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“Measuring the Outer Court Gates”· Ezekiel 40:20–27
Translation
King James Version
After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.
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KJV (with Strong's)
After that he brought H3212 me toward H1870 the south H1864, and behold a gate H8179 toward H1870 the south H1864: and he measured H4058 the posts H352 thereof and the arches H361 thereof according to these measures H4060.
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Complete Jewish Bible
He led me toward the south, and there I saw a gate that faced south. He measured its supports and vestibule; they were the same size as the others.
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Berean Standard Bible
Then he led me to the south side, and I saw a gateway facing south. He measured its side pillars and portico, and they had the same measurements as the others.
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American Standard Version
And he led me toward the south; and, behold, a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.
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World English Bible Messianic
He led me toward the south; and behold, a gate toward the south: and he measured its posts and its arches according to these measures.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
After that, he brought mee towarde the South, and loe, there was a gate towarde the South, and hee measured the postes thereof, and the arches thereof according to these measures.
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Young's Literal Translation
And he causeth me to go southward, and lo, a gate southward, and he hath measured its posts and its arches according to these measures;
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In the KJVVerse 21,502 of 31,102 · 69.1%

Study This Verse

Summary

Ezekiel 40:24 continues the prophet's immersive, divinely guided tour through a visionary temple complex, specifically detailing his movement to the southern precinct of the magnificent structure. This verse meticulously records the precise observation and measurement of the southern gate, including its robust posts and elegant arches, underscoring the divine architect's unwavering commitment to meticulous detail and the comprehensive nature of God's blueprint for this future sanctuary. It powerfully emphasizes the ordered and intentional nature of God's design, where every architectural element holds profound significance within the grand vision of Israel's restoration and renewed divine presence.

Context

Literary Context

Ezekiel 40 initiates a profound and extended prophetic vision, spanning chapters 40-48, which describes a new temple, a renewed priesthood, and a reordered land for Israel. This vision follows a series of prophecies concerning Israel's judgment and subsequent restoration, culminating in the dramatic return of God's glory to a purified sanctuary. Chapters 40-42 meticulously detail the architectural layout and dimensions of this visionary temple. Beginning in Ezekiel 40:1, Ezekiel is transported by a divine being, described as having the appearance of bronze, to a very high mountain in Israel, where he is shown a city-like structure. The divine guide immediately begins to measure various components of the temple complex, starting with the outer wall and the eastern gate in Ezekiel 40:5-16. The narrative then progresses to the outer court and its chambers (Ezekiel 40:17-19), followed by the northern gate (Ezekiel 40:20-23). Verse 24, therefore, is a direct continuation of this systematic architectural survey, moving methodically from one section of the temple to another, reinforcing the divine precision, comprehensive scope, and uniform design inherent in God's blueprint.

Historical & Cultural Context

The book of Ezekiel was written during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile, roughly between 593-571 BC. This era was marked by profound national trauma and spiritual desolation for the Israelites, following the catastrophic destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The absence of their central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among them plunged the people into deep despair. In this context of hopelessness, the detailed vision of a new, glorious temple served as an extraordinary source of hope and reassurance. It promised a future restoration, a renewed covenant relationship with God, and the triumphant return of God's glory to His sanctuary, as dramatically depicted later in Ezekiel 43:1-5. The meticulous measurements would have resonated deeply with ancient Near Eastern architectural practices, where temples were often constructed according to precise divine specifications, emphasizing their sacredness, divine origin, and the cosmic order they represented. This divine precision also served to counter any human doubt or notion of imperfection, assuring the exiles of the unwavering and perfect nature of God's ultimate plan for His people.

Key Themes

The overarching theme throughout Ezekiel 40-48 is Divine Order and Precision. The recurring emphasis on exact measurements—from walls and gates to chambers and courtyards—underscores God's absolute control, intentionality, and the perfect order of His plans for His people and His dwelling place. This precision signifies that God's restoration is not haphazard or improvised but meticulously planned and perfectly executed. Another crucial theme is God's Presence and Restoration. The entire temple vision points to a future time when God's glory will return to dwell among His people, fulfilling promises of renewal and reconciliation after judgment, as seen in the broader context of Ezekiel 36 and Ezekiel 37. The careful and precise construction of the temple ensures a holy and fitting space for His renewed presence. Finally, Holiness and Access are central. The gates, posts, and arches described are not merely architectural features; they symbolize the regulated access and the sacred boundaries necessary for maintaining the holiness of God's sanctuary. The detailed measurements of these entry points highlight the strict requirements for approaching a holy God, a theme woven throughout the book, particularly concerning the separation of the holy from the common (e.g., Ezekiel 44:23).

