Ezekiel 40:18

Ezekiel 40:19

Ezekiel 40:20

Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward.

Then he measured {H4058} the breadth {H7341} from the forefront {H6440} of the lower {H8481} gate {H8179} unto the forefront {H6440} of the inner {H6442} court {H2691} without {H2351}, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} eastward {H6921} and northward {H6828}.

He measured at 175 feet the distance from inside this lower gate that faced east to the outside of the inner courtyard, and he did the same for the gate that faced north.

Then he measured the distance from the front of the lower gateway to the outside of the inner court; it was a hundred cubits on the east side as well as on the north.

Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, a hundred cubits, both on the east and on the north.

Context

Ezekiel 40:19 is situated within a lengthy and detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, beginning in Ezekiel chapter 40 and extending through chapter 48. This vision occurred during the Babylonian exile, a time of profound despair for the Jewish people after the destruction of Solomon's Temple and Jerusalem. The meticulous architectural blueprint of a new, grand temple serves as a powerful message of hope, promising future restoration, the re-establishment of true worship, and the return of God's glory to His people. This specific verse describes a key measurement of the outer court, detailing the breadth from the lower (outer) gate to the inner court, emphasizing the precise dimensions of this future sacred space.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The overwhelming detail in Ezekiel's temple vision, including specific measurements like the "hundred cubits" in this verse, highlights God's meticulous planning and His desire for order in worship and in His dwelling place. It underscores that God's plans are exact and intentional.
  • Promise of Restoration: For a people in exile, the vision of a new, glorious temple was a profound assurance of God's faithfulness and His commitment to restore Israel, not just physically but spiritually. It painted a picture of a renewed covenant relationship.
  • God's Imminent Presence: The ultimate purpose of any temple is to be a place where God's presence dwells. The return of God's glory to this visionary temple, as described in Ezekiel 43:4, is the climax of the vision, signifying that God would once again dwell among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cubit" refers to an ancient unit of measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (approximately 45-53 centimeters). Ezekiel's vision uses a 'long cubit' (Ezekiel 40:5), which was a handbreadth longer than the common cubit. The precise use of "forefront" (meaning the very front or leading edge) indicates exactness in the starting and ending points of the measurement. The specific directions "eastward and northward" suggest consistency in the layout, indicating a symmetrical and divinely ordered design.

Symbolism and Significance

The repeated use of specific numbers and detailed measurements throughout Ezekiel 40-48, including the "hundred cubits" here, is not merely architectural; it carries symbolic weight. The number 100 often signifies completeness, fullness, or divine order in biblical numerology (e.g., 10 x 10). These precise dimensions emphasize the reality and divine origin of the vision, assuring the exiles that God's promises of restoration are concrete and will be fulfilled. The distinct separation between the outer and inner courts, defined by such measurements, also underscores the increasing holiness as one approaches the presence of God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezekiel's detailed temple vision reminds us of God's attention to detail and His sovereign plan. Even in times of brokenness or exile, God has a perfect blueprint for restoration and a future where His presence is central. While the New Testament reveals that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and that the ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling with humanity is found in the New Jerusalem where there is no physical temple because God and the Lamb are its temple (Revelation 21:22), Ezekiel's vision still powerfully conveys God's desire for an ordered, holy, and accessible relationship with His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 40:23

    And the gate of the inner court [was] over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits.

  • Ezekiel 40:27

    ¶ And [there was] a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.

  • Ezekiel 46:1

    ¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

  • Ezekiel 46:2

    And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

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