The Inner Court

 

2. THE INNER COURT

This second compartment is called the Holiest of All, and similarly to the first compartment whatever occupies this compartment verifies the activities that are being conducted therein. What is of primary importance however; is that one is not allowed to enter this compartment without blood and this compartment is furnished with:

1. The golden altar of incense

This is figurative to approved services of worship. Jesus Christ has already given Himself for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma, which we are to take heed to offer to God at their appointed time (Ephesians 5:2; Numbers 28:2)

The incense is figurative to worship, prayer and praise; For it is written, “Let my prayer be set before you as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalms 141:2).

With regards to prayer it is stated, “Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty four elders fell down before the lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” ‘Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand” (Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4).

And with regards to praise it is written; “For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My Name shall be great among the Gentiles; in every place incense shall be offered to My Name, and a pure offering: for My Name shall be great among the nations says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 1:11).

b.      The Ark of the Covenant overlaid on all sides with gold

This symbolizes God’s visible presence and power. As it is written; “Whenever the ark set out Moses said; “Rise up, O Lord! Let you enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You.’ And when the ark rested he said; “Return. O Lord, to the many thousands of Israel (Numbers11:35-36).

With regards to the ark David prayed saying; “Now therefore, arise, O Lord God, to Your resting place. You and the ark of Your strength, let Your priests O Lord God be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints rejoice in goodness” (2Chronicles 6:41).

c.       The golden pot that had the manna

This is figurative to Jesus Christ as the true bread from heaven. When asked by the crowd, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the dessert; as it is written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat’ Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven: For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:30-32).

d.      Aaron’s rod that budded

This is figurative to Jesus Christ the High Priest Whom God has chosen, as Aaron was chosen. For it is testified; “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Numbers 17:1-10; Hebrews 7:17, 21).

e.      Tablets of the covenant

This is descriptive of the Ten Commandments, the principles established by God by which man should live. Moses describes the righteousness which is of the law this way, “The man who does those things shall live by them.” The law is not of faith, “But the man who does them shall live by them” (Leviticus 18:5; Ezekiel 20:11; Nehemiah 9:29; Romans 10:5; Galatians 3:12).

f.       Cherubim of glory:

This is figurative to the two witnesses witnessing the testimony which is placed in the ark when brought to the presence of God. As it is written, “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.” For it is by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” And it is also written in the law that the testimony of two men is true” (1Timothy 5:19; Matthew 18:16; John 8:17).

g.      The Mercy Seat

This is figurative to Jesus Christ our merciful and faithful High Priest whose duty is to plead and intercede on behalf of His saints. “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” For according to the scriptures, the accuser of the brethren Satan the devil, accuses them before our God day and night (1Peter 4:17; Revelation 12:10).

There is a huge difference between what takes place in the outer court, and what takes place in the inner court. In the inner court only the redeemed should be allowed to appear before the presence of God to worship and glorify Him, by partaking of the bread from heaven in fellowship with the Father and His Son, to answer charges leveled against them by the accuser, and to receive forgiveness and requital for charges brought against them; and to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

To be continued

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With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph