40:28 40:28

Ezekiel 40:29

40:30 40:30
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.
And the little chambers {H8372} thereof, and the posts {H352} thereof, and the arches {H361} thereof, according to these measures {H4060}: and there were windows {H2474} in it and in the arches {H361} thereof round about {H5439}: it was fifty {H2572} cubits {H520} long {H753}, and five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} broad {H7341}.
its guardrooms, supports and vestibule were the same size; it had windows and a vestibule surrounding it; it was eighty-seven-and-a-half feet long and forty-three-and-three-quarters feet wide.
Its gate chambers, side pillars, and portico had the same measurements as the others. Both the gateway and its portico had windows all around; it was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.
and the lodges 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.

Commentary on Ezekiel 40:29 (KJV)

Ezekiel 40:29 continues the highly detailed architectural description of the visionary temple seen by the prophet Ezekiel. This verse focuses on the specific dimensions and features of one of the temple's gate structures, providing precise measurements for its various components.

Context

This verse is situated within a lengthy prophetic vision given to Ezekiel, beginning in Ezekiel chapter 40 and extending through chapter 48. After being taken in a vision to a very high mountain, Ezekiel is shown a meticulously detailed temple complex. The emphasis throughout these chapters is on divine precision and order. Chapters 40-42 meticulously describe the outer court, inner court, and the temple building itself, including gates, chambers, and various architectural elements. Verse 29 specifically details the dimensions of one of the inner or outer gates, including its "little chambers" (guardrooms), "posts" (door jambs or pillars), and "arches" (porticoes or vestibules), along with the presence of windows, confirming the thoroughness of the divine blueprint.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The minute detail of the measurements ("fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad") highlights God's absolute precision in His plans and His desire for order in worship and His dwelling place. This precision suggests a divine standard for holiness and accessibility.
  • The Future Temple: This vision, often interpreted as a literal future temple during the millennial reign of Christ, or symbolically as the church or heaven, emphasizes God's continued presence among His people. The detailed structure points to the glory and magnitude of this future reality.
  • Accessibility and Separation: While detailed, the gates control access, signifying both the welcoming nature of God's presence and the necessary separation between the holy and the common, which is a recurring theme in the Old Testament temple arrangements.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used for these architectural elements are specific:

  • "little chambers" (Hebrew: lishkah) refers to the guardrooms or side rooms within the gate complex, often used by guards or for priestly purposes.
  • "posts" (Hebrew: 'ayil) denotes the strong pillars or doorjambs that frame the entrance.
  • "arches" (Hebrew: 'ulam) typically describes a porch or vestibule, providing a grand entrance and perhaps a waiting area.
The repetition of "according to these measures" throughout Ezekiel 40 underscores the exactness required and observed in the vision, reinforcing the divine authority behind the design.

Related Scriptures

The detailed architectural descriptions in Ezekiel contrast with the more general descriptions of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:1ff) and the second temple built after the exile. This vision is unique in its specificity, setting it apart. The ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling among His people is seen in the New Testament, not necessarily in a physical temple, but in the person of Christ (John 2:19-21) and in believers as the spiritual temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Practical Application

While we may not fully understand every dimension of Ezekiel's temple vision, the emphasis on meticulous detail in Ezekiel 40:29 teaches us about God's character. He is a God of order, precision, and purpose. For believers today, this can inspire us to approach our lives, our worship, and our service to God with intentionality and excellence. Just as God has a precise plan for His dwelling place, He also has a precise and perfect plan for our lives and for the future of His kingdom. It reminds us that every detail matters to God, and He works all things according to His sovereign will, leading to the ultimate establishment of His glorious presence among His people, as prophesied in Revelation 21:3.

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.

  • Ezekiel 40:25

    And [there were] windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length [was] fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

  • Ezekiel 40:7

    And [every] little chamber [was] one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers [were] five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within [was] one reed.

  • Ezekiel 40:16

    And [there were] narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows [were] round about inward: and upon [each] post [were] palm trees.

  • Ezekiel 40:10

    And the little chambers of the gate eastward [were] three on this side, and three on that side; they three [were] of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:11

    ¶ Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

  • 1 Chronicles 28:12

    And the pattern of all that he had by the spirit, of the courts of the house of the LORD, and of all the chambers round about, of the treasuries of the house of God, and of the treasuries of the dedicated things:

  • 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.

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