THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And he guided me through the entrance positioned on the side of the gate leading into the treasury of the sanctuary designated for the priests, which faced north. There, I noticed a space that faced west. He explained to me that this is where the priests are to prepare the guilt and sin offerings, along with the grain offerings, ensuring they do not bring them into the outer court, lest the people become consecrated. He then took me into the outer court and led me around its four corners, revealing a court at each corner of the outer court, with dimensions of forty cubits in length and thirty in width, all having the same measurements. Surrounding these four courts was a wall, and ovens were set up nearby, close to the areas for dining.
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He described this location as the house of the cook, where the servants prepare the sacrifices for the people.
The man who was measuring the construction guided me through the entrance at the side of the gate, without specifying which gate it was—whether to the east, south, or another direction. Instead, he led me closer to the sanctuary and the priests’ quarters, which face both north and west, as it is customary to refer to the west as the sea according to the geographical context of the Jewish land. It is essential to note that the area for the priests, where they cook the sacrifices for guilt and sin, is located in the outer court, where one encounters the cold winds and where the sun sets—symbolizing the dire need for sacrifice concerning nourishment tied to transgressions.
If atonement is required for unintentional sins, how much more so for deliberate offenses! Job illustrated this by offering sacrifices daily for his sons, apprehensive that they might have sinned unknowingly. The instruction that these offerings should not enter the outer court, thus preventing the people from being consecrated by their preparation for sacrifice, indicates that they should not be carelessly given to the unclean, akin to giving precious things to those unworthy.
Moses required the people to purify themselves from all uncleanness within three days in preparation for encountering Mount Sinai, after which they were to receive holy provisions. This preparation emphasizes the divine wisdom behind sanctification—an act resonating with the apostolic teaching concerning relationships and prayer, where abstaining from marital relations during prayer is advised.
As he took me out into the outer court and showed me the four corners, it became clear that the court from which he emerged was internal, confirming the existence of various courts as referenced in Scripture, which speaks of standing in the temple of the Lord and within the courts of God’s house. John also mentions, "And other sheep I have, which are not of this court," signifying the distinct natures of the two realms—one earthly, the other divine.
The smaller courts at each corner, referred to in the Septuagint as diminutive, each measured forty cubits long and thirty cubits wide. These dimensions symbolize trials and a journey toward maturity. Just as Moses and Elijah, along with the Lord, fasted for forty days, one does not enter into the priestly service until the age of thirty. This indicates that the age of maturity is spiritually significant.
In these places of sustenance, tribulations arise, and through trials, we learn to be content with the basic needs of life. As we grow into adulthood in faith, we should realize that true contentment lies not in abundance but in recognizing God’s provision. Regarding the equality of the four courts, it represents the four corners of the earth, illustrating that all labor for sustenance involves effort. These courts, perhaps unified by a singular wall with ovens placed strategically, reveal a divine orchestration of preparation for the sacrifices.
It is thus revealed to the prophet that this is the house where the servants of the Lord oversee the boiling of the people’s offerings, meant for both guilt and sin. These sacrifices are integral to the sustenance of the priests, providing a reminder that divine provisions and sustenance are necessary, especially in a holy place where offerings are prepared for their needs.