holy ointment with the appointed ſpices, Exod. 30.22. 1 Chron. 9.30.
10. They were to inſtruct the people in the Law of God, Mal. 2.7.
2. Of the Levites.
The Levites ſtrictly taken were all ſuch as came from the root of Levi, (excepting the children of Aaron) they were divided into four ranks, and accordingly appointed to four ſorts of work.
1. Some of them were appointed to wait on the Sons of Aaron in the Courts of the Temple, and in the Chambers, and in the purifying of all the holy things belonging to the ſervice of the houſe of God, 1 Chron. 23. from 28, to the end.
They were at firſt to enter upon their office at the age of thirty years, but after the days of David at twenty, becauſe then they did not carry the Tabernacle, nor the veſſels thereof, 1 Chron. 23. from 24, to 28.
Their number in the latter end of David's reign was computed at thirty eight thouſand, whereof twenty four thouſand were appointed for the work and ſervice of the houſe of God; ſix thouſand to be Officers and Judges; four thouſand to be Porters, and four thouſand to be Singers and players on Inſtruments, 1 Chron. 23.3, 4, 5. 2 Chron. 8.14. 1 Chron. 16.4.
So that out of the Levites were taken their Judges, Lawyers, Scribes, Recorders, Genealogiſts, and the greateſt dignities and offices, (excepting only the Royal dignity of the Tribe of Judah) were enjoyed by thoſe of this Tribe. They were the only perſons that preferred learning and knowledg, the Schools of the Prophets being under their Inſtitution.
3. Of the Nethinims.
Theſe were the moſt inferiour ſort of perſons that were imployed in any Temple-ſervice, being the race of the Gibeonites [Joſh. 9.17.] and called Nethinims, becauſe they were given and delivered over to that ſervice. Some think that David a little before his death did diſpoſe them into their ſet courſes as he did other Officers of the Temple, [ſee Ezra 8.20.] but of this we ſhall not determine.
Concerning the Prieſts garments, their ſolemn times of worſhip, their various Sacrifices and Offerings, with their appendant rites, and the revenues and profits aſſigned to the Prieſts and Levites, we have ſpoken before when we went over Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, and ſhall not need here to repeat them.