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

brought yâlak' H3212

Meaning "to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses)." In this context, it denotes a divine leading or guidance. Ezekiel is not simply wandering or exploring on his own initiative; he is being actively conducted by the angelic guide, emphasizing the divine initiation and control over the entire visionary experience. This movement is purposeful, directing the prophet's attention to specific architectural elements for observation and measurement, highlighting his role as a recipient of revelation.

gate shaʻar' H8179

Meaning "an opening, i.e. door or gate." A gate in ancient Near Eastern contexts was far more than a simple entrance; it was a point of control, a boundary marker, and often a place of public assembly, judgment, and commerce. In the temple vision, gates are crucial for regulating access to sacred spaces, signifying the necessary separation between the holy and the profane and underscoring the controlled and reverent nature of entry into God's presence.

measured mâdad' H4058

Meaning "to stretch; by implication, to measure (as if by stretching a line); figuratively, to be extended." This verb highlights the meticulous and precise nature of the divine architect's work. The repeated act of measuring signifies exactitude, order, and the divine standard by which everything in the temple is constructed. It conveys the profound idea that God's plans are not vague or approximate but are detailed, intentional, and perfectly calibrated according to His divine wisdom.

Verse Breakdown

"After that he brought me toward the south,"

This opening clause establishes the continuation and systematic progression of the guided tour within the visionary temple complex. The divine guide, having previously measured the eastern and northern gates, now meticulously directs Ezekiel to the southern side. The phrase "he brought me" underscores Ezekiel's passive yet crucial role as a divinely led observer and recipient of this profound architectural revelation, highlighting that the entire experience is orchestrated by God.

"and behold a gate toward the south:"

Upon arriving at the southern side, Ezekiel's attention is immediately drawn to a prominent gate. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: hinneh) serves to heighten the significance of what is being revealed, drawing both the prophet's and the reader's focus to this new architectural feature. The repetition of "toward the south" reinforces the directional shift and the systematic nature of the tour, firmly establishing the precise location of this specific gate within the temple's overall, divinely ordered layout.

"and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures."

This concluding clause reiterates the primary action and purpose of the vision: meticulous measurement. Just as with the previously observed gates, the divine guide meticulously measures the structural components of the southern gate. "Posts" (Hebrew: 'ayil) refer to the strong, foundational supports or pilasters of the gate, while "arches" (Hebrew: 'êylâm) likely refer to the porticos, vestibules, or colonnades associated with the gate complex, providing depth and grandeur. The crucial phrase "according to these measures" signifies that the dimensions of this southern gate conform precisely to the same divine standard and scale established for the other gates and sections of the temple, reinforcing the uniformity, divine origin, and perfect harmony of the entire blueprint.

