Ezekiel 40:2

KJV

In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which [was] as the frame of a city on the south.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the visions {H4759} of God {H430} brought {H935} he me into the land {H776} of Israel {H3478}, and set {H5117} me upon a very {H3966} high {H1364} mountain {H2022}, by which was as the frame {H4011} of a city {H5892} on the south {H5045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In visions God brought me into the land of Isra'el and put me down on a very high mountain; on it, toward the south, it seemed that a city was being built.

Berean Standard Bible

In visions of God He took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose southern slope was a structure that resembled a city.

American Standard Version

In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me down upon a very high mountain, whereon was as it were the frame of a city on the south.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:2 initiates the prophet's most extensive and detailed vision, a profound divine transport that brings him into the devastated land of Israel. Here, he is supernaturally positioned upon an exceedingly high mountain, from which he perceives the initial outline or "frame" of a city to the south. This pivotal verse sets the stage for the meticulous revelation of a new temple and its surrounding sacred precincts, symbolizing God's precise, glorious, and unwavering plan for future restoration, renewed presence, and the re-establishment of holiness among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:2 marks a dramatic and hopeful turning point in the book of Ezekiel, transitioning sharply from prophecies of judgment, destruction, and exile (chapters [Ezekiel 1-32](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1-32 - Prophecies of Judgment and Exile")) and the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's fall (chapters [Ezekiel 33-39](/ezekiel/33 "Ezekiel 33-39 - After the Fall of Jerusalem")) to an extended vision of restoration and future glory. This verse opens the final major section of the book, chapters [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple and Land"), which meticulously detail a new temple, its ordinances, and the re-division of the land. The preceding chapters, particularly [Ezekiel 36-37](/ezekiel/36 "Ezekiel 36-37 - Restoration and the Valley of Dry Bones"), have already laid the theological groundwork for this restoration, promising a new heart, a new spirit, and the resurrection of the nation, making the detailed architectural vision here a concrete and tangible manifestation of those divine promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision described in Ezekiel 40 is precisely dated to the 25th year of Ezekiel's exile, which corresponds to 573 BC, a somber fourteen years after Jerusalem's catastrophic destruction in 586 BC. This period was one of profound despair, disillusionment, and spiritual questioning for the Jewish exiles living in Babylon. Their beloved temple, the very heart of their religious, national, and covenantal identity, lay in ruins, and their homeland was desolate. The people undoubtedly questioned God's faithfulness, the validity of His covenant, and their future as a distinct people. In this context of shattered hopes and national trauma, Ezekiel's vision served as a powerful, divinely orchestrated counter-narrative, offering a tangible blueprint of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His meticulous plan to dwell among His people once more. The highly detailed nature of the vision would have provided immense comfort, assurance, and a renewed sense of purpose, demonstrating that God had not abandoned them but was actively and precisely planning their glorious future.
* **Key Themes:** This foundational verse introduces several crucial and interconnected themes that permeate the remainder of Ezekiel's prophecy. First, **Divine Revelation and Guidance** is paramount, as Ezekiel is emphatically "brought" and "set" by God, emphasizing the supernatural origin, divine control, and absolute authoritative nature of the vision, much like his initial call and commissioning in [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Call and Vision"). Second, the **Restoration of God's Presence** is central; the vision begins with Ezekiel in "the land of Israel," signifying the re-establishment of God's intimate relationship with His chosen people within their promised land, a stark and hopeful contrast to the divine departure and abandonment described earlier in [Ezekiel 10-11](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10-11 - The Departure of God's Glory"). Third, the motif of the "very high mountain" underscores **Divine Encounter and Prominence**, a common biblical setting for significant revelations and covenant renewals, such as Moses receiving the Law on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai"). Finally, the "frame of a city" introduces the profound theme of **God's Meticulous Design and Order** for the future, hinting at the detailed architectural plans for the new temple and its surrounding sacred space that will meticulously unfold in the subsequent chapters, assuring the exiles of God's purposeful and precise plan for their future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **visions (Hebrew, _marʼâh'_):** From H4759, meaning "a vision" or "a mirror." This word powerfully emphasizes that Ezekiel's experience was not a mere dream, a subjective hallucination, or a mental construct, but a direct, objective, and divinely granted perception of spiritual realities. It implies a clear, unveiled sight, as if looking into a mirror, where God Himself is revealing the future with precision and clarity. This term signifies the authoritative, supernatural, and undeniable origin of the entire prophecy that follows, establishing its divine authenticity.
* **high (Hebrew, _gâbôahh'_):** From H1364, meaning "elevated," "lofty," or "exceeding." When paired with "mountain" and intensified by "very" (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_), it creates a superlative sense of elevation, indicating a position of immense prominence and an ideal, unobstructed vantage point. The "very high mountain" is not merely a topographical feature but a symbolic location, signifying a place uniquely suited for profound divine revelation and for viewing God's grand, overarching, and transcendent plans from an elevated, comprehensive perspective.
* **frame (Hebrew, _mibneh'_):** From H4011, meaning "a building" or "a frame." This crucial word suggests an initial outline, a foundational structure, or a precise blueprint rather than a fully constructed edifice. It implies precision, intentionality, and a pre-planned design, indicating that what Ezekiel sees is not a chaotic ruin but a divinely ordained architectural plan in its nascent stage. This "frame" sets the expectation for the meticulous measurements and detailed descriptions of the temple and city that will fill the subsequent chapters, highlighting God's ordered and purposeful design for His future dwelling place and the sacred community surrounding it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the supernatural and divine origin of Ezekiel's experience. He is not merely dreaming or imagining, but is actively and supernaturally transported by divine power ("brought he me") into the geographical, spiritual, and covenantal heartland of his people ("the land of Israel"). This emphasizes that the ensuing revelation is directly from God, is absolutely authoritative, and pertains specifically to the restoration of His covenant people in their promised land, signaling a dramatic and hopeful shift from judgment to future divine intervention and renewal.
* **"and set me upon a very high mountain,"**: The divine agent ("he," referring to God or a divine messenger) then precisely places Ezekiel on a remarkably elevated peak. This "very high mountain" serves as both a strategic and symbolic vantage point. Biblically, high mountains are often sacred sites of profound divine encounter, revelation, and a place from which to survey vast landscapes or future events (e.g., Mount Sinai, the Mount of Transfiguration). Here, it prepares Ezekiel to receive a comprehensive, panoramic, and divinely authorized view of God's future plans for His people and their dwelling place.
* **"by which [was] as the frame of a city on the south."**: From this uniquely elevated position, Ezekiel's gaze is directed southward, where he perceives not a completed, inhabited city, but its "frame" or initial blueprint. The phrase "as the frame of a city" (or "structure of a city" in other translations) implies an architectural outline, a precise design, or a foundational layout rather than a fully built metropolis. This meticulous detail sets the stage for the exhaustive measurements and detailed descriptions of the temple and its surrounding complex that will unfold in the subsequent chapters, indicating God's detailed, orderly, and intentional plan for His future dwelling place and the sacred community that will be centered around it.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:2 is rich with **Visionary Literature**, a defining characteristic of apocalyptic writing, where the prophet is supernaturally transported to witness divine realities that transcend normal human perception. This immediately signals that the subsequent chapters are not literal historical accounts but symbolic and prophetic revelations of God's future purposes. **Symbolism** is also profoundly prominent; the "very high mountain" serves as a powerful symbol of divine encounter, elevated perspective, and a place of transcendent revelation, often associated with God's dwelling, authority, and the establishment of His kingdom. The "frame of a city" functions as a **Metaphor** for a divine blueprint or architectural plan, signifying God's meticulous design, precise intentionality, and ordered purpose for the future. Furthermore, the constant emphasis on "brought he me" and "set me" highlights **Divine Agency**, underscoring that the entire experience is initiated, controlled, and guided by God Himself, lending absolute authority, certainty, and divine imprimatur to the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:2 profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, His sovereign commitment to His covenant promises, and His meticulous attention to detail, even in the darkest hours of Israel's exile. It reveals that God's plans for restoration are not vague hopes but precisely designed realities, demonstrating His active, purposeful, and redemptive involvement in the future of His people. The vision of a new temple and city, beginning with this initial "frame," speaks powerfully to God's ultimate desire to re-establish His glorious and holy presence among humanity, a presence that brings order, holiness, life, and flourishing. This divine blueprint assures believers that God's ultimate purpose is to dwell with His people, transforming their desolate circumstances into a vibrant, ordered community centered on His holiness and glory.

* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - The Mountain of the Lord's House Established") - Prophesies that "in the latter days the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills," drawing a powerful parallel with Ezekiel's high mountain vision as a place of divine prominence, universal worship, and ultimate spiritual authority.
* [Revelation 21:10](/revelation/21-10 "Revelation 21:10 - The New Jerusalem Descends from Heaven") - Describes John being carried away "in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God," echoing Ezekiel's elevated vantage point for viewing a future, divinely ordered, and ultimately glorious city, signifying God's eternal dwelling with humanity.
* [Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1-2 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ, Our High Priest in the True Tabernacle") - Speaks of Christ as the high priest who serves in "the true tent that the Lord set up, not man," implying a heavenly or ultimate sanctuary that foreshadows and transcends all earthly temples, including the one envisioned by Ezekiel, pointing to a greater, spiritual reality of God's presence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 40:2 offers a profound and enduring anchor of hope for believers navigating periods of desolation, uncertainty, or perceived abandonment. Just as God revealed a detailed blueprint for restoration to Ezekiel in the midst of Israel's exile and despair, so too does He continue to work out His sovereign purposes in our individual lives and in the broader world, often unseen, even when circumstances seem bleak, chaotic, or utterly ruined. This verse reminds us that God's plans are always precise, intentional, and ultimately aimed at bringing His glorious and transformative presence into our midst. It invites us to trust implicitly in His sovereign design, to look beyond immediate difficulties and the apparent ruins of our present circumstances to the larger, divinely orchestrated future, and to find profound comfort in the knowledge that even when our spiritual "temples" feel ruined or our lives are in "exile," God is meticulously preparing a place for His dwelling, characterized by perfect order, profound holiness, and vibrant, renewed life. Our sacred task, then, is to remain faithful, to seek His vision with open hearts, and to actively participate in the ongoing construction of His eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of God revealing a "frame" or precise blueprint for the future encourage you when you face uncertainty, chaos, or a sense of desolation in your own life?**
* **In what specific ways might God be "setting you on a high mountain" today, providing you with a new, elevated perspective or a clearer vision for His purposes in your current circumstances?**
* **What "desolate" areas in your personal life, family, or community need to be viewed through the lens of God's meticulous plan for restoration and spiritual renewal?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Ezekiel being brought to a "very high mountain"?**

