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Ezekiel 40:2

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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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Ezekiel 40:2 marks the beginning of the prophet Ezekiel's longest and most detailed vision, spanning chapters 40-48. This verse sets the scene for a profound encounter with God, where Ezekiel is transported to the land of Israel and shown an intricate blueprint of a future temple and city.

Context

Prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense despair for the Jewish people following the destruction of Jerusalem and its first Temple in 586 BC. His earlier prophecies largely focused on God's judgment against Judah and surrounding nations. However, beginning around Ezekiel 33:21, after the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel's message shifts towards comfort, hope, and the promise of future restoration for Israel. This vision, dated to the 25th year of his exile, signifies a pivotal moment, offering a detailed glimpse into God's plans for a renewed covenant relationship and a rebuilt sanctuary, emphasizing the ultimate return of God's glory to His people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation and Guidance: The phrase "In the visions of God brought he me" immediately establishes the supernatural origin and divine authority of this prophecy. Ezekiel is not merely dreaming or imagining; he is being guided by God Himself to perceive future realities. This echoes his initial calling and early visions, such as those described in Ezekiel 1:1.
  • Geographic and Symbolic Significance: Being brought "into the land of Israel" underscores the re-establishment of God's presence in His chosen land, a key aspect of Israel's restoration. The "very high mountain" is a common biblical motif for places of divine encounter, revelation, and prominence, often signifying closeness to God and a vantage point for viewing God's purposes, similar to other mountain experiences in scripture, like the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1.
  • The Blueprint of Future Order: The description "as the frame of a city on the south" indicates an initial outline or structure, not a fully built city. This 'frame' or blueprint suggests God's precise and ordered plan for the future, particularly concerning the new Temple and its surrounding sacred space. It hints at the meticulous details that will follow in the subsequent chapters, highlighting God's meticulous design for worship and community.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "visions of God" is mar'ot Elohim (מַרְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים), emphasizing the clear, direct, and divinely ordained nature of what Ezekiel was experiencing. It signifies more than just a dream; it was a vivid, objective perception granted by God. The "frame of a city" translates from mibneh 'ir (מִבְנֵה עִיר), which can mean the "structure," "pattern," or "design" of a city. This implies an architectural plan or outline rather than a fully constructed metropolis, setting the stage for the detailed measurements and descriptions that follow.

Practical Application and Significance

Ezekiel 40:2 offers a powerful message of hope and divine faithfulness. Even in the midst of exile and desolation, God reveals His long-term plans for restoration and renewal. For believers today, this verse reminds us that God's purposes are unwavering, even when circumstances seem bleak. It points to a future where God's presence will be fully manifested among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament's vision of the New Jerusalem where God dwells with humanity (Revelation 21:3). This prophetic vision assures us that God has a detailed plan for His kingdom, marked by order, holiness, and His glorious presence.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 7:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.