Outer court

[Old Man]

Just the facts people. No spiritualizations. Just plain Bible.

What was the outer court? How was it used? Who was allowed there?

Thanks

[greenonions]

Just the facts people. No spiritualizations. Just plain Bible.

What was the outer court? How was it used? Who was allowed there?

Thanks

I did a quick search and it looks like the outer court of the temple is only mentioned in Ezekiel 40 to 46. It is part of the temple complex in Ezekiel's vision. The priests were allowed inside the inner court (Ezekiel 42:14). Only circumcised people were allowed in the outer court. I suppose Israelite men, women, and children could be there.

Ezekiel 44:9 WEB The Lord Yahweh says, "No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners who are among the children of Israel."

The NIV also translates "outer court" in Revelation 11:2.

Revelation 11:2 NIV But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.

I think "outer court" is misleading so that it sounds like there is an "inner court". The court would be all space in the temple complex outside of the main building. This passage mentions worshippers there in Revelation 11:1.

Revelation 11:2 NKJV But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.

[RandyPNW]

Just the facts people. No spiritualizations. Just plain Bible.

What was the outer court? How was it used? Who was allowed there?

Thanks

It gets confusing. What initially was called the "Outer Court" began to be referenced as the "Inner Court."  The Aaronic priests offered animal sacrifices on the altar in the original "Outer Court." I believe the people could bring their animals to be sacrificed to the priests in the Outer Court. I could research this further, but it always gets me a bit confused.