Ezekiel 40:41

KJV

Four tables [were] on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew [their sacrifices].

KJV (with Strong's)

Four {H702} tables {H7979} were on this side, and four {H702} tables {H7979} on that side, by the side {H3802} of the gate {H8179}; eight {H8083} tables {H7979}, whereupon they slew {H7819} their sacrifices.

Complete Jewish Bible

So there were four tables on the one side and four on the other side, by the gate - eight tables on which to slaughter sacrifices.

Berean Standard Bible

So there were four tables inside the gateway and four outside—eight tables in all—on which the sacrifices were to be slaughtered.

American Standard Version

Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew the sacrifices.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:41 describes a precise architectural detail within the visionary temple complex shown to the prophet Ezekiel: eight tables, symmetrically placed four on each side of a gate, specifically designated for the slaughtering of sacrifices. This detail underscores the meticulous order and functional purpose of the divine blueprint for worship, emphasizing the practical necessities for the sacrificial system in the restored temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:41 is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed vision of a new temple, spanning [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The Division of the Land and the City"). The preceding verses ([Ezekiel 40:38-40](/ezekiel/40-38 "Ezekiel 40:38-40 - Chambers for Offerings")) describe chambers where offerings were washed and prepared, leading directly into the specific placement of these tables. The overall narrative flow of [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - Detailed Temple Measurements") focuses on the precise measurements and layout of the outer court, inner court, and various gates and chambers, all meticulously detailed by the angelic guide. This particular verse contributes to the comprehensive picture of a fully functional temple, designed to facilitate the sacrificial rituals central to Israelite worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, around 573 BC, a time when the Jerusalem Temple had been destroyed (in 586 BC) and the people were far from their homeland and traditional worship practices. For the exiled Israelites, this vision offered profound hope and assurance of God's continued presence and future restoration. The detailed descriptions of the temple, including sacrificial provisions, would have resonated deeply with a people whose identity was intricately linked to the Mosaic covenant and its sacrificial system, as outlined in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Burnt Offerings"). The practice of slaughtering sacrifices on tables or similar platforms was a common aspect of ancient Near Eastern temple worship, ensuring cleanliness and order in the ritual process.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, like much of [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - Vision of the New Temple"), contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**, evident in the exact number and symmetrical placement of the tables. Every aspect of God's design for worship is meticulously planned, reflecting His perfect nature. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Future Worship**, providing a tangible blueprint for a renewed covenant relationship and proper worship in a restored land, a stark contrast to the defiled temple of Ezekiel's earlier prophecies (e.g., [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple")). Finally, the mention of "slew their sacrifices" points directly to the continued necessity of **Atonement and Holiness** within the covenant framework, even in this future, idealized temple. The sacrificial system, with its inherent cost and blood, remained central to addressing sin and maintaining fellowship with a holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice detailed in the New Testament (e.g., [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tables (Hebrew, _shulchân'_):** H7979, derived from a root meaning "to spread out." While often translated as "table" in the sense of a dining surface, here, in the context of the temple and sacrifices, it refers to a sturdy, flat platform or slab specifically designed for the preparation and slaughtering of sacrificial animals. Its function is practical and ritualistic, not for eating.
* **side (Hebrew, _kâthêph'_):** H3802, meaning "shoulder" or "side-piece." In this architectural context, it denotes a lateral projection or an adjacent area. The phrase "by the side of the gate" indicates the tables' precise placement immediately next to the gate structure, highlighting their accessibility and integration into the flow of sacrificial activity.
* **slew (Hebrew, _shâchaṭ'_):** H7819, a primitive root meaning "to slaughter" or "to kill," often specifically in the context of ritualistic killing for sacrifice. This word emphasizes the solemn and purposeful act of taking an animal's life as part of the offering process, underscoring the gravity and physicality of atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Four tables [were] on this side, and four tables on that side,"**: This clause establishes the symmetrical and orderly placement of the tables. The repetition of "four tables" emphasizes the precise count and balanced arrangement, indicating a well-planned and efficient system for handling offerings. This symmetry suggests divine order and completeness in the temple's design.
* **"by the side of the gate;"**: This phrase specifies the exact location of these tables. Their proximity to the gate implies they are situated in an area of high traffic and easy access for those bringing offerings into the temple complex. This placement is practical, facilitating the initial stages of the sacrificial process immediately upon entry.
* **"eight tables, whereupon they slew [their sacrifices]."**: This final clause summarizes the total number of tables and explicitly states their function. The total of "eight tables" (four on each side) provides ample space for the preparation and slaughter of numerous animals, indicating the scale of worship envisioned. The purpose, "whereupon they slew their sacrifices," clearly defines these as sacrificial tables, central to the ritualistic act of atonement and offering to God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 40:41, and indeed throughout the entire temple vision, is **Detailed Description**. Ezekiel's account is replete with precise measurements, counts, and spatial relationships, creating a vivid mental blueprint of the complex. The meticulous enumeration of "four tables... and four tables... eight tables" exemplifies this. This serves to emphasize the **Divine Order** and **Precision** inherent in God's plan, leaving no room for ambiguity or human improvisation. Furthermore, the functional description of the tables ("whereupon they slew their sacrifices") employs **Metonymy**, where the tables themselves stand in for the entire process and purpose of the sacrificial system. The physical objects represent the theological reality of atonement and worship. The vision as a whole also functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical temple and its components symbolize God's presence, holiness, and the future restoration of His people and their worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:41, with its description of tables for slaughtering sacrifices, serves as a powerful reminder of the Old Covenant's sacrificial system and its inherent purpose: to provide a means of atonement for sin and to facilitate fellowship between a holy God and His sinful people. The meticulous detail in the temple's design underscores God's demand for order, purity, and intentionality in worship, reflecting His own perfect character. While the physical sacrifices pointed forward to a greater reality, they were absolutely essential for dealing with sin under the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the cost required for reconciliation. This passage, therefore, connects deeply to the biblical themes of holiness, atonement, and the divine provision for humanity's sin problem, setting the stage for the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ.

