Ezekiel 40:40

KJV

And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, [were] two tables; and on the other side, which [was] at the porch of the gate, [were] two tables.

KJV (with Strong's)

And at the side {H3802} without {H2351}, as one goeth up {H5927} to the entry {H6607} of the north {H6828} gate {H8179}, were two {H8147} tables {H7979}; and on the other {H312} side {H3802}, which was at the porch {H197} of the gate {H8179}, were two {H8147} tables {H7979}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the outside, as one goes up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side of the entranceway to the gate were two tables.

Berean Standard Bible

Outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gateway, there were two tables on one side and two more tables on the other side of the gate’s portico.

American Standard Version

And on the one side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, which belonged to the porch of the gate, were two tables.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:40 is a precise detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a future temple, depicting the specific placement of four tables at the north gate. These tables, described with meticulous architectural accuracy, were designated for the preparation of sacrificial animals, underscoring the divine demand for order, purity, and intentionality in worship within this visionary structure. The verse contributes to the broader theme of God's meticulous blueprint for sacred space and the proper administration of His holy service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed architectural vision of a new temple, spanning [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins"). The vision begins with Ezekiel being transported to a very high mountain where he encounters a divine guide who meticulously measures every aspect of the temple complex. [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - Detailed Measurements of the Temple") specifically describes the outer court, gates, and various chambers, laying out the foundational blueprint. Prior to [Ezekiel 40:40](/ezekiel/40-40 "Ezekiel 40:40 - Tables for Sacrifice"), verses like [Ezekiel 40:38-39](/ezekiel/40-38 "Ezekiel 40:38-39 - Chambers for Burnt Offerings") explicitly mention chambers and tables for washing and slaughtering the burnt offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings. Immediately following, [Ezekiel 40:41](/ezekiel/40-41 "Ezekiel 40:41 - Eight Tables for Sacrifice") confirms the total of eight tables for these purposes, further emphasizing the functional aspect of these furnishings within the sacrificial system. The surrounding narrative is entirely focused on the precise dimensions and functions of the temple's components, highlighting a divine blueprint for worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period of immense despair for the Jewish people who had lost their temple, their land, and their monarchy. The previous temple, Solomon's Temple, had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. In this context, the detailed vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring presence among His people. It provided a divine blueprint for a future, ideal temple, emphasizing the meticulous requirements for proper worship and the re-establishment of God's dwelling place. The sacrificial system, central to Old Testament worship, required specific tables for the slaughtering, flaying, and preparing of animals for offerings, a practice deeply embedded in Israelite religious life as a means of atonement, communion, and thanksgiving, as outlined in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Burnt Offerings"). The precise placement of these tables highlights the practical infrastructure necessary for conducting these sacred rituals in an orderly and holy manner.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") and subsequent chapters underscores several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Order and Precision** is paramount; every measurement, every placement, and every function is divinely ordained, reflecting God's nature as a God of order, not chaos. This precision extends to the placement of the tables for sacrifice, indicating that worship is not haphazard but requires careful adherence to divine instruction. Secondly, the vision emphasizes **Holiness and Purity**, as the temple is the dwelling place of God, and everything within it, including the means of preparing sacrifices, must facilitate a holy encounter. The tables serve as practical tools for maintaining a clean and orderly environment for sacred offerings. Thirdly, there is a strong theme of **Restoration and Hope** for the exiled people; the vision of a new, perfect temple offered a tangible promise of God's future dwelling among them and the re-establishment of proper worship. Finally, the practical nature of these tables highlights the **Preparation for Worship**, emphasizing that approaching God requires intentionality, effort, and adherence to established procedures, a principle that transcends the literal sacrificial system and applies to all forms of devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **side (Hebrew, _kâthêph'_):** From H3802, this word literally means "shoulder," but figuratively refers to a "side-piece or lateral projection of anything." In the context of Ezekiel 40:40, it denotes a specific location or extension of the architectural structure, indicating a precise and designated area for the tables. The repetition of "side" emphasizes distinct, yet related, locations within the gate complex.
* **porch (Hebrew, _ʼûwlâm'_):** From H197, this term refers to a "vestibule" or "porch," specifically an entrance hall or an area that is "bound to the building." Its use here specifies that the tables were not merely "at the gate" but in the covered, transitional space leading into or through the gate, highlighting a functional area within the temple's entry system.
* **tables (Hebrew, _shulchân'_):** From H7979, this word typically means "a table (as spread out)" and can imply a meal. However, in the context of the temple and sacrificial system, as clarified by [Ezekiel 40:39](/ezekiel/40-39 "Ezekiel 40:39 - Tables for Slaughtering Offerings"), these were not dining tables but sturdy, functional surfaces designed for the specific and rigorous task of slaughtering, flaying, and preparing animal sacrifices. This implies a robust, practical piece of furniture essential for the temple's operations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, [were] two tables":** This clause precisely locates the first set of two tables. They are positioned "at the side without," indicating an external or outer lateral area relative to the main structure, specifically where one ascends towards the entrance of the north gate. The phrase "as one goeth up" suggests an approach or ramp leading to the gate, further specifying the exact elevation and path of access where these tables were situated. This detail highlights the meticulous planning of the temple's functionality, ensuring convenient access for sacrificial preparations.
* **"and on the other side, which [was] at the porch of the gate, [were] two tables."** This second clause describes the placement of another pair of tables. These are located "on the other side" – distinct from the first set but still within the vicinity of the north gate. The crucial detail is "at the porch of the gate," which refers to the vestibule or entrance hall of the gate structure. This indicates that these tables were positioned in a more enclosed or covered area, perhaps for different stages of the sacrificial preparation or to accommodate a larger volume of offerings, further demonstrating the comprehensive and functional design of the visionary temple.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 40:40, like much of Ezekiel's temple vision, is characterized by **Architectural Detail**, providing precise measurements and locations for every component. This device serves to convey the divine origin and perfect order of the temple, leaving no room for human improvisation or error. The meticulous description of the tables' placement—"at the side without," "as one goeth up," "at the porch of the gate"—demonstrates an almost blueprint-like exactitude, emphasizing God's meticulousness in all matters pertaining to worship. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "two tables" underscores the functional symmetry and ample provision within the temple's design for the sacrificial system. This repetition not only reinforces the number of tables but also highlights the organized and systematic approach to worship that the vision prescribes, where every element is duplicated to ensure efficiency and order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:40, with its precise description of tables for sacrifice, deeply connects to the broader biblical themes of divine order, the necessity of proper worship, and the preparation required to approach a holy God. The meticulous architectural details throughout Ezekiel's vision emphasize that God is a God of order, who demands that His worship be conducted with intentionality, reverence, and adherence to His prescribed ways. These tables, though functional, symbolize the serious and sacred nature of atonement and communion with God. They point to the elaborate system God established to enable sinful humanity to draw near to His holiness, underscoring the gravity of sin and the cost of reconciliation. The vision serves as a reminder that true worship is never casual but requires careful preparation and a deep understanding of God's standards.

