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- The Temple and Sacrifices
Question
Specifically, how should I understand Psalm 96:7-8? It would seem to call all people into God's temple. It has been my understanding that there was no court for gentiles at that time. Thank You.
Answer
Very nice question! Firstly, I would broaden your question to verses 6 and 9 there, which also refer to the glory of the Temple. The answer is that in fact, there was an area designated for gentiles on the Temple Mount, and archeologists actually found there the large stone, with ancient Greek words (worded for the gentiles) chiseled that until "this place" gentiles can go (on display in the Israel museum). We also know historically and from ancient Jewish sources that gentiles brought sacrifices (offered by the Jewish Kohanim priests) and prayed on the Temple Mount. On the other hand, the verses which refer to entering the Temple and sacrificing obviously refer only to those allowed to enter those areas and do those services, and the chapter teaches us that all revere and glorify the Temple Mount, everyone in their respective area.

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