Ezekiel 40:42

KJV

And the four tables [were] of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the four {H702} tables {H7979} were of hewn {H1496} stone {H68} for the burnt offering {H5930}, of a cubit {H520} and an half {H2677} long {H753}, and a cubit {H520} and an half {H2677} broad {H7341}, and one {H259} cubit {H520} high {H1363}: whereupon also they laid {H3240} the instruments {H3627} wherewith they slew {H7819} the burnt offering {H5930} and the sacrifice {H2077}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There were four tables of cut stone for the burnt offering, thirty-one-and-a-half inches square and twenty-one inches high, on which to lay the instruments for slaughtering the burnt offerings and other sacrifices.

Berean Standard Bible

There were also four tables of dressed stone for the burnt offering, each a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit high. On these were placed the utensils used to slaughter the burnt offerings and the other sacrifices.

American Standard Version

And there were four tables for the burnt-offering, of hewn stone, a cubit and a half long, and a cubit and a half broad, and one cubit high; whereupon they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt-offering and the sacrifice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 40:42 provides a meticulous detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of the future temple, describing four tables of hewn stone designated for the preparation of sacrificial animals. This precise specification underscores the divine demand for order, purity, and intentionality in all aspects of worship within the restored sanctuary, highlighting the practical yet sacred work involved in the temple service and the meticulous divine blueprint for God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 40:42 is situated within the extensive and highly detailed temple vision that spans Ezekiel chapters 40-48. This vision, given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, serves as a profound message of hope, restoration, and the eventual return of God's glory to a purified dwelling place among His people. Chapter 40 specifically initiates the architectural tour of this visionary temple, beginning with the outer court, inner court, and various chambers and gates. Verse 42, following descriptions of the inner court's chambers and the gates leading to the inner court, zeroes in on the specific equipment found within these sacred precincts—tables essential for the sacrificial system. This level of granular detail emphasizes the divine origin of the blueprint and the absolute precision required for future worship, culminating in the return of God's glory to the temple, as prophesied in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Returns").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during a period of profound national despair for Israel, as they languished in exile in Babylon, far from Jerusalem and the destroyed temple. In this context, the detailed vision offered not just comfort but a concrete promise of future restoration, a return to the land, and the re-establishment of proper worship. The sacrificial system was central to Israelite worship under the Mosaic Covenant, serving as the primary means of atonement, purification, and communion with God. The meticulous dimensions and materials described for these tables reflect the high standards of purity and order demanded by God for His sanctuary and its rituals, a standard deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, where every aspect of sacred space and ritual was laden with theological significance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, evidenced by the exact dimensions and materials specified for the tables, signifying that God's plan for worship is not arbitrary but meticulously designed. This precision extends to the entire temple vision, underscoring God's nature as a God of order who demands excellence in His service. Another crucial theme is **Holiness and Purity**, as these tables facilitate the preparation of sacrifices, which were central to maintaining ritual purity and atoning for sin in the Old Covenant. The very act of preparing the offerings on "hewn stone" tables speaks to the sanctified environment required for God's presence. Finally, the vision embodies the theme of **Restoration and Future Hope**, offering the exiled Israelites a tangible promise of a renewed relationship with God, centered around a perfect, divinely ordained sanctuary, a stark contrast to the defiled and destroyed temple they had known, as described in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hewn Stone (Hebrew, _gâzîyth'_):** from גָּזָה; something cut, i.e. dressed stone; hewed, hewn stone, wrought. This term emphasizes the precision and quality of the materials used in the visionary temple. Unlike rough, unworked stone, "hewn stone" signifies a deliberate, skilled craftsmanship, reflecting the divine standard for the sanctuary. It implies that every element, even the tables for preparing sacrifices, was to be intentionally and perfectly crafted according to God's blueprint, underscoring the sacredness and dignity of the temple's function.
* **Instruments (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** from כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. In this context, _kᵉlîy_ refers to the specific tools and utensils necessary for the ritual slaughter and preparation of sacrificial animals. The mention of these instruments highlights the practical, yet highly regulated, nature of the sacrificial system. It speaks to the comprehensive planning of the temple, where every detail, down to the implements, was considered and provided for.
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** from זָבַח; properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act); offer(-ing), sacrifice. While the verse also mentions "burnt offering" (`ôlâh`), _zebach_ is a broader term for an offering made by slaughtering an animal. It encompasses various types of offerings, including peace offerings and sin offerings, where parts of the animal might be consumed by the priests or worshippers. Its inclusion alongside "burnt offering" (`ôlâh`, which is entirely consumed by fire) indicates that these tables served for the preparation of all types of animal sacrifices, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the temple's sacrificial function.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the four tables [were] of hewn stone for the burnt offering":** This clause introduces the primary subject: four tables, specifically crafted from "hewn stone," indicating their high quality and deliberate construction. Their immediate purpose is stated as being "for the burnt offering," which was a foundational and comprehensive offering in the Israelite sacrificial system, symbolizing complete devotion and atonement.
* **"of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high":** This provides the precise dimensions of each table. A cubit was approximately 18 inches (45 cm), meaning each table was about 27 inches (68 cm) long and wide, and 18 inches (45 cm) high. These exact measurements underscore the divine blueprint's meticulousness and the importance of order and uniformity in the temple's design and function.
* **"whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.":** This final clause clarifies the practical function of these tables. They were not for the offerings themselves, but as surfaces upon which the specific "instruments" (tools) used for the ritual slaughter and preparation of both the "burnt offering" and other "sacrifices" were placed. This detail emphasizes the preparatory work involved in the sacrificial system, highlighting the sanctity and precision required even in the preliminary stages of worship.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 40:42, and indeed throughout the entire temple vision, is **Symbolism**. The detailed description of the tables, their material ("hewn stone"), and their precise dimensions are not merely architectural specifications but carry profound theological meaning. The "hewn stone" symbolizes purity, durability, and divine perfection, contrasting with rough, unworked stone that might represent human imperfection or defilement. The meticulous **Precision** in measurements itself serves as a literary device, emphasizing God's absolute order, control, and the divine origin of the vision. This precision underscores the sacredness of the space and the rituals, implying that true worship must be conducted with intentionality and adherence to divine standards. Furthermore, the tables, though mundane in function, are part of a larger **Metonymy** for the entire sacrificial system and, by extension, the means of atonement and communion with God in the Old Covenant. They represent the practical, physical requirements for approaching a holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 40:42, with its focus on the meticulous details of the temple's sacrificial apparatus, profoundly connects to the broader biblical themes of divine holiness, the necessity of atonement, and the ordered nature of God's redemptive plan. The "hewn stone" tables for preparing sacrifices underscore that God's presence demands a consecrated space and a precise, reverent approach to worship. This vision, given during exile, served as a powerful reminder that despite Israel's failures and the destruction of the first temple, God's standards for holiness remained immutable, and His ultimate plan involved a perfect sanctuary where sin could be addressed and communion restored. The preparatory nature of these tables points to the extensive work required to facilitate access to God under the Old Covenant, foreshadowing the singular, perfect work that would ultimately achieve true and lasting access.