* [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 1:1-9](/leviticus/1-1 "Leviticus 1:1-9 - The Law of Burnt Offerings")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled and superseded by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the principles embedded in Ezekiel 40:40 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The meticulous detail concerning the tables for sacrifice underscores God's unwavering demand for order, intentionality, and reverence in our approach to Him. It challenges us to consider the quality of our "spiritual sacrifices"—our praise, our service, our devotion, and our daily living. Just as the ancient Israelites had designated places and procedures for preparing their offerings, we are called to approach God with a prepared heart, a thoughtful mind, and a life ordered by His Word. This means cultivating disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship with seriousness and purpose, recognizing that we are engaging with the holy God of the universe. Our worship, whether private or corporate, should reflect the divine standard of excellence, not out of legalism, but out of a deep love and respect for the One who is worthy of all our devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in Ezekiel's temple vision challenge my own approach to worship and spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what areas of my life can I cultivate greater intentionality and order as a form of worship to God?**
* **Considering that Christ's sacrifice fulfilled the need for animal sacrifices, what "spiritual sacrifices" am I called to offer to God today, and how can I prepare to offer them with excellence?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of these tables in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: In Ezekiel's temple vision, the tables described in [Ezekiel 40:40](/ezekiel/40-40 "Ezekiel 40:40 - Tables for Sacrifice") and surrounding verses were specifically for the preparation of sacrificial animals. As [Ezekiel 40:39](/ezekiel/40-39 "Ezekiel 40:39 - Tables for Slaughtering Offerings") clarifies, these were "tables whereupon they slew the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering." They served as sturdy, functional surfaces for the slaughtering, flaying, and dressing of the animals before they were offered on the altar. Their precise placement indicates a highly organized and efficient system for handling the numerous sacrifices required for temple worship.

**Does this vision describe a literal temple to be built in the future?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision varies among scholars. Some believe it describes a literal temple that will be rebuilt in Jerusalem during a future millennial kingdom, pointing to the extreme architectural detail as evidence for its physical reality. Others view it as a symbolic depiction of God's ideal dwelling among His people, representing the perfection of worship and the presence of God in a new covenant age, or even a spiritual reality fulfilled in the church. Regardless of the literal or symbolic interpretation, the vision undeniably conveys profound truths about God's holiness, His desire for orderly worship, and His ultimate plan for restoration and fellowship with humanity. The meticulousness certainly points to a divine blueprint, whether physical or spiritual.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 40:40, with its focus on tables for animal sacrifice within a divinely ordered temple, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, meticulously detailed and requiring specific preparation on tables like those in Ezekiel's vision, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The tables in Ezekiel's vision represent the necessary infrastructure for dealing with sin through the shedding of blood, a principle established from [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life is in the Blood"). Christ’s body became the ultimate "table" of sacrifice, upon which He offered Himself without blemish to God. His death on the cross, as described in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"), achieved what the multitude of animal sacrifices could never fully accomplish: the complete atonement for sin and the perfect cleansing of the conscience. The meticulous order of the visionary temple, including these tables, foreshadows the divine perfection of Christ's redemptive work, which was not haphazard but precisely according to God's eternal plan. Through His sacrifice, believers are now able to draw near to God with confidence, not through the blood of bulls and goats prepared on tables, but through the [precious blood of Christ](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood"), who has opened a [new and living way](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ's Blood") into the very presence of God. Thus, the functional tables of Ezekiel’s temple vision ultimately direct our gaze to the cross, where the ultimate and final preparation for our reconciliation with God was completed.

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.