Literary Devices

Ezekiel 40:24 employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and impact. Repetition is prominently featured in the phrase "toward the south" and "south," which firmly establishes the directional movement of the prophet and highlights the systematic nature of the divine tour. This repetition serves to orient the reader within the vast architectural vision and emphasizes the meticulous, step-by-step progression of the measurements. The verse also heavily utilizes Precision and Detailing, a characteristic that defines the entire temple vision. The explicit act of "measuring" and the specific mention of structural components like "posts" and "arches" underscore the exactitude of God's blueprint, leaving no room for ambiguity or human improvisation. This detailed description conveys a profound sense of divine intentionality, perfect order, and the non-negotiable standards of holiness. Furthermore, the entire temple vision, including this verse, functions as rich Symbolism. While described with architectural precision, the temple itself symbolizes God's future dwelling among His people, the restoration of holiness, and the perfectly ordered life of a renewed Israel. The gates, specifically, symbolize regulated access to God's presence and the sacred boundaries of holiness that must be observed.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Ezekiel 40:24, with its emphasis on the meticulous measurement and systematic exploration of the temple's southern gate, profoundly illustrates God's nature as a God of order, precision, and intentionality. This divine characteristic is not limited to architectural blueprints but extends comprehensively to His redemptive plans for humanity and the unfolding of history. The detailed measurements convey that God's purposes are not vague, arbitrary, or subject to chance, but are rather carefully conceived, perfectly calibrated, and precisely executed. This assurance would have been a powerful source of comfort to the exiled Israelites, guaranteeing the certainty of God's promises even amidst their profound desolation. This vision offers a powerful counter-narrative to the chaos and destruction they experienced, presenting a future grounded in divine design and perfect harmony. It reminds us that God's ultimate desire is to dwell among His people, and He orchestrates every detail to bring about that holy communion and restoration.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel's vision of the meticulously measured temple serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that God is a God of absolute order, perfect precision, and unwavering intention. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and seemingly random events, this passage invites us to find profound comfort and unshakeable confidence in the divine architect who possesses a precise blueprint for all things—including our individual lives, the trajectory of history, and the unfolding of His grand redemptive plan. Just as every post and arch of the visionary temple was measured with divine exactitude, so too does God orchestrate the intricate details of our existence and the life of His church. This truth encourages us to trust implicitly in His perfect timing and sovereign design, even when we cannot fully comprehend the "measures" He is taking or the path He is leading us on. It calls us to live lives characterized by intentionality, discipline, and holiness, recognizing that we, as believers, are integral components of God's spiritual dwelling place, a "spiritual house" being built by Him (1 Peter 2:5). Our lives, like the temple, should reflect divine order and holiness, preparing us for and inviting the indwelling presence of God's Spirit. This vision challenges us to consider the "measurements" of our own spiritual lives—our disciplines, our devotion, our obedience, our relationships—ensuring they align with God's divine standard and contribute to the building of His kingdom.

Questions for Reflection

  1. How does the meticulous detail of God's temple blueprint in Ezekiel 40:24 speak to His character and His approach to His plans for creation and redemption?
  2. In what ways can recognizing God as a God of precision and order bring comfort or challenge to your personal faith journey, especially in times of uncertainty?
  3. Considering the church as God's spiritual temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), what "measurements" of holiness, unity, and order should we, as a community of believers, strive to uphold?
  4. How might a greater appreciation for God's intentionality in the grand narrative of Scripture impact your trust in His specific guidance and sovereign plan for your life?

FAQ

What is the significance of the detailed measurements in Ezekiel's temple vision?

The detailed measurements in Ezekiel's temple vision, as vividly portrayed in Ezekiel 40:24 and throughout chapters 40-42, are profoundly significant for several interconnected reasons. First, they underscore the divine origin and authority of the vision; this is not a humanly conceived or imagined structure but a divinely revealed blueprint, given by God Himself. Second, they powerfully emphasize God's meticulous nature and perfect order. Every dimension, every component, and every architectural detail is precise, reflecting a God who is intentional, sovereign, and perfectly in control over every aspect of His creation and His redemptive plan. This precision would have been a source of immense comfort and assurance to the exiled Israelites, guaranteeing them that God's future restoration was certain, perfectly planned, and not a vague or distant hope. Third, the measurements highlight the holiness and sacredness of the temple. The exact dimensions create a defined, consecrated space, emphasizing the necessary separation between the holy and the common, and the strict requirements for approaching God's holy presence. Finally, the uniformity of measurements across different gates and sections (as implied by "according to these measures") suggests a unified, harmonious, and unchangeable divine design for the restored community and its renewed relationship with God.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Ezekiel's vision of the meticulously measured temple, with its precisely defined gates, posts, and arches, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal rebuilding of a physical temple, but in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple served as a tangible dwelling place for God's presence and a divinely appointed means of access to Him, it was always a shadow, a type, pointing forward to a greater, eternal reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking not of the stone structure but of the temple of His own body (John 2:19-21). Christ Himself is the ultimate and perfect dwelling place of God, for "in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). The precise measurements in Ezekiel's vision, symbolizing divine order, perfect design, and regulated access, are fully realized in Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), the sole and perfect means by which humanity can approach a holy God. Furthermore, through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, believers are incorporated into a new spiritual temple, the Church, where the Holy Spirit now dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:19-22). The precision of Ezekiel's vision foreshadows the perfect, unblemished nature of Christ's sacrifice, which establishes perfect access and a perfectly ordered relationship between God and His redeemed people, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God's presence is directly with His people, and no temple is needed, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it" (Revelation 21:22).

