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Ezekiel 40:14
Bible Versions
He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate.
He made the posts 105 feet, likewise the posts of the other gates around the courtyard.
Next he measured the gateposts to be sixty cubits high. The gateway extended around to the gatepost of the courtyard.
He made also posts, threescore cubits; and the court reached unto the posts, round about the gate.
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Exodus 27:9
¶ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court [of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side: -
Ezekiel 8:7
¶ And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall. -
Ezekiel 42:1
¶ Then he brought me forth into the utter court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that [was] over against the separate place, and which [was] before the building toward the north. -
Psalms 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name. -
Isaiah 62:9
But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness. -
1 Chronicles 28:6
And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him [to be] my son, and I will be his father. -
Exodus 35:17
The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,
Ezekiel 40:14 is a verse from the prophet Ezekiel's monumental vision of a new temple, described in chapters 40-48. This particular verse contributes to the meticulous architectural details of the temple's outer gate structure.
Context of Ezekiel 40:14
The book of Ezekiel chronicles the prophet's experiences during the Babylonian exile. Following devastating prophecies against Judah and surrounding nations, Ezekiel receives a detailed, visionary tour of a future, ideal temple. This vision, beginning in Ezekiel 40, serves as a powerful message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites, promising God's renewed presence among His people after the destruction of the first temple (as seen in Ezekiel 10:18).
Verse 14 specifically refers to the dimensions of the "posts" or pillars within the complex gate system leading into the temple's outer court. The angelic guide meticulously measures and describes each part, emphasizing the divine precision in the blueprint for this holy dwelling.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "posts" in Hebrew is 'ayil (איל), which can refer to a ram but in architectural contexts denotes a strong pillar, doorpost, or jamb. The measurement "threescore cubits" (ששים - shishshim) means sixty cubits. A cubit (אמה - ammah) was an ancient unit of length based on the forearm, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). Thus, sixty cubits would be a substantial dimension, emphasizing the grandeur and scale of the visionary temple.
Practical Application
While the detailed architectural descriptions of Ezekiel's temple may seem distant, they convey timeless truths. God is a God of order and precision; His plans are perfectly executed. This vision reminds us that God cares deeply about the details of our lives and our worship. Just as the temple was designed for His glory, believers are called to live orderly lives that reflect His character (see 1 Corinthians 14:40). The hope of God's presence, central to Ezekiel's vision, remains a foundational promise for believers today, assuring us that God desires to dwell with His people (as promised in John 14:23).