11 And the seats which were set apart for the high priests, which were above all the other seats, he did ornament with pure gold; and he caused a breastwork to be built before them, that they might rest their bodies and their arms upon while they should speak lying and vain words to his people.
The architecture of the temple reflected the hierarchy. The chief seats would be comfortable, regal, and lifted up. The priests would, from their comfort, preach doctrines they knew to be incomplete, misstated, shallow, and flattering to the people. They would teach doctrine that was vain, without the capacity to produce saving faith, to flatter the people into remaining loyal. The priests were flattered by their own supposed authority. The people were flattered by the priests. Everyone got what they wanted. Read the rest of this entry »