* [Leviticus 1:5](/leviticus/1-5 "Leviticus 1:5 - Procedure for Burnt Offering")
* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Atonement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical temple and its animal sacrifices are no longer necessary for atonement due to Christ's finished work, the principles embedded in Ezekiel 40:42 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The meticulous design of these tables for preparing sacrifices reminds us that our approach to God, whether in personal devotion or corporate worship, should be characterized by intentionality, reverence, and a pursuit of excellence. Just as every detail of the visionary temple was divinely appointed for holy purposes, our lives are called to be prepared and consecrated for God's service. This means cultivating a heart that is "hewn" by God's Word, purified by His Spirit, and dedicated to His glory, recognizing that we are now living temples of the Holy Spirit. The order and precision seen in God's blueprint should inspire us to seek order in our spiritual disciplines and ministries, ensuring that our offerings of praise, service, and daily living are presented with the utmost care and devotion, reflecting the greatness of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine demand for precision and order in the temple's design challenge my own approach to worship and spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what ways can I "prepare" my life as a "hewn stone" for God's service, reflecting purity and intentionality in my daily walk?**
* **Considering these tables were for the *preparation* of sacrifices, what "preparatory" steps do I need to take in my life to offer myself as a "living sacrifice" to God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the tables being made of "hewn stone" rather than another material?**

Answer: The use of "hewn stone" (Hebrew: _gâzîyth_) is highly significant. It refers to stones that have been carefully cut, dressed, and shaped, indicating a high level of craftsmanship and intentionality. In contrast to rough, unworked stone, "hewn stone" symbolizes purity, permanence, and divine perfection. It underscores that every element within God's visionary temple, even the practical tables for preparing sacrifices, was to be of the highest quality and meticulously crafted according to a divine blueprint. This detail emphasizes the sacredness of the temple's function and God's demand for excellence and order in all aspects of worship and service, reflecting His own perfect nature. This emphasis on quality resonates with the instructions for the first temple, where even the stones were prepared off-site, as mentioned in [1 Kings 6:7](/1_kings/6-7 "1 Kings 6:7 - Temple Construction").

**What was the purpose of these tables, and how does it relate to the broader sacrificial system?**

Answer: These four tables were specifically designed for the practical, yet sacred, work of preparing the animals for burnt offerings and other sacrifices. They served as surfaces upon which the instruments (tools) used for the ritual slaughter and dismemberment of the sacrificial animals were laid. This highlights the meticulous and regulated nature of the Old Testament sacrificial system, which was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. Every step, from the selection of the animal to its preparation and offering, was prescribed to ensure ritual purity and to facilitate atonement for sin and communion with God. The tables, therefore, represent a crucial part of the infrastructure necessary for maintaining the sacrificial system, which pointed forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ, as discussed in [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Sacrifice Perfects").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 40:42, with its precise description of tables for preparing sacrifices in a visionary temple, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous order and "hewn stone" quality of these tables, designed for the Old Covenant sacrificial system, foreshadow the perfect, unblemished nature of Christ, who is the [Lamb of God without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ's Precious Blood"). The countless animal sacrifices prepared on such tables, though necessary under the Law for temporary atonement, could never truly take away sin, as [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Blood of Bulls and Goats") declares. Instead, they served as a shadow pointing to the singular, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, by offering His own body, perfectly fulfilled all the requirements of the Law and the sacrificial system. He is both the [priest and the ultimate sacrifice](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"), making unnecessary any further preparatory tables or instruments for ritual slaughter. Through His finished work on the cross, Christ established a new covenant, providing direct and perpetual access to God, not through a physical temple or animal blood, but through His own [precious blood](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ"). Thus, the detailed precision of Ezekiel's vision, far from being obsolete, beautifully magnifies the absolute perfection and completeness of Christ's redemptive work, which requires no earthly preparation, only faith in Him.

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.

Exodus 20:25

And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.