Ezekiel 40:20

And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.

And the gate {H8179} of the outward {H2435} court {H2691} that looked {H6440} toward {H1870} the north {H6828}, he measured {H4058} the length {H753} thereof, and the breadth {H7341} thereof.

Next he measured the length and width of the outer courtyard gate that faced north.

He also measured the length and width of the gateway of the outer court facing north.

And the gate of the outer court whose prospect is toward the north, he measured the length thereof and the breadth thereof.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 40 initiates a lengthy and highly detailed prophetic vision of a future temple, given to the prophet Ezekiel while he was in Babylonian exile. This elaborate divine blueprint, meticulously described through chapter 48, served as a profound message of hope and future restoration to the dispirited Jewish people. It speaks to God's enduring promise to dwell among His people. Verse 20, like many others in this section, highlights the precise dimensions of the temple's structures, here focusing on the "gate of the outward court" facing north.

Key Themes

The emphasis on exact measurements throughout Ezekiel 40-48, including this verse, underscores several key themes:

  • Divine Precision and Order: God's plans are not vague but perfectly detailed, reflecting His absolute control and sovereignty. This echoes the precision seen in the instructions for the Tabernacle.
  • Holiness and Separation: Every measurement contributes to the temple's design as a sacred space, distinct from the common, emphasizing God's holiness and the need for purity in approaching Him.
  • Restoration and Future Glory: The vision of a new, perfect temple offered a tangible symbol of God's faithfulness to restore His people and His presence among them after the destruction of the first temple. This future temple is where the glory of the Lord would return.

Linguistic Insights

The repetitive use of "measured" (Hebrew: madad) throughout Ezekiel 40-42 emphasizes the absolute exactness and divine authority behind every detail of this visionary temple. It is not an approximation but a precise blueprint, indicating that every aspect serves a specific purpose in God's grand design and that it is fully comprehensible to the one divinely guided to measure it.

Practical Application

While the exact fulfillment of Ezekiel's temple vision is debated among scholars (some see it as literal, others symbolic of the Church or New Jerusalem), the principles remain profound. This meticulous attention to detail reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and precision. It encourages believers to recognize that every part of God's plan, no matter how small, is significant and contributes to a larger, perfect design. It also offers a timeless message of hope: just as God promised a future dwelling place among His people, He continues to work out His perfect plan, culminating in the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity.

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 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

  • Ezekiel 40:6

    Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, [which was] one reed broad; and the other threshold [of the gate, which was] one reed broad.
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