said, "O
Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all; the
earth is full of thy riches."(526) Whence is it proved that Abraham is one
possession? Because it is written, "And he blessed him, and said blessed
be Abraham of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth."(527)
Whence is it proved that Israel is one possession? Because it is written,
"Till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou
hast purchased."(528) And it is said, "But to the saints that are in the
earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight."(529) Whence can
it be proved that the holy temple is one possession? Because it is said,
"The sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established."(530) And it is
said, "And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this
mountain which his right hand hath purchased."(531) Everything which God
created, he created but for his glory; as is said, "Everyone that is
called by my name; for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him;
yea, I have made him."(532) And the Lord will reign forever and ever. R.
Chanina, son of Akasea, said, "the Holy One, Blessed be He, wished to
purify Israel, wherefore He magnified for them the Law and the
Commandments, as is said, 'The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness'
sake; he will magnify the law and make it honorable.' "(533)

The Daily Sacrifice

Guarding the Temple at Night--Taking the Ashes Off the
Altar--Casting Lots--Opening the Temple in the Morning--Arranging the
Fire on the Altar--The Wood-Kindling--Allotting Services--Examination
of the Daily Sacrifice--Slaughter-house--Sounds Heard at
Jericho--Snuffing the Candlestick--Position of the Lamb when
Slain--Pouring Out its Blood--Preparations for Burning--Order of
Carrying the Members to the Altar--Blessings--Cleansing the Vessels
of the Holy Place--The High Priest on the Altar--Music and
Psalm-Singing.

Chapter I

1. The Priests guarded the sanctuary in three places(534)--in the House
Abtinas, in the House Nitzus, and in the House Moked. The House Abtinas
and the House Nitzus had upper chambers, and the young priests guarded
there. The House Moked was arched, and its large chamber was surrounded
with stone divans, and the elders of the House of the Fathers slept there,
with the keys of the court in their hands; and the younger priests also
slept there, each with his cushion on the ground