Sanctuary

Denotes, (1) the Holy Land (Ex. 15:17; comp. Ps. 114:2); (2) the temple (1 Chr. 22:19; 2 Chr. 29:21); (3) the tabernacle (Ex. 25:8; Lev. 12:4; 21:12); (4) the holy place, the place of the Presence (Gr. hieron, the temple-house; not the naos, which is the temple area, with its courts and porches), Lev. 4:6; Eph. 2:21, R.V., marg.; (5) God’s holy habitation in heaven (Ps. 102:19). In the final state there is properly “no sanctuary” (Rev. 21:22), for God and the Lamb “are the sanctuary” (R.V., “temple”). All is there hallowed by the Divine Presence; all is sancturary.

SANCTUARY, a holy or sanctified place. Ps 20:2. By this name that part of the temple of Jerusalem was called which was the most secret and most retired, in which was the ark of the covenant, and where none but the high priest might enter, and he only once a year, on the day of solemn expiation. Lev 4:6. It is also applied to the furniture of this holy place. Num 10:21, the apartment where the golden candlestick, table of shew-bread, altar of incense, etc., stood, 2 Chr 26:18, and to the whole tabernacle or temple. Josh 24:26; 2 Chr 20:8. It is called the "sanctuary of strength," because it was a strong place and easily fortified, and it belonged to God, the Strength of Israel, Dan 11:31; "a worldly sanctuary," as it was of a carnal and earthly typical nature. Heb 9:1. It is also applied to any place appointed for the public worship of God, Ps 73:17; to heaven, where God and his holy angels and saints for ever dwell, Ps 102:19; and, in allusion to the Jewish sanctuary, whose brazen altar protected petty criminals, a place of refuge and shelter is called a "sanctuary," Isa 8:14; Eze 11:16. The land of Israel was called God's sanctuary. Ex 15:17; comp. Ps 78:54; Ps 114:2.

SANCTUARY, a holy or sanctified place. Ps 20:2. By this name that part of the temple of Jerusalem was called which was the most secret and most retired, in which was the ark of the covenant, and where none but the high priest might enter, and he only once a year, on the day of solemn expiation. Lev 4:6. It is also applied to the furniture of this holy place. Num 10:21, the apartment

where the golden candlestick, table of shew-bread, altar of incense, etc., stood, 2 Chr 26:18, and to the whole tabernacle or temple. Josh 24:26; 2 Chr 20:8. It is called the "sanctuary of strength," because it was a strong place and easily fortified, and it belonged to God, the Strength of Israel, Dan 11:31; "a worldly sanctuary," as it was of a carnal and earthly typical nature. Heb 9:1. It is also applied to any place appointed for the public worship of God, Ps 73:17; to heaven, where God and his holy angels and saints for ever dwell, Ps 102:19; and, in allusion to the Jewish sanctuary, whose brazen altar protected petty criminals, a place of refuge and shelter is called a "sanctuary," Isa 8:14; Eze 11:16. The land of Israel was called God's sanctuary. Ex 15:17; comp. Ps 78:54; Ps 114:2.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A sacred place; a consecrated spot; a holy and inviolable site. Hence, specifically:

2. The most retired part of the temple at Jerusalem, called the Holy of Holies, in which was kept the ark of the covenant, and into which no person was permitted to enter except the high priest, and he only once a year, to intercede for the people; also, the most sacred part of the tabernacle; also, the temple at Jerusalem.

3. A house consecrated to the worship of God; a place where divine service is performed; a church, temple, or other place of worship.

4. A sacred and inviolable asylum; a place of refuge and protection; shelter; refuge; protection. These laws, whoever made them, bestowed on temples the privelege of sanctuary. Milton . These admirable works of painting were made fuel for the fire; but some relics of it took sanctuary under ground, and escaped the common destiny. Dryden. Wildlife sanctuary, a tract of land set aside by law for the preservation of wildlife, in which no hunting is permitted.