Herod's Temple

HEROD'S TEMPLE SLIDE SCRIPT

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1.  This series of slides shows photographs of a model of Herod's Temple.

This was originally made for the World's Fair shown in Canada in the Israeli

Pavilion.  It was made by a Jewish family that spent over 20 years in Research

checking out over 100 details of the model.  First we see an overall view of

the Temple area, looking from the East Gate toward the west. From this view,

one can see the East Gate, followed by the gate that enters into the Court of

the Women known as the Corinthian gate, followed by the gate that enters into

the Court of the Men, known as the Nicanor Gate.  Beyond that, stands the

Temple Proper which is the most prominent building in the area.  BEEP

2.  This is a map of the area of the old city of Jerusalem, showing the

location of the old walls of the city and the temple area where Herod's Temple

was suppose to have been located.  The temple area is marked with a dotted

straight line.       BEEP

3.  This plan of the temple area shows the outside wall first, and then the

inner wall that enclosed the Court of the Women, the Court of the Men and the

Temple Proper.  There are several auxiliary buildings associated with the

temple.  On the right side of the building is the Tower of Lights and a

building with a dome on it, that must be the place where the shew bread was

baked.  On the left side of the temple building, is the Senate Building where

the Sanhedrin met from time to time, to carry on their official business of

the Jews.  Outside of the wall of the Temple Proper and inside of the outer

wall, is the area where the people met for various kinds of business both

religious and commercial.  Shown in the light gray line surrounding the inner

wall is the Wall of Separation that the Apostle Paul referred to, beyond which

the Gentiles were not permitted to go.    BEEPÜh[1]ÜŒ

4.  This is another overall view of the temple area from the view of the

Eastern Gate.  From here, one can see very clearly the Wall of Separation,

separating the area in which the Gentiles were permitted, from the area in

which only Jews were permitted.  On the left side, is the Court of the

Gentiles.  In the immediate front is the Eastern Gate, which is probably

referred to in the Scriptures as the Gate Beautiful.    BEEP

5.  Here again, we see the Eastern Gate and one look at it gives us reason to

understand why it was more than likely referred to as the Gate Beautiful.  The

beautiful carvings of the gates themselves.  The stairway, the beautiful

stones that make up the wall, the golden lions that are above the gate, all

add to the excellent beauty and artwork of the Eastern Gate.  The temple stood

on the bare rock of Mount Moria and the model shows the bare rock of the

mountain very clearly from this view.             BEEP

6.  We now look over the Eastern Gate or the Gate Beautiful at the Corinthian

Gate, which is the entrance way going into the Court of the Women, beyond

which is the Nicanor Gate going into the Court of the Men.  Again the

prominent building in the picture is the Temple Proper.           BEEP

7.  This view looks down into the Court of the Women, over the Corinthian

Gate.  In this area the women were permitted to come, but beyond this area,

they were not permitted.  The second gate in the picture is the Nicanor Gate

through which the men could enter into the Court of Men.  They could also go

from gates on the left and right sides.            BEEP

8.  A close up of the Corinthian gate that goes into the Court of the Women.

In the near foreground one can see the Wall of Separation that separates the

area of the Gentiles from the area of the Jews.  This gate is not nearly as

beautiful as the Eastern, but it is very ornate and functional.      BEEP

9.  We now look down into the Court of the Women at the Nicanor Gate, with its

circular shaped stairway, which enters into the Court of the Men.  In the

foreground various brazen tables can be seen in the Women's Court, where the

priests would make offering on behalf of the women such as for cleansing and

making of vows.             BEEP

10.  Going down into the Court of the Men, in the foreground, one can see

another gate, where the men could enter to bring in the animals.  The stairway

on the left of the Court of the Men, goes up into the Temple Court Proper,

where only the priests could enter.  That area is where the animals were

slaughtered and offered for sacrifice on the altar.        BEEP

11.  Our view looks down into the Court of the Women, from the opposite side

and one can see the money changer's booths where those who came to the Temple

to offer sacrifices, could exchange their money for animals.  On the near

side of the court, the one closest to the camera, is the area where the cages

were kept, for housing the animals and birds that were sold in this manner.