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ezekiel 40:5–26. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.

1662–1714 · 22 verses
Passage under commentEzekiel 40:5–26
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details

The measuring-reed which was in the hand of the surveyor-general was mentioned before, Eze 40:3. Here we are told (Eze 40:5) what was the exact length of it, which must be observed, because the house was measured by it. It was six cubits long, reckoning, not by the common cubit, but the cubit of the sanctuary, the sacred cubit, by which it was fit that this holy house should be measured, and that was a hand-breadth (that it, four inches) longer than the common cubit: the common cubit was eighteen inches, this twenty-two, see Eze 43:13. Yet some of the critics contend that this measuring-reed was but six common cubits in length, and one handbreadth added to the whole. The former seems more probable. Here is an account,

I.Of the outer wall of the house, which encompassed it round, which was three yards thick and three yards high, which denotes the separation between the church and the world on every side and the divine protection which the church is under. If a wall of this vast thickness will not secure it, God himself will be a wall of fire round about it; whoever attack it will do so at their peril.

II.Of the several gates with the chambers adjoining to them.

Here is no mention of the outer court of all, which was called the court of the Gentiles, some think because in gospel-times there should be such a vast confluence of Gentiles to the church that their court should be left unmeasured, to signify that the worshippers in that court should be unnumbered, Rev 7:9, Rev 7:11, Rev 7:12.

1.He begins with the east gate, because that was the usual way of entering into the lower end of the temple, the holy of holies being at the west end, in opposition to the idolatrous heathen that worshipped towards the east. Now, in the account of this gate, observe,

(1.)That he went up to it by stairs (Eze 40:6), for the gospel-church was exalted above that of the Old Testament, and when we go to worship God we must ascend; so is the call, Rev 4:1. Come up hither. Sursum corda - Up with your hearts.

(2.)That the chambers adjoining to the gates were but little chambers, about ten feet square, Eze 40:7. These were for those to lodge in who attended the service of the house. And it becomes such as are made spiritual priests to God to content themselves with little chambers and not to seek great things to themselves; so that we may but have a place within the verge of God's court we have reason to be thankful though it be in a little chamber, a mean apartment, though we be but door-keepers there.

(3.)The chambers, as they were each of them four-square, denoting their stability and due proportion and their exact agreement with the rule (for they were each of them one reed long and one reed broad), so they were all of one measure, that there might be an equality among the attendants on the service of the house.

(4.)The chambers were very many; for in our Father's house there are many mansions (Joh 14:2), in his house above, and in that here on earth. In the secret of his tabernacle shall those be hid, and in a safe pavilion, whose desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of their life, Psa 27:4, Psa 27:5. Some make these chambers to represent the particular congregations of believers, which are parts of the great temple, the universal church, which are, and must be, framed by the scripture-line and rule, and which Jesus Christ takes the measure of, that is, takes cognizance of, for he walks in the midst of the seven golden candle-sticks.

(5.)It is said (Eze 40:14), He made also the posts. He that now measured them was the same that made them; for Christ is the builder of his church and therefore is best able to give us the knowledge of it. And his reducing them to the rule and standard is called his making them, for no account is made of them further than they agree with that. To the law and to the testimony.

(6.)Here are posts of sixty cubits, which, some think, was literally fulfilled when Cyrus, in his edict for rebuilding the temple at Jerusalem, ordered that the height thereof should be sixty cubits, that is, thirty yards and more, Ezr 6:3.

(7.)Here were windows to the little chambers, and windows to the posts and arches (that is, to the cloisters below), and windows round about (Eze 40:16), to signify the light from heaven with which the church is illuminated; divine revelation is let into it for instruction, direction, and comfort, to those that dwell in God's house, light to work by, light to walk by, light to see themselves and one another by. There were lights to the little chambers; even the least, and least considerable, parts and members of the church, shall have light afforded them. All thy children shall be taught of the Lord. But they are narrow windows, as those in the temple, Kg1 6:4. The discoveries made to the church on earth are but narrow and scanty compared with what shall be in the future state, when we shall no longer see through a glass darkly.