* [Leviticus 1:5](/leviticus/1-5 "Leviticus 1:5 - Slaughtering the Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as a Propitiation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision of the temple, including these sacrificial tables, offers profound lessons for believers today, even though the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ. It reminds us that worship is not haphazard but requires intentionality, preparation, and reverence for God's holiness. The very existence of tables for slaughtering sacrifices highlights the seriousness of sin and the costly nature of atonement. For us, this translates into a deep appreciation for the finished work of Christ on the cross. Our worship should reflect the awe and gratitude for His ultimate sacrifice, recognizing that our access to God comes at an infinite cost. Furthermore, the divine precision in the temple's design calls us to live lives of order and purpose, aligning our actions and attitudes with God's perfect will, understanding that He cares about every detail of our obedience and devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in Ezekiel's temple vision, including these tables, inform your understanding of God's character and His expectations for worship?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "slaughtering sacrifices" on these tables deepen your appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to approach your personal worship and service with greater intentionality, preparation, and reverence, mirroring the order seen in this vision?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "eight tables" for slaughtering sacrifices?**

Answer: The mention of "eight tables" (four on each side of the gate) signifies a highly organized and efficient system for handling the large volume of sacrifices expected in the restored temple. The number eight, often associated with new beginnings or superabundance in biblical numerology, could also subtly point to the comprehensive and complete nature of worship in this future era. Practically, it ensures that multiple offerings could be prepared simultaneously, emphasizing the scale and importance of the sacrificial system in God's design for the restored community.

**How do these tables relate to other parts of the temple vision in Ezekiel?**

Answer: These tables are an integral part of the broader vision of the new temple in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision"). They are specifically located near the outer gate, following descriptions of various chambers and courts. Their function directly supports the sacrificial rituals detailed throughout the vision, which culminate in the description of the altar and the glory of God returning to the temple ([Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - God's Glory Returns to the Temple")). The meticulous detail of these tables, along with other architectural features, underscores the functionality and divine order of the entire complex, designed for proper worship and the maintenance of holiness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 40:41, with its stark depiction of tables for "slew [their sacrifices]," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, meticulously detailed in the Mosaic Law and envisioned in Ezekiel's temple, served as a crucial shadow pointing to the coming reality. The blood shed on these tables, an indispensable requirement for atonement under the Old Covenant ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")), finds its complete and final fulfillment in the singular, unrepeatable sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") on the cross. Jesus, as both the High Priest and the spotless offering, entered the true, heavenly tabernacle "once for all" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Once for All Sacrifice")), rendering the physical tables and animal sacrifices obsolete. The "eight tables" in Ezekiel's vision, designed for the continuous shedding of blood, are ultimately replaced by the singular, efficacious act of Christ's death, which fully cleanses us from sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")) and grants us direct access to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). Thus, these tables, while central to Old Covenant worship, ultimately point to the cross where the ultimate Lamb was slain, securing eternal redemption for all who believe.

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

Ezekiel 40:39

¶ 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 40:40

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.