This is the area where the Lord Jesus was first brought as a baby, when he was

offered to the Lord, and where his mother brought him on the day she was

purified.  This is the place where Anna would have found him and where the

prayers were offered in his behalf.  In the early part of his ministry and

also in the later part of his ministry, the Lord Jesus came into this area and

cleansed the temple, turning over the tables of the money changers and driving

the animals from this area.  In the near foreground on the outer portion of

the wall, one can see a cloister, where various types of business or perhaps

public meetings were held from time to time.             BEEP

12.  This overall view shows the model of the temple from the northern angle.

From this side, one can see on the extreme right, the Tower of Lights and the

ramp leading up to the bakery building with the dome on it.  Inside of theÜh[1]Ü
main part of the temple one can see the brazen alter and the priests that are

gathered there for the purpose of worship.                    BEEP

13.  This view of the north wall of the temple shows the northwest corner.

The tower in the northwest corner is known as the Tower of Antonio.  This is

the area where the soldiers were housed who kept law and order in the temple

area.  Following along the western wall about two-thirds of the way back, is

visible the Western Gate, that was very ornate, with the columns and stairways

which entered into the temple area from the west.  Just beyond that is the

portion of the wall that is now known as the Wailing Wall.  The only part of

the wall of the temple that still remains.          BEEP

14.  Taking a closer look at the Tower of Antonio where the soldiers were

kept, we see just inside the wall, near the top, the wooden walkway on which

the soldiers walked.  Taking a careful look at the edge of the wooden walkway

one can see a stairway rising up to this area.  This is probably the stairway

on which the Apostle Paul was carried by the soldiers when he was arrested

inside the temple area, for the uprising that was created over him.  When he

reached the top of the stairs he asked the soldiers for permission to address

the people.  And from this place, he more than likely gave his famous sermon

to the Jews, inside the temple area.            BEEP

15.  Another scene showing the temple area from the north.  From this point,

can be seen the brazen altar in front of the building, behind it is the sea of

brass, and to the right of the building the Tower of Lights and again the

domed building which was probably the bakery.  From here, we can see the main

temple building setting on an elevated bare rock.  Before the temple building

itself, the beautiful stairway of white marble leads up into the main

structure.        BEEP

16.  This is a close up of the building, where the shew bread was baked.  This

of course is only a theory because it is uncertain exactly what this building

was used for.        BEEP

17.  We are now at the scene of the Tower of Lights, the highest structure of

the temple area.  On top of the tower, a priest is visible.  The priest more

likely was there for two purposes.  First to oversee the activity in the

temple area to make sure everything was being conducted according to law.

Then perhaps also this man was used to call the people to the temple at times

of public worship, somewhat similar to the way the Mohammedans do it today

from the top of their Minaret.  It may have been at this place, that the Lord

Jesus experienced one of the three of His temptations by the devil.  Either

from this point, or one of the high points of the wall that overlook the deep

valley.  Or perhaps from the highest pinnacle of the main body of the temple

itself.  BEEP

18.  In this overall view of the temple area from the east, attention is

directed towards the left, to the area known as the Court of the Gentiles.  In

this court, one can see the activity going on.  Also we see the wall on the

left side of the court, that is full of cloisters, rooms and buildings where

many public meetings took place.  Perhaps it was in this area, that the early

Christians met before they were driven out of the temple.  

The area immediately behind the Gate Beautiful is probably the area known as Solomon's Porch,

where the Lord Jesus conducted many of his public meetings.       BEEP

19.  This gives a closer view, at the Court of the Gentiles, and from this

point, we can see very clearly the Wall of Separation and four or five

stairways that cross over the wall.  A close observation, will show that

blocking access to each of the stairways, is a large stone pillar upon which

was engraved a warning to Gentiles, less they cross over and be subjected toÜh[1]Ü
the death penalty.  The little modeled people and animals that are here,

illustrate the kinds of business, that were conducted, in the Court of the

Gentiles.  Even the establishment of booths and tents, to buy and sell

articles, that were related to public worship.  The portion of the wall, at

the far end of the Court of the Gentiles is that which corresponds to the

Wailing Wall today.  To the right of the Wailing Wall is seen the Western

Gate with its beautiful pillars and stairway leading out of the Temple area.