Answer: The "very high mountain" in [Ezekiel 40:2](/ezekiel/40-2 "Ezekiel 40:2 - Ezekiel's Vision of the New Temple") holds profound symbolic and practical significance. Firstly, it provides a panoramic and unobstructed vantage point, allowing Ezekiel to survey the vastness and intricate layout of the future temple complex and city that will be revealed in meticulous detail. Secondly, mountains in biblical narrative are consistently depicted as sacred sites of profound divine encounter, covenant renewal, and authoritative revelation, such as [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai") where Moses received the Law, or the [Mount of Transfiguration](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration of Jesus") where Jesus' divine glory was revealed. This elevated position signifies closeness to God, a place of spiritual clarity, and a privileged setting for receiving authoritative divine communication, underscoring the sacred, transcendent, and divinely ordained nature of the entire vision.

**What does "as the frame of a city" imply about the vision?**

Answer: The phrase "as the frame of a city" (KJV) or "structure of a city" (ESV/NIV) from [Ezekiel 40:2](/ezekiel/40-2 "Ezekiel 40:2 - Ezekiel's Vision of the New Temple") implies that Ezekiel is seeing an initial outline, a foundational blueprint, or a precise architectural design rather than a fully constructed, inhabited city. This detail is crucial because the subsequent chapters ([Ezekiel 40-42](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-42 - Detailed Temple Measurements")) delve into extremely meticulous measurements and detailed descriptions of the temple's various parts. The "frame" suggests God's precise, intentional, and ordered plan for the future, indicating that the vision is not a vague promise but a detailed, divinely engineered design for a restored sanctuary and its surrounding sacred space, emphasizing God's meticulous attention to holiness, order, and His desire for a perfectly structured dwelling place among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's grand vision of a new temple and city, initiated by his supernatural transport to a "very high mountain" and the initial sight of a "frame of a city," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the detailed architectural plans in Ezekiel 40-48 were never literally realized in post-exilic Israel, they served as a powerful prophetic symbol pointing to a greater, spiritual, and eternal reality. Christ Himself is the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect dwelling place of God among humanity. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") profoundly declares, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" among us, embodying God's full presence and glory. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His victorious resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the new covenant, making all believers living stones in a spiritual temple ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), with Christ Himself as the foundational cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of God's Household")). The "frame of a city" foreshadows the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling of God with His redeemed people, where there is no longer a need for a physical temple building because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision, though rooted in a specific historical context, ultimately directs our gaze to the person and work of Christ, who perfectly embodies God's presence, establishes the eternal city, and ensures that God's glory fully resides with His people forever.

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.

Cross-References

Daniel 7:1

¶ In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, [and] told the sum of the matters.

Daniel 7:7

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns.

Ezekiel 1:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, as I [was] among the captives by the river of Chebar, [that] the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

Micah 4:1

¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

1 Chronicles 28:19

All [this, said David], the LORD made me understand in writing by [his] hand upon me, [even] all the works of this pattern.

Ezekiel 8:3

And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.

Isaiah 2:2

And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.