Ezekiel 40:42

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Ezekiel 40:42 describes a specific detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of the new temple, emphasizing the practical and precise elements required for worship. These four tables of hewn stone were designated for the preparation of sacrificial animals, highlighting the meticulous order and sacredness of the temple service.

Context

This verse is found in Ezekiel's extensive vision of a new temple (chapters 40-48), given to him while in Babylonian exile. Following detailed descriptions of the temple's outer and inner courts, gates, and chambers, Ezekiel 40:42 focuses on the equipment within the temple precincts. This vision served as a message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites, promising a future where God's presence would dwell among them in a purified and meticulously ordered sanctuary. The inclusion of specific dimensions and materials underscores the divine blueprint for this future spiritual center, which was to be a place of perfect worship and God's glory returning to His dwelling.

Key Themes

  • Order and Precision in Worship: The exact dimensions ("a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high") and material ("hewn stone") for these tables underscore the divine demand for order, precision, and excellence in all aspects of worship. God's house was to be characterized by careful planning and execution.
  • Preparation for Sacrifice: These tables were not for the offerings themselves, but for the instruments used in the slaying and preparation of the "burnt offering" and "sacrifice." This shows the practical, yet sacred, work involved in the Old Testament sacrificial system, which was central to atonement and fellowship with God.
  • Holiness and Separation: Every detail of the visionary temple, including these seemingly minor tables, speaks to the holiness of God and the need for a sanctified environment for His presence. The careful preparation of offerings was a part of maintaining ritual purity.

Linguistic Insights

The term "hewn stone" in Hebrew is gazit (גָזִית), which refers to stones that have been carefully cut and dressed, not rough or unfinished. This emphasizes the quality and intentionality of the construction, reflecting the divine standard for the temple. The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: 'olah, עֹלָה) signifies an offering that was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion and consecration to God. The general "sacrifice" (Hebrew: zevach, זֶבַח) could refer to various types of offerings, often involving a portion given to God and a portion shared by the worshippers, representing fellowship and communion.

Practical Application

While the physical temple and its animal sacrifices are no longer necessary due to Christ's perfect and ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the principles embedded in Ezekiel's vision remain highly relevant. The meticulous design of these tables reminds us:

  • Intentionality in Worship: Our worship, whether personal or corporate, should be intentional, prepared, and offered with reverence and care, reflecting the greatness of the God we serve.
  • Holiness in Service: God still calls His people to holiness. Just as the tables facilitated the preparation for offerings, our lives should be continually prepared for service and dedication to Him, recognizing that we are called to be living sacrifices.
  • God's Order: The divine blueprint for the temple underscores God's nature as a God of order. This encourages believers to seek order and excellence in their spiritual lives and church ministries.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 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.

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