TRV
Ezekiel 40:44
Bible Versions
And without the inner gate [were] the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which [was] at the side of the north gate; and their prospect [was] toward the south: one at the side of the east gate [having] the prospect toward the north.
And without {H2351} the inner {H6442} gate {H8179} were the chambers {H3957} of the singers {H7891} in the inner {H6442} court {H2691}, which was at the side {H3802} of the north {H6828} gate {H8179}; and their prospect {H6440} was toward {H1870} the south {H1864}: one {H259} at the side {H3802} of the east {H6921} gate {H8179} having the prospect {H6440} toward {H1870} the north {H6828}.
Outside the inner gate, in the inner courtyard, were rooms for the singers, one facing south alongside the north gate, and one facing north alongside the east gate.
Outside the inner gate, within the inner court, were two chambers, one beside the north gate and facing south, and another beside the south gate and facing north.
And without the inner gate were chambers for the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south; one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.
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1 Chronicles 6:31
¶ And these [are they] whom David set over the service of song in the house of the LORD, after that the ark had rest. -
1 Chronicles 6:32
And they ministered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem: and [then] they waited on their office according to their order. -
Ezekiel 40:27
¶ And [there was] a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits. -
Ezekiel 40:23
And the gate of the inner court [was] over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits. -
1 Chronicles 16:41
And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever; -
1 Chronicles 16:43
And all the people departed every man to his house: and David returned to bless his house. -
Ezekiel 40:7
And [every] little chamber [was] one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers [were] five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within [was] one reed.
Ezekiel 40:44 is part of a detailed architectural blueprint for a visionary temple given to the prophet Ezekiel. This specific verse describes the precise location of chambers designated for singers within the inner court of this future temple, highlighting God's meticulous attention to detail in matters of worship and sacred space.
Context
This verse is situated within Ezekiel's grand temple vision, which spans chapters 40 through 48 of the book of Ezekiel. Given to the prophet during the Babylonian exile, this extensive revelation served as a profound source of hope and a promise of restoration for the exiled Israelites. The detailed measurements, gates, courts, and chambers, including those for the singers, underscore the divine order and holiness that God intended for His dwelling place and the worship conducted within it. This vision provided comfort and a tangible (though symbolic) representation of God's enduring covenant and presence among His people, even in their displacement.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "chambers" is lishkah (לִשְׁכָּה), which refers to a room, cell, or hall, often within a larger complex like the temple. It signifies a designated space for specific functions. The "singers" (שָׁרִים - *sharim*) refer to those appointed for musical service, typically associated with the Levites who were responsible for the organized musical liturgy in the temple.
Practical Application
While Ezekiel's temple vision has various interpretations (literal future temple, symbolic representation of the church, etc.), this verse offers timeless principles. It reminds us that God values ordered and intentional worship. The dedication of specific spaces and persons for praise highlights the importance of music and art in honoring God. For believers today, it encourages us to approach our worship, whether individually or corporately, with reverence, purpose, and a desire for excellence. Just as there were dedicated chambers for singers, we are called to dedicate our gifts and talents to God's service, offering our lives as spiritual worship, as encouraged in Romans 12:1 to offer our bodies as living sacrifices. This verse ultimately reflects God's meticulous care and comprehensive plan for His people and their interaction with Him.