TRV
Ezekiel 40:24
Bible Versions
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.
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.
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.
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.
-
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. -
Ezekiel 46:9
But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it. -
Ezekiel 40:20
And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof. -
Ezekiel 40:21
And the little chambers thereof [were] three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof [was] fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits. -
Ezekiel 40:28
And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures; -
Ezekiel 40:29
And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, according to these measures: and [there were] windows in it and in the arches thereof round about: [it was] fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad. -
Ezekiel 40:35
And he brought me to the north gate, and measured [it] according to these measures;
Ezekiel 40:24 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future temple. This specific verse describes the continuation of a divine tour, where Ezekiel is led to the south gate of this immense, visionary structure, and its architectural elements are meticulously measured.
Context
The book of Ezekiel chronicles the prophet's ministry during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). Chapters 40-48 present a grand, detailed vision of a new temple, a new land division, and the return of God's glory to His sanctuary. This vision served as a profound source of hope and promise for the exiled Israelites, assuring them of future restoration and renewed covenant relationship with God. The precise measurements, as seen in verse 24, emphasize the divine origin and perfect order of this future dwelling place for God.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew verb for "measured" is madad (מָדַד), which consistently implies a careful and precise act of delineation. This highlights the divine architect's exactitude in every dimension of the temple. The "posts" (אֵילַם - 'ayilam) and "arches" (often referring to porticos or porch-like structures, though the Hebrew here can be interpreted as 'threshold' or elements of the gate complex) signify specific, substantial parts of the gateway, all subject to the same divine standard of measurement.
Practical Application
Ezekiel's vision, though complex and often interpreted as symbolic or eschatological, conveys timeless truths. For believers today, this passage underscores God's meticulous nature and His faithfulness in His plans. Just as God had a precise blueprint for His temple, He has an intentional design for our lives and for the church, which is often referred to as the spiritual temple where His Spirit dwells. This encourages us to trust in His perfect timing and design, knowing that His purposes are always ordered and ultimately for His glory and our good. It reminds us that details matter to God, and our lives, like the temple, should reflect order and holiness for His indwelling presence.