BEEP

20.  Looking closely into the Court of the Gentiles we see one of the tents

that is set up for the conducting of business.  The portion of the wall

towards the back that is visible, corresponds to the Wailing Wall.  The wall

along the left side would be the south wall.  The main gates of the south

contained the large brass doors that would have been closed immediately

whenever the temple area was defiled, as at the time when it was suspected

that the Apostle Paul brought a Gentile into the Temple area.  BEEP

21.  Here we see the beautiful brass gates that were in the South Gate.  This

gate opened into the main portion of the city and this would have been one of

the main avenues of access into the Court of the Gentiles.    BEEP

22.  Viewing now the western wall, we observe the beautiful columns and the

stairways that provided access into the temple area from behind the main

Temple Building.  In the foreground is the only bare ground that was inside of

the walls.  This is one of the gardens that was placed there by a king,

probably Jehosaphat.  In it you can see the palm trees and other trees that

were there to decorate this small garden inside the Temple area.      BEEP

23.  This building is located south of the main Temple Building.  It is the

Senate Building in which the Sanhedrin conducted its business the upper

level, with its beautiful columns was probably the area where the official-
business of the state was conducted by the Jews and the lower floor is where

the meetings of the Sanhedrin were held.  The wall has been removed on the

right side so that we may have a view into the lower room.  Seated on the red

throne, one can see the High Priest with Scribes and attendants sitting before

the 70 elders of the Sanhedrin.      BEEP

24.  Looking at the same building from a different angle, permits us to look

into the room to see some of the 70 elders of the Sanhedrin sitting in

session.  It was in a session like this, that our Lord Jesus was placed on

trial before the Sanhedrin.  At a later time some of the other Christians,

for example the Apostle Paul would have been placed on trial in this very

room.      BEEP

25.  Now we have another overall view of the Temple Proper.  Attention is

called to the brazen altar and to the brazen sea of water behind it.  It is

resting on the back of 12 brazen oxen that are not clearly in view at this

time.  We'll see it a little bit later.  Also from this view we can see the

choir of Levites standing before the stairway that goes into the main temple

area between the stairway and the brazen altar.            BEEP

26.  Looking a little bit closer at this same area, we find the spot where

the main activity of the worship of the people was carried on.      BEEP

27.  This is a close up of the brazen altar showing on top, two of the priests

preparing the wood for a burnt offering.  In the foreground are carts which

were used for carrying the carcasses of the sacrificed animals back and forth

in the main temple area.  To the right of the brazen altar can be seen the

platform with rows of rings.  These rings were used to hold the animals bodies

during the time when they were cut and prepared for sacrifice.  On the left

side of the altar we see the ramp that rises to provide access for the priests

to climb to the top of the altar.  Clearly visible around the top of the altarÜh[1]Ü
are the horns of the altar on which was sprinkled the blood of the animals

