The concept of Sanctuary in Christianity
Synonyms: Refuge, Haven, Shelter, Safe haven, Retreat, Asylum, Protection, Abode
In Dutch: Heiligdom; In Finnish: Pyhäkkö; In Spanish: Santuario; In Italian: Santuario; In German: Zuflucht; In Malay: Tempat perlindungan; In Swedish: Fristad; In French: Sanctuaire; In Portugese: Santuário; In Polish: Sanktuarium
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Sanctuary'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This was a slight, movable structure that was a new thing among nations, speaking of the continual presence of Israel's God and His condescension in their wandering lives.[1] (2) The sanctuary represents a place of divine presence, safety, and peace, where souls can find refuge and rest.[2] (3) This is a sacred place, here used to represent God Himself, in whom both strength and beauty are perfectly combined.[3] (4) A sacred place or refuge, often associated with divine presence.[4] (5) The sanctuary, established by God's hands, represents perpetual safety and a place of divine presence.[5]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The sanctuary, described at the conclusion of Exodus, is intimately connected with all external worship and is the central place mentioned throughout Leviticus.[6] (2) The erection of the sanctuary is mentioned in the text, and it marks the arrival of the Israelites at Sinai after their departure from Egypt.[7] (3) The sacred place where religious rituals and services were performed, with the Levites playing a significant role in its operation and maintenance.[8] (4) The Nethinim were servants of the sanctuary, who, although initially of foreign origin, had embraced the Jewish religion and served in the temple.[9] (5) The sacred space the high-priest entered on the Day of Atonement, marked as a special occasion not permitted on other days.[10]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The Blessing of Moses mentions the maintenance of a sanctuary by Issachar, to which 'the peoples' would flock for sacrificial worship.[11] (2) A sweet substance was presented as part of the first-fruits offerings here, but was later excluded from the altar.[12] (3) A freewill offering was ordained for this location, as stated in one of the biblical accounts of the festival.[13] (4) A sanctuary may have comprised the Gilgal stone circle and the terebinths, with the terebinths of Moreh possibly indicating its location.[14] (5) Moses receives plans for a sanctuary during his time on Mount Sinai, intended as a place for Jahweh to meet with Israel.[15]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) The sanctuary is another place where Maimonides permitted the use of the divine name, highlighting its association with holy ground.[16] (2) This sacred space was central to worship, facilitating the realization of God's presence through prayer and sacrifice.[17] (3) The chief Levites, under Eleazar's oversight, were responsible for keeping the charge of this sacred place.[18] (4) This sacred place required the creation of veils, a task traditionally associated with Jesse's weaving skills.[19] (5) Jeduthun's choir and descendants officiated in the sanctuary music, fulfilling their appointed roles in worship and praise.[20]
From: Acta Theologica
(1) This term is a material reality that is precisely designed, externally beautiful, and functionally literate, and the detailed descriptions of it create a place in the minds of those who have none.[21]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The destruction of this, along with what was believed to be holy within it and the altar of burnt offerings, was a sign of the bill of divorcement.[22] (2) The sanctuary in the middle of the earth is where Apollo inhabits, dispensing oracles to mortals, as described in Euripides' work.[23] (3) A sacred place or shrine, the oversight of which was entrusted to specific individuals under the chief priest.[24] (4) Holiness and magnificence are found within His sanctuary, which is a place associated with the Lord's presence and worship.[25] (5) This was plundered by the robber, causing mourning among the Jews, and the daughter of Caiaphas was the priestess of this place.[26]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The sacred space designated for worship and divine presence, described as a 'glorious high throne' where God dwells.[27]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) This refers to the true Faith's refuge, where one finds steadfastness and remains unmoved.[28]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) This sacred space was designated to receive a votive gift. This gift was to be placed there in the position of the covering of Zion and used for oaths.[29]
Gnostic concept of 'Sanctuary'
From: The Gnostics and Their Remains
(1) The Chaldeans entered this place and were shocked by the emblem, and they questioned the nature of the God they had been told about.[30]
From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten
(1) The general sanctuary in which they assemble every seventh day consists of two enclosures: one separated off for men, and the other for women.[31]
The concept of Sanctuary in local and regional sources
The text explains that "Sanctuary" refers to the sacred space within a church where relics, like the body of Cuthbert, were placed. This area was considered a holy and protected zone, often at the altar.
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The body of Cuthbert was placed above the pavement of the sanctuary after being dressed in new garments and laid in a new coffin.[32]