Ezekiel 40:38

KJV

And the chambers and the entries thereof [were] by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the chambers {H3957} and the entries {H6607} thereof were by the posts {H352} of the gates {H8179}, where they washed {H1740} the burnt offering {H5930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a room with its entry by the supports at the gates where the burnt offerings were washed.

Berean Standard Bible

There was a chamber with a doorway by the portico in each of the inner gateways. There the burnt offering was to be washed.

American Standard Version

And a chamber with the door thereof was by the posts at the gates; there they washed the burnt-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:38 provides a meticulous architectural detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a future temple, specifying a dedicated area for the ritual cleansing of sacrificial animals. This verse describes "chambers and entries" situated near the gate posts, designed for the washing of the burnt offering, underscoring the profound emphasis on purity and order inherent in God's worship and the sacred space envisioned for His renewed presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:38 is embedded within the extensive temple vision spanning [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins"). This detailed blueprint follows the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, serving as a profound message of hope, restoration, and the re-establishment of God's presence among His people. Chapter 40 specifically initiates the architectural tour, meticulously describing the outer court, inner court, and various gates. Verse 38, following descriptions of the outer gates and their guardrooms, pinpoints a specific functional area within the temple complex, highlighting the practical preparations necessary for the sacrificial system that would operate within this divinely ordained structure. It sets the stage for understanding the meticulous nature of temple worship and the sacredness of every detail.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision given to Ezekiel occurred during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of profound despair for the Israelites, who had lost their land, their king, and their temple—the very symbols of God's covenant presence. The first temple, built by Solomon, had been utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. In this context, Ezekiel's temple vision was not merely an architectural drawing but a powerful prophetic word of comfort and future hope, assuring the exiles of God's faithfulness to His covenant and His intention to dwell among them once more. The detailed instructions for ritual purity, including the washing of offerings, were deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite culture, stemming from the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Washing of the Burnt Offering")). This emphasis on cleanliness was not merely hygienic but symbolic of the absolute holiness of God and the necessary purity required for His worshippers to approach Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the broader temple vision, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the Old Testament. The most prominent is **Purity and Holiness**, as the washing of the burnt offering underscores the absolute necessity of ceremonial and spiritual cleanliness in approaching a holy God. This theme is central to the entire sacrificial system outlined in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Purity"). Another key theme is **Divine Order and Precision**, reflected in the extraordinarily detailed architectural descriptions throughout [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - Detailed Temple Architecture"). Every dimension, every chamber, and every function is divinely ordained, emphasizing that God's worship is not arbitrary but demands meticulous adherence to His revealed will. Finally, the verse speaks to the **Continuity of the Sacrificial System** in this future vision, indicating that atonement and reconciliation would still be mediated through prescribed offerings, even as it foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice. The vision itself is a powerful symbol of **Restoration and God's Renewed Presence**, promising a future where God's glory would return to a purified temple and people, as alluded to in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Returns to the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chambers (Hebrew, _lishkâh'_):** This term refers to a room or cell within a building, often used for storage, eating, or lodging. In the context of the temple, these chambers were functional spaces, not merely decorative. Their presence by the gates suggests a practical purpose related to the activities of the temple, in this case, the preparation of sacrifices.
* **posts (Hebrew, _ʼayil'_):** This word denotes a strong support, specifically a pilaster or a doorpost. Its use here emphasizes the structural integrity and defined boundaries of the temple gates. The location of the washing chambers "by the posts of the gates" indicates a precise, designated area, integral to the entrance and flow of sacrificial activities.
* **washed (Hebrew, _dûwach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to thrust away," but figuratively, "to cleanse" or "purge." This term highlights the act of purification. In the context of the burnt offering, it refers to the ritual cleansing of the animal's entrails and legs, a prescribed step in the sacrificial procedure (e.g., [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Washing of the Burnt Offering")). This washing was essential for the offering to be ceremonially acceptable to God.
* **burnt offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** Literally meaning "that which goes up" or "ascends." This refers to a whole burnt offering, where the entire animal (except the hide) was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and surrender to God. The ascending smoke was considered a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord, representing the worshiper's total devotion and the atonement for sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the chambers and the entries thereof":** This phrase introduces specific architectural components within the visionary temple. "Chambers" (lishkâh) implies rooms or cells, likely for storage or preparation, while "entries" (pethach) refers to their access points or doorways. Together, they describe designated functional spaces.
* **"[were] by the posts of the gates":** This specifies the precise location of these chambers. They are situated adjacent to the strong, supportive "posts" (ʼayil) of the "gates" (shaʻar), likely referring to the inner or outer gates of the temple complex. This strategic placement suggests convenience and efficiency for the flow of sacrificial activities.
* **"where they washed the burnt offering":** This clause reveals the primary purpose of these chambers. They were equipped and designated for the ritual cleansing of animals intended for the burnt offering. This act of washing was a crucial step in preparing the sacrifice, ensuring its ceremonial purity before it was presented on the altar, reflecting the divine requirement for holiness in all aspects of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:38, though a technical detail, employs several literary devices within the broader context of the temple vision. **Precision** and **Detail** are paramount, as the entire vision is characterized by meticulous measurements and specific functions. This extreme exactitude underscores the divine origin of the blueprint and the absolute order God demands in His worship. The verse also utilizes **Symbolism**, where the physical act of "washing the burnt offering" symbolizes the necessity of purity and holiness in approaching God. The clean sacrifice represents a clean worshiper, or at least one seeking cleansing. Furthermore, the entire temple vision, including this verse, functions as a form of **Prophetic Blueprint**, not necessarily for a literal future temple, but as a symbolic representation of God's renewed covenant relationship with His people, emphasizing His desire for a pure dwelling place and a holy people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:38, with its focus on the washing of the burnt offering, profoundly connects to the overarching biblical themes of holiness, atonement, and the absolute necessity of purity in approaching a holy God. The meticulous care for cleansing the sacrifice underscores that God is not to be approached casually or with defilement. This ritual pre-figured the ultimate purification necessary for humanity's reconciliation with God, highlighting the inherent sinfulness of humanity and the divine requirement for a perfect, unblemished offering. While the Old Testament sacrificial system provided temporary covering for sin, it consistently pointed forward to a definitive solution.

