boardin g.

For some opening of this kind seems almost necessary for ventilation, for letting out the smoke of the

incense on the Day of Atonement, and to admit at least a gleam of light, without which the ministrations of

the High-priest on that day, limited though they were, would have been almost impossible. The only object

within the Most Holy Place was the Ark overshadowed by the Cherubim. It was the same which had stood

in the Tabernacle. But Solomon placed on either side of it (south and north) a gigantic figure of a Cherub,

carved out of oleaster wood, and overlaid with gold. Each was ten cubits high; and the two, with their

outspread wings, which touched over the Mercy-Seat, ten cubits wide. Thus, the two cherubim with their

outspread wings reached (south and north) from one wall of the Sanctuary to the other (1 Kings 6:23-28).

But, whereas the Mosaic Cherubim looked inwards and downwards towards the Mercy-Seat, those made by

Solomon looked outwards towards the Holy Place, with probably a slight inclination downwards (2

Chronicles 3:13). Another notice has raised differences of opinion. From 1 Kings 8:8, we learn that the

"staves" by which the Ark was carried were "drawn forward" ("lengthened," not "drawn out," as in the

Authorized Version), so that their heads were visible from the Holy Place. As these "staves" were never to

be drawn out (Exodus 25:15), and as all view of the interior of the Most Holy Place was precluded, this could

only have been effected (as the Rabbis suggest) by drawing the staves forward, so that their heads would

slightly bulge out on the veil. Of course this would imply that the staves faced east and west - not, as is

generally supposed, south and north. Nor is there any valid objection to this supposition.

Descending from "the Porch," we stand in the "inner" (1 Kings 6:36) or "Court of the Priests" (2 Chronicles

4:9). This was paved with great stones, as was also the outer or "Great Court" (2 Chronicles 4:9) of the

people. Within the "inner" or Priests' Court, facing the entrance to the Sanctuary, was "the altar of burnt-

offering" (1 Kings 8:64), made of brass, and probably filled within with earth and unhewn stones. It was ten

cubits high, and twenty cubits in length and breadth at the base -probably narrowing as it ascended, like

receding buttresses  115 (2 Chronicles 4:1).

Between the altar and the porch stood the colossal "sea of brass," five cubits high, and thirty cubits in

circumference (1 Kings 7:23-26; 2 Chronicles 4:2-5). Its upper rim was bent outwards, "like the work of the

brim of a cup, in the shape of a lily -flower." Under the brim it was ornamented by two rows of opening

flower-buds, ten to a cubit. This immense basin rested on a pedestal of twelve oxen, three looking to each

point of the compass. Its object was to hold the water in which the priests and Levites performed their

ablutions. For the washing of the inwards and of the pieces of the sacrifices, ten smaller "lavers" of brass

were provided, which stood on the right and left "side of the House" (1 Kings 7:38; 2 Chro nicles 4:6). They

were placed on square "bases," or, rather, wagons of brass, four cubits long and broad, and three cubits

high, which rested on "four feet" (not "corners," as in the Authorized Version, 1 Kings 7:30) upon wheels,

so as to bring them readily to the altar. Bearing in mind the height of the altar, this accounts for their being

four cubits high (4 cubits for the laver itself). The sides of these wagons were richly ornamented with figures

of lions, oxen, and cherubs, and beneath them were "garla nds, pensile work."  116

Although it is not easy to make out all the other details, it seems that the tops of these "bases" or wagons

had covers, which bulged inwards to receive the lavers, the latter being further steadied by supports

("undersetters" in the Authorized Version, or rather "shoulder-pieces"). The covers of the wagons were also

richly ornamented. Lastly, in the Priests' Court, and probably within full view of the principal gate, stood the

brazen scaffold or stand (2 Chronicles 6:13) from which King Solomon offered his dedicatory prayer, and

which seems to have always been the place occupied in the Temple by the kings (2 Kings 11:14; 23:3). To

this a special "ascent" led from the palace (1 Kings 10:5), which was, perhaps afterwards, roofed over for

protection from the weather.117 The Priests' Court was enclosed by a wall consisting of three tiers of hewn

stones and a row of cedar beams (1 Kings 6:36).

From the court of the priests steps led down to the "outer court" of the people (comp. Jeremiah 36:10),

which118 was surrounded by a solid wall, from which four massive gates, covered with brass, opened upon

the Temple -mount (2 Chronicles 4:9).