Ezekiel 40:43

And within [were] hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables [was] the flesh of the offering.

And within {H1004} were hooks {H8240}, an {H259} hand {H2948} broad, fastened {H3559} round about {H5439}: and upon the tables {H7979} was the flesh {H1320} of the offering {H7133}.

Hooks a handbreadth long were fastened all around the inside of the room; the flesh of the offerings was to be placed on the tables.

The double-pronged hooks, each a handbreadth long, were fastened all around the inside of the room, and the flesh of the offering was to be placed on the tables.

And the hooks, a handbreadth long, were fastened within round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the oblation.

Context of Ezekiel 40:43

Ezekiel 40:43 is part of a detailed and extensive vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, beginning in chapter 40 and continuing through chapter 48. This vision describes a magnificent new temple, its courts, gates, and precise dimensions. Given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, after the destruction of Solomon's Temple, this prophecy offered hope and a blueprint for a future sanctuary where God's glory would dwell again. The meticulous descriptions, including practical elements like the hooks and tables mentioned in this verse, emphasize the divine origin and the importance of order and sanctity in worship. The vision serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring presence and His covenant with His people, even in their darkest times, pointing towards a future restoration and a renewed relationship, as promised in Ezekiel 37:26 regarding a covenant of peace and an everlasting sanctuary.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Precision and Order in Worship: The minute details, such as the "hooks, an hand broad" and the tables, highlight the divine emphasis on meticulous order and preparation for worship. Every aspect of the temple and its functions was designed for reverence and efficiency in serving God.
  • The Sacrificial System: This verse directly references the practicalities of the sacrificial system. The hooks were likely used for hanging the sacrificial animals after slaughter, and the tables for preparing or placing the "flesh of the offering." This indicates that even in this visionary temple, the practice of atonement through sacrifice remained central, underscoring the gravity of sin and the need for a blood offering to approach a holy God.
  • Holiness of the Sanctuary: The comprehensive design of the temple, down to these seemingly minor details, reinforces the overall theme of God's holiness and the separation required for His presence. The temple is a place set apart, where everything is consecrated for sacred use.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hooks, an hand broad" refers to specific fixtures designed for the temple's sacrificial work. The Hebrew word for "hooks" (likely related to *shephah* or similar terms for pegs/hooks) suggests practical implements for hanging the carcasses of animals. The phrase "an hand broad" provides a specific measurement, indicating their size and robust nature, suitable for holding weighty offerings. The "tables" (Hebrew: *shulchan*) were designated surfaces for the sacred preparation of the "flesh of the offering," emphasizing the ritualistic handling of the sacrificed animals.

Symbolism and Significance

While Ezekiel's temple vision is highly detailed, its exact fulfillment is a subject of theological discussion. Some interpret it literally as a future temple during a millennial reign, while others see it as symbolic of the Church, or of the eternal state, or a combination. Regardless, the emphasis on sacrifices points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The elaborate Old Testament sacrificial system, with its hooks and tables for preparing offerings, foreshadowed the perfect and singular sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His death provided the ultimate atonement, making the continual animal sacrifices obsolete (see Hebrews 9:26). Thus, these detailed descriptions in Ezekiel remind us of the immense cost of sin and the profound grace found in Christ's finished work.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 40:43, though describing ancient sacrificial practices, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us of God's demand for reverence and order in worship. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, our worship should still be characterized by intentionality, preparation, and a deep respect for God's holiness. We are called to present our lives as "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This verse also deepens our appreciation for Christ's sacrifice, which perfectly fulfilled all the types and shadows of the Old Testament, providing a way for us to draw near to God not through the blood of animals, but through His own precious blood.

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.

  • Leviticus 1:8

    And the priests, Aaron's sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the wood that [is] on the fire which [is] upon the altar:

  • Leviticus 1:6

    And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

  • Leviticus 8:20

    And he cut the ram into pieces; and Moses burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

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