(8.)Divers courts are here spoken of, an outermost of all, then an outer court, then an inner, and then the innermost of all, into which the priests only entered, which (some think) may put us in mind "of the diversities of gifts, and graces, and offices, in the several members of Christ's mystical body here, as also of the several degrees of glory in the courts and mansions of heaven, as there are stars in several spheres and stars of several magnitudes in the fixed firmament." English Annotations. Some draw nearer to God than others and have a more intimate acquaintance with divine things; but to a child of God a day in any of his courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. These courts had porches, or piazzas, round them, for the shelter of those that attended in them from wind and weather; for when we are in the way of our duty to God we may believe ourselves to be under his special protection, that he will graciously provide for us, nay, that he will himself be to us a covert from the storm and tempest, Isa 4:5, Isa 4:6.

(9.)On the posts were palm-trees engraven (Eze 40:16), to signify that the righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree in the courts of God's house, Psa 92:12. The more they are depressed with the burden of affliction the more strongly do they grow, as they say of the palm-trees. It likewise intimates the saints' victory and triumph over their spiritual enemies; they have palms in their hands (Rev 7:9); but lest they should drop these, or have them snatched out of their hands, they are here engraven upon the posts of the temple as perpetual monuments of their honour. Thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph. Nay, believers shall themselves be made pillars in the temple of our God, and shall go no more out, and shall have his name engraven on them, which will be their brightest ornament and honour, Rev 3:12.

(10.)Notice is here taken of the pavement of the court, Eze 40:17, Eze 40:18. The word intimates that the pavement was made of porphyry-stone, which was of the colour of burning coals; for the brightest and most sparkling glories of this world should be put and kept under our feet when we draw near to God and are attending upon him. The stars are, as it were, the burning coals, or stones of a fiery colour, with which the pavement of God's celestial temple is laid; and, if the pavement of the court be so bright and glittering, how glorious must we conclude the mansions of that house to be!

2.The gates that looked towards the north (Eze 40:20) and towards the south (Eze 40:24), with their appurtenances, are much the same with that towards the east, after the measure of the first gate, Eze 40:21. But the description is repeated very particularly. And thus largely was the structure of the tabernacle related in Exodus, and of the temple in the books of Kings and Chronicles, to signify the special notice God does take, and his ministers should take, of all that belong to his church. His delight is in them; his eye is upon them. He knows all that are his, all his living temples and all that belongs to them. Observe,

(1.)This temple had not only a gate towards the east, to let into it the children of the east, that were famous for their wealth and wisdom, but it had a gate to the north, and another to the south, for the admission of the poorer and less civilized nations. The new Jerusalem has twelve gates, three towards each quarter of the world (Rev 21:13); for many shall come from all parts to sit down there, Mat 8:11.

(2.)To those gates they went up by steps, seven steps (Eze 40:22-26), which, as some observe, may remind us of the necessity of advancing in grace and holiness, adding one grace to another, going from step to step, from strength to strength, still pressing forward towards perfection - upward, upward, towards heaven, the temple above.

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Historical interpretation

Two Centuries of Reception

2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.

2 quotes · AD 420–604
Post-NiceneEarly Medieval
400500600

Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.

