This book uncovers the meaning and significance of the Jewish Temple and its service during the first centuries of its existence. Early sources indicate that the Temple and its rites were seen as holding the universe together, providing order and meaning to a world which could otherwise easily lapse into chaos. All the central texts are provided in translation, with a detailed commentary. While descriptions of the Temple and its service are available, discussions of the meaning of these things are less easily found. This study clearly illustrates how the Temple was seen as a meeting point between heaven and earth, its service being an earthly representation of heavenly reality. Jews regarded the Temple service therfore as having significance for the whole created world. "The Jewish Temple" offers a valuable collection of materials both for those looking for an introduction to the topic and for the scholar interested in grasping the meanings beyond those texts.

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.