entering its courts. Purity restrictions were more severe the closer one was to the sanctuary. Only pure priests could enter the sanctuary. Levites maintained its courts and Israel could come and worship only in prescribed areas. It is important to note, nevertheless, that even when not going to the sanctuary, Israel had to maintain a certain level of purity in their homes, including, for example, bathing after sexual intercourse and menstruation, because of the presence of God among them. Purity,