AD 420JeromePost-NiceneSourceCommentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 24 and following) 'And he led me to the south gate, and behold, there was a gate that faced south. And its frontispiece and vestibule were measured according to the upper measurements, and its windows and vestibules all around were like the other windows. It had a length of fifty cubits, and a width of twenty-five cubits, and it was ascended by seven steps, and there was a vestibule in front of its doors, and palm trees were carved on it, one on one side, and the other on the other side in front of it.' And the entrance of the inner court was on the south side, and it measured from entrance to entrance on the south side, one hundred cubits. And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate, and he measured the south gate according to the same measurements, its rooms, its doorway, and its vestibule, with the same measurements. And the vestibules all around the court were fifty cubits in length and twenty-five cubits in width. And a vestibule in a circular shape, with a length of twenty-five cubits and a width of five cubits. And its vestibule was towards the outer court, and its palm trees were on its front, and it had eight steps by which it was ascended. Seventy agree in the same words, except for thee, elau, elamoth, and elam, which in Hebrew is ulam. But thee is interpreted as threshold or front; elau, around it or supports; elamoth, entrance or vestibule; ulam is πρόπυλον, that is, before the doors. But what we have placed next to the Hebrew, that is, the vestibule or πρόπυλον, is not found in the Septuagint. But it should also be noted that in the southern gate it is not called a road according to the Septuagint, but simply 'and he led me to the south,' and behold, a gate that faced south. Therefore, through each entrance, Ezekiel, whose name means 'God strengthens,' is led. And from the northern gate, he goes to the southern gate, whose fronts, thresholds, τροπύλαια, or vestibules, and windows had similar measurements around, twenty-five cubits in length and five cubits in width. And it was ascended by seven steps, that is, to the southern gate and its vestibule, which is called elamoth, in front of its doors. Also, two carved palm trees, which we mentioned in the gate of the northern region. And let this be enough to remind you, that whatever is presented there, according to the more common understanding, that is, according to the literal sense, we understand at the south gate according to the spiritual sense. For in the same lines, both history and tropology run: but the former is lowly, the latter is sublime: the former clings to the earth, the latter soars to the heavens. And all things were filled with light around through the windows. For each problem has its own limits, and through them the light of faith enters the soul of the believer, especially if the length of his life has been extended to fifty years, that is, to the mystery of jubilee, and he is able to reach the breadth of a more divine understanding. In this latitude and on these streets, wisdom moves confidently, and with a lofty voice she exclaims: she climbs seven steps in order to reach the vestibule, and through the palms of her purpose and efforts, she holds eternal victory. And lest we think there is only one atrium to the south, it is said about the second atrium: And the entrance of the inner atrium is on the southern road: and it is measured from the entrance to the entrance on the southern road one hundred cubits; so that after a week and the sacraments of the old covenant, she may reach the good land and the grace of the Gospel. Not only is there a second atrium in the southern gate, but also a third, which is now called: 'And he brought me to the inner atrium at the southern gate, and he measured the gate according to the upper measurements, etc. For each atrium has its own measurements and arrangement, and in these measurements there is a different grace, as we know the same things differently at the beginning, in progress, and at the end. However, what is not found in the Septuagint, and the vestibule, or πρόπυλον, around twenty-five cubits long and five cubits wide, seems to raise a question, because it was not placed in the ancient interpretation, how twenty-five cubits and five are placed after the progress of the third step.' But it removes the ambiguity that follows: And its vestibule is towards the outer courtyard, and its palms are at the front; so that this courtyard, which had a length of twenty-five cubits and a width of five, belongs not to the inner courtyard but to the outer courtyard, so that the width of the former courtyard, that is, twenty-five cubits, is possessed by the length of the outer courtyard, and it holds a width of five cubits. These measurements, that is, twenty-five and five, we refer to the same senses, namely sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, which if we ascend to higher things, we double by fivefold and make them spiritual from carnal senses, as it is written: Lift up your eyes and see that the fields are already white for harvest (John 4:35), and: He who has ears to hear, let him hear (Luke 8:8). And: Taste and see, for the Lord is sweet (Psalm 33:8). And: We are the good fragrance of Christ to God among those who believe (2 Corinthians 2:15). And in the Epistle of John it is said: That which we have heard and seen, and our hands have touched, concerning the Word of life (1 John 1:1). And finally, in no way are only seven degrees sufficient in the northern region: but after seven, the number eight is added, as we move from the Synagogue to the Church, from the old covenant to the new, from earthly things to heavenly things.
"And he led me out to the way of the South, and behold a gate which looked toward the South; and he measured its front and its vestibule according to the measures above."

All these things have already been said regarding the gate of the East and the North, and it is not fitting that we should repeatedly go over what we have already explained once and twice. Nevertheless, we must note that in the spiritual building one entrance opens to the East, another to the North, and another to the South. For just as sinners are designated by the cold of the North, so those who are fervent in spirit are designated by the Southern way, who, kindled by the heat of the Holy Spirit, grow in virtues as if in the noonday light. Let the gate to the East therefore stand open, so that those who have well begun the sacraments of faith, and have not afterward been submerged in any depth of vices, may arrive at the secret joys. Let the gate to the North stand open, so that those who after the beginning of warmth and light have fallen away into the cold and darkness of their sins may return to pardon through the compunction of repentance, and may know what is the true gladness of internal reward. Let the gate to the South stand open, so that those who are fervent in virtues through holy desires may daily penetrate the mysteries of internal joy through spiritual understanding.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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