The Temple: Its Ministry and Services

Alfred Edersheim's writings are considered a benchamrk by many. His original "Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah" (3000 pages) is a classic. I purchased his book regarding the temple based on his track record. The book, though written years ago, is a thorough study in the set-up, operation, and functionality of the temple in all its glory. Anyone desiring to understand present-day worship in the church needs to understand the worship in the original temple. Not necessarily to imitate it, but learn how to approach God in a manner consistent with Who He is. Understanding the methods of the "original" temple worshippers, yields many "keys" on how to worship God today. Desire to understand worship of God?...I recommend reading this book.

An excellent, in depth analysis of the Temple by a master. Updates make it much more easily read by a modern audience

This book is a wonderful book--it is well written, organized well in a format that allows for relatively quick reference, and just plain has a lot of information in it. Edersheim was a Messianic Jew who lived during the 1800's. He was a phenomenal scholar, which he proves again in this book. This book is riddled with citations to the Talmud, Josephus, and many other early sources. By Edersheim's own admission, he omits as many footnotes as he can--and there are still more footnotes than most books written today! That said, I suspect it is not the book for everyone. First of all, it is written from a Christian perspective. Edersheim shows, very effectively, how Christ fulfilled all that the Temple portrayed. To do this, there are some discussions that many people will find simply boring (I found most of them fascinating). Also, it is worth noting that this book was first published in 1874--and the Edersheim's writing style is thus outdated by over a century. If that doesn't bother you, then great--pick up the book. Or, if you don't plan on actually reading the book cover to cover, but would like a good reference, this would be a good book as well. If, on the other hand, you don't enjoy reading 19th-century language, this book may be sufficiently painful enough for you that you should pass it up. However--and a big however--if you're not sure whether you would like this book, get it anyway. It's a great book. Edersheim takes the reader throughout the first-century Temple, illuminating many things that are not commonly known. The book has some very detailed information in it, details not known to most people. These details bring to light many of the themes of the New Testament, and helps the reader understand exactly what was meant in a given passage. For a better understanding of the Temple in the times of Christ, this book is superb--but like I said, probably not for the faint of heart.

In this book, Edersheim does a brilliant job of organising the various details of first century worship in the Jewish temple, making it accessible to the modern reader. The first few chapters describe the physical setting and furnishing of Jerusalem and the temple. After providing that, Edersheim systematically explains the various categories of offerings (burnt offerings, sin offerings, peace offerings, & c.) and the Jewish festival cycle. He relies both on the commandments as given in the torah, and the subsequent traditions which grew up in post-exilic Jewish worship to explain things as they were when the New Testament was written. When appropriate, some space is devoted to differences of opinion amongst the various rabbinical schools.Numerous footnotes referencing scripture and various tracts in the Mishnah are provided, but so many as to be distracting.The only real criticism I have of the book is that it is over 100 years old. One suspects that research within the last century might expand or clarify sections. Also, monetary equivalents are given relative to British Pounds Sterling of the 19th century; not particularly helpful.I would also offer a caveat. I bought mine used, and did not get the edition with the pictures and illustrations - so be careful to make sure you get the edition you intend.All things considered, it's a must-have book for anyone who wants to understand the numerous temple references in the New Testament.

This is a great book for foundational learning in Bible study. It presents the Temple as it was in the time of Solomon and in the context of the Mosaic Law. It relates that Temple to the ministry of Jesus and how all that He did was set within the context of atonement, sacrifice and worship of the One True G-d.