that were sacrificed.  From this view the Brazen sea can be seen to stand on

the backs of the 12 brass oxen.  Behind the altar, before the beautiful white

stairway, notice the Levitical choir, singers in red and the musicians in

black.  Also from this view, one can see the golden lions that stand on the

stairway going up into the main entrance of the temple.  Behind the lions on

the stairs Levites or priests, dressed in white robes are engaged in the

worship service in some manner.  Some are perhaps singing, chanting or

reciting parts of the ritual.      BEEP

28.  This shows the Court of the Men.  Notice the stairway on the left, giving

access into the sacrificial area and the brazen carts that were used for

carrying the animals bodies back and forth.      BEEP

29.  Again, observe the brazen altar.  This time giving a clear picture of the

priests on the top, preparing the wood for the sacrifice.        BEEP

30.  The scene here, shows the beautiful stairway, giving access into the main

entrance of the Temple Proper.  Before the stairway, we see the singers and

the musicians and on the stairway just barely visible are the eight golden

lions that stand guard along the stairway.  The stairway comes up from either

side and has a direct access going up into the main entrance of the Temple

Building.  Standing on either side of the main entrance, are visible the two

brazen pillars, the tall pillars with ornate tops on them.  These pillars were

originally made by Solomon.  The original ones were probably destroyed and

these are the other ones to take their place.  But on these pillars were

written the Hebrew words Yahkem and Bahhos.  The words are interpreted in

Hebrew "May He establish it in strength".  This is evidently a prayer of

Solomon, concerning the establishment of his original Temple.           BEEP

31.  We're now viewing the main entrance, going into the Temple Proper.  This

entrance would lead into the Holy Place, beyond which would be the Holy of

Holies.  Two Levites are seen standing here with their trumpets prepared for

sounding a blast.  On the other side of the doorway, are seen the two brazen

pillars.  Inside of the door, suspended on a golden chain is a cluster of

golden grapes.  Beyond the second door can be seen two of the golden candle- 

sticks.      BEEP

32.  This is a cut-away view of the main Temple Building.  It is another

model.  It is not the same model as the previous one, but it has the wall

removed so that we can look in from the side.  On the extreme left, can be

seen the two brazen pillars that stand before the entrance way.  The first

entrance way provides access into the foyer where we see the cloister of

golden grapes hanging from a golden chain and then another doorway entering

into the Holy Place. 

Here we see the ten golden candlesticks and approximately ten tables of shew bread. 

In the original tabernacle there was only one each,

but in this temple there were ten.  If you'll look very closely you can

see in the middle of this area, a priest standing in before the altar of

incense, with his hands raised in prayer.  To the right of the Holy Place, is

the stairway going up into the doorway that enters into the Holy of Holies on

the extreme right.  The small room on the right is that room known as the

Holy of Holies, the most sacred area of the Temple where the High Priest

would enter only once a year, on the Day of Atonement.  BEEP

34.  This close-up view of the foyer, shows the beautifully carved doors, and

the golden cluster of grapes suspended from the golden chain.            BEEP

35.  A closer view of the Holy Place shows the beautifully carved golden

candelabra, the tables of shew bread, the various vessels for containing the

bread and other items of worship in the Holy Place.  The wall in the backÜh[1]Ü®ground displays the beautifully carved wood with the jewel like windows for

providing a little light from the outside.  Here the priest is clearly seen

with his hands raised in prayer, standing before the altar of incense just

before him.  This would have been the area where the priest Zachariah would

have been standing, worshipping the Lord at the time the angel appeared to

him, announcing the birth of John the Baptist.  The priests came into this

area daily to conduct the worship.             BEEP

36.  Observe now, the main entrance going into the Holy of Holies, from the

Holy Place.  The stairway going up to the doors, can be seen, also the

beautiful carving on the walls.  This illustrates the fact that the Jews did

not regard art itself as idolatrous and contrary to the second commandment of

Moses, but only those things that would result in one bowing down to worship.

The 12 jeweled windows above stand for the 12 Tribes of Israel and illuminate

with the colored lights for an atmosphere of worship.  BEEP

37.  Pictured here, in the Holy of Holies, showing on the left over the

entrance way, the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place.

This is the veil that would have rent in twain from the top to bottom by the

earthquake at the time of the death of the Lord Jesus.  Here the Ark of the

Covenant is clearly seen resting on the highest point of the rock of the

mountain, perhaps the very place where Abraham offered Isaac in ancient times.

The poles in the corner on the left are the poles for transporting the Ark of

the Covenant.  The large Cherubim, with their wings overspread are like those

that were originally placed there by Solomon.  However the original Ark of the

Covenant that was in the tabernacle did not contain these.  It contained only

the smaller Cherubim with their wings overspreading the mercy seat, the golden

cover of the Ark of the Covenant itself.  BEEP

38.  Our last setting, shows a very close up view of the Ark of the Covenant,

with the Cherubim resting on the mercy seat over the empty space where the

shekinah glory would appear at the time that the High Priest would bring in the

blood for the Atonement of the sins.  This is the place where the blood would

be sprinkled.  Inside of the Ark of the Covenant originally were kept the

tables of the ten commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded.

This is that place where atonement was made for our sins and it stands as the

type of our Lord Jesus Chris who was not only the sacrifice for our sins, but

in addition He was the mercy seat.  He was and is that place, where the

atonement is made for the sins of all mankind.

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