* [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Washing the Inwards and Legs of the Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")
* [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Ezekiel 40:38 describes a physical detail of a visionary temple and a ritual practice no longer observed, its underlying principles hold enduring spiritual significance for believers today. The emphasis on washing and purity serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature as utterly holy and righteous. Just as the ancient worshiper had to ensure the physical cleanliness of the offering, so too are we called to spiritual purity in our approach to God. This does not mean earning our salvation, but rather living lives that reflect the transforming power of Christ's sacrifice. Our worship, our service, and our daily walk should be marked by reverence, integrity, and a sincere desire to honor God. The meticulous order of the temple vision also encourages us to consider the intentionality and discipline we bring to our spiritual lives, recognizing that God values order and wholehearted devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on purity in Ezekiel's temple vision challenge my understanding of holiness in my own life?**
* **What "preparations" or disciplines are necessary for me to approach God with a pure heart and sincere worship today?**
* **In what ways can I reflect God's divine order and precision in my personal spiritual practices and service?**
* **How does the foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice in the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen my appreciation for His finished work on the cross?**

### FAQ

**Why was the burnt offering washed in the Old Testament sacrificial system?**

Answer: The washing of the burnt offering, specifically its entrails and legs, as mentioned in [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - Washing of the Burnt Offering") and alluded to in Ezekiel 40:38, was a crucial step in the ritual preparation. It was primarily for ceremonial purity, ensuring that the offering presented to God was clean and unblemished. This act symbolized the removal of internal impurities and the presentation of a whole, acceptable sacrifice. It underscored God's absolute holiness and the meticulous standards required for approaching Him in worship.

**Is the temple vision in Ezekiel 40-48 meant to be taken literally, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision is a complex and debated topic among scholars. Some interpret it literally, believing it describes a future, physical temple that will be built during the millennial reign of Christ. Others view it primarily as symbolic, representing the ideal spiritual reality of God's renewed presence among His people, the purity and order of His kingdom, or even the church as God's dwelling place. A mediating view suggests it's a "realizable ideal," a vision of what *could* have been or *will be* in a perfected state, emphasizing the principles of holiness and God's glory returning to dwell with His people, regardless of a precise literal fulfillment of every architectural detail. The emphasis on purity and the sacrificial system, even if symbolic, points to the ultimate need for cleansing and atonement.

**How does the washing of the burnt offering in this verse relate to New Testament worship and the Christian life?**

Answer: In the New Testament, the need for ritual cleansing through animal sacrifices is superseded by the perfect and ultimate sacrifice of [Jesus Christ](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience"). His blood cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")) and purifies our consciences. Therefore, while we no longer physically wash animals, the principle of purity remains vital. Christians are called to approach God with a pure heart and cleansed conscience, not through our own efforts or rituals, but through faith in Christ's finished work. Our "worship" is now spiritual, offered through Christ, and should be marked by reverence, holiness, and a life transformed by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 40:38, detailing the washing of the burnt offering within the visionary temple, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The meticulous cleansing of the animal prefigured the absolute purity and blamelessness of the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the animals that required ritual washing, Christ himself was without blemish or spot ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")), perfectly holy and undefiled, making His sacrifice uniquely effective. The Old Testament sacrifices, including the burnt offering, could only temporarily cover sins; they served as a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ. His single, perfect offering on the cross, once for all, accomplished eternal redemption and provided true spiritual cleansing ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). Thus, the physical washing in Ezekiel's vision is fulfilled by the spiritual purification offered through Christ's shed blood, enabling believers to draw near to God with a clean conscience and a pure heart, not through external rituals, but through faith in the finished work of their High Priest ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

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.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 4:6

He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea [was] for the priests to wash in.

Leviticus 1:9

But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, [to be] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Ezekiel 42:13

Then said he unto me, The north chambers [and] the south chambers, which [are] before the separate place, they [be] holy chambers, where the priests that approach unto the LORD shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place [is] holy.

1 Kings 6:8

The door for the middle chamber [was] in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle [chamber], and out of the middle into the third.

Ezekiel 40:12

The space also before the little chambers [was] one cubit [on this side], and the space [was] one cubit on that side: and the little chambers [were] six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.

Ezekiel 40:17

Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, [there were] chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers [were] upon the pavement.