Ezekiel 40:17

Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, [there were] chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers [were] upon the pavement.

Then brought {H935} he me into the outward {H2435} court {H2691}, and, lo, there were chambers {H3957}, and a pavement {H7531} made {H6213} for the court {H2691} round about {H5439}: thirty {H7970} chambers {H3957} were upon the pavement {H7531}.

Then he brought me into the outer courtyard. There I saw rooms and paved mosaic flooring made for the courtyard all around its perimeter, and thirty rooms facing the flooring.

Then he brought me into the outer court, and there were chambers and a pavement laid out all around the court. Thirty chambers faced the pavement,

Then brought he me into the outer court; and, lo, there were chambers and a pavement, made for the court round about: thirty chambers were upon the pavement.

Commentary

Ezekiel 40:17 is a precise architectural detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a new temple, described extensively from chapter 40 through 48. This verse specifically describes elements of the outward court, the first major area encountered when entering the visionary temple complex.

Context

The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile, a time of immense despair for the Jewish people who had seen their beloved Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple destroyed. Chapters 40-48 present a detailed, prophetic vision of a new temple, a new land, and renewed worship. This vision, given by God to Ezekiel, served as a powerful message of hope and restoration, assuring the exiles that God had not abandoned them and that His presence would once again dwell among His people. The "he" in the verse refers to the angelic guide, described earlier in Ezekiel 40:3 as a man with the appearance of brass, holding a line of flax and a measuring reed, who meticulously measures every part of the temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The meticulous detail in this verse, down to the exact number of "thirty chambers," underscores God's perfect order and the precise nature of His plans. Every aspect of the future temple is divinely ordained, emphasizing the sacredness and functionality of each component.
  • Preparation for Worship: The "chambers" (Hebrew: lishkah) were likely rooms for priests, for storing offerings, or for other administrative functions related to temple service. The "pavement" provided a clear, defined space for the people to gather within the outer court, facilitating orderly worship and access. This vision highlights God's preparation of a suitable place for His renewed presence and the worship of His people.
  • Hope and Restoration: For a people in exile, a vision of a rebuilt, perfectly ordered temple was a profound source of comfort and a promise of future restoration, both physically to their land and spiritually to proper worship of God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "chambers" (Hebrew: ืœึดืฉึฐืื›ึธึผื”, lishkah) denotes specific rooms or cells, often within a larger complex, designed for particular purposes. In temple contexts, these rooms served various functions, such as housing priests, storing sacred vessels, or holding tithes and offerings. The mention of "thirty chambers" is remarkably specific, reinforcing the exactness of the divine blueprint. The "pavement" (Hebrew: ืจึดืฆึฐืคึธึผื”, ritzpah) refers to a paved surface or floor, indicating a well-defined and level area within the court.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel's temple vision has various interpretations (literal future temple, symbolic representation of the church, or a spiritual reality), the principles embedded in this verse remain relevant:

  • God's Attention to Detail: We learn that God is a God of order and precision. This can encourage believers to approach their spiritual lives and service with diligence and intentionality, knowing that God values carefulness in all things.
  • Provision for His People: The existence of chambers and a pavement speaks to God's provision for His servants and for orderly gathering. It reminds us that God prepares a way and a place for His people to draw near to Him and serve Him.
  • Hope in God's Plans: Just as this vision brought hope to the exiles, it assures us that even in times of destruction or despair, God has a perfect plan for restoration and future glory. We can trust in His ultimate design for our lives and for the world, looking forward to His dwelling among humanity in the new creation.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 11:2

    But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.

  • Ezekiel 42:1

    ยถ 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.

  • 1 Chronicles 9:26

    For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in [their] set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

  • 2 Chronicles 31:11

    ยถ Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared [them],

  • Ezekiel 10:5

    And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard [even] to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:28

    Because their office [was] to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the LORD, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God;

  • Ezekiel 45:5

    And the five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of the house, have for themselves, for a possession for twenty chambers.
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