This book uncovers the meaning and significance of the Jewish Temple and its Service during the last centuries of its existence. The non-biblical sources indicate that the Temple and its rites were seen as holding the universe together, providing order and meaning in a world which would overwise easily lapse into chaos.

Preface. Abbreviations. Introduction. 1. Hecataeus of Abdera 2. The Epistle of Aristeas 3. The Wisdom of Jesus Ben Sira in Hebrew 4. The Wisdom of Jesus Ben Sira in Greek 5. The Book of Jubilees 6. The Writings of Philo 7. The Writings of Josephus 8. Pseudo-Philo's Book of Biblical Antiquities Index.