40:38 40:38

Ezekiel 40:39

40:40 40:40

Bible Versions

¶ And in the porch of the gate [were] two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.
And in the porch {H197} of the gate {H8179} were two {H8147} tables {H7979} on this side, and two tables {H7979} on that side, to slay {H7819} thereon the burnt offering {H5930} and the sin offering {H2403} and the trespass offering {H817}.
In the entranceway to the gate were two tables on the one side and two on the other, on which to slaughter the burnt offerings, sin offerings and guilt offerings.
Inside the portico of the gateway were two tables on each side, on which the burnt offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings were to be slaughtered.
And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt-offering and the sin-offering and the trespass-offering.

Ezekiel 40:39 provides a specific architectural detail within Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a new temple, a central theme from Ezekiel chapter 40 through chapter 48. This verse focuses on the practical arrangements for sacrifices within the gate complex, highlighting the meticulous planning for divine worship.

Context of Ezekiel 40:39

The prophet Ezekiel received this highly detailed vision while in exile in Babylon. Chapters 40-48 present a comprehensive, idealized blueprint for a new temple, its surrounding courts, and its functions. This vision served as a profound message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites, assuring them of God's future presence and the re-establishment of pure worship. Verse 39 specifically describes the tables located in the porch of the outer gate, which were designated for the preparation and slaying of various animal sacrifices, underscoring the functional design of the visionary temple.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Precision: The minute architectural details in Ezekiel's vision, including the precise placement and number of these tables, emphasize God's demand for worship to be conducted with utmost order, holiness, and exactitude. Every element of the future temple's design serves a specific, sacred purpose.
  • Continuity of Sacrificial Worship: Even in this visionary temple, the traditional burnt offering, sin offering, and trespass offering remain central. These were foundational components of the Mosaic Law, designed to provide atonement for sin, express devotion, and make restitution. Their inclusion in this future temple vision highlights the ongoing need for reconciliation with God and proper worship.
  • Holiness and Purity in Worship: The designated tables for slaying sacrifices underscore the sacredness of the sacrificial act and the meticulous care required in handling offerings presented to God. This arrangement speaks to the profound holiness required in approaching a holy God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for the offerings mentioned—‘olah (burnt offering), chatta’th (sin offering), and asham (trespass offering)—are standard terms found throughout the Pentateuch, particularly in Leviticus. The specific mention of these three types signifies a comprehensive approach to the sacrificial system, addressing various aspects of sin and devotion.

Practical Application and Reflection

While the elaborate sacrificial system of the Old Testament, including the practices detailed in Ezekiel's vision, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the one-time, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10), Ezekiel's vision still offers valuable lessons. It reminds us of God's desire for intentional, orderly, and holy worship. It also underscores the gravity of sin and the absolute necessity of atonement, a need fully met by Christ's work on the cross. For believers today, our "sacrifices" are spiritual: lives of obedience, heartfelt praise, and selfless service (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15). This verse from Ezekiel, therefore, points not only to historical worship practices but also to the profound spiritual realities they foreshadowed and which are now realized in Christ.

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.

  • Leviticus 1:3

    ¶ If his offering [be] a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

  • Leviticus 1:17

    And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Ezekiel 46:2

    And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

  • Leviticus 4:2

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them:

  • Leviticus 4:3

    If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.

  • Isaiah 53:5

    But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

  • Leviticus 7:1

    ¶ Likewise this [is] the law of the trespass offering: it [is] most holy.
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