Why is the East Gate measured first and given such prominence?

The East Gate holds profound symbolic and theological significance in Ezekiel's vision. In earlier chapters, Ezekiel 10:19 describes God's glory departing from the defiled temple through the East Gate. Conversely, in Ezekiel 43:1-4, the prophet sees the glory of the Lord returning to the new temple through this very gate. Therefore, its measurement first in Ezekiel 40:6 is not arbitrary; it signifies the preparation for the return of God's sacred presence and the re-establishment of His dwelling among His people, marking a new beginning and a promise of ultimate restoration. Its prominence underscores the cyclical nature of divine judgment and restoration in God's plan.

40:5 40:5

Ezekiel 40:6

40:7 40:7

Bible Versions

Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, [which was] one reed broad; and the other threshold [of the gate, which was] one reed broad.

Then came {H935} he unto the gate {H8179} which looketh {H6440} toward {H1870} the east {H6921}, and went up {H5927} the stairs {H4609} thereof, and measured {H4058} the threshold {H5592} of the gate {H8179}, which was one {H259} reed {H7070} broad {H7341}; and the other {H259} threshold {H5592} of the gate, which was one {H259} reed {H7070} broad {H7341}.

He went to the east gate, climbed its steps and measured one of the gate's doorposts at ten-and-a-half feet wide and the other one the same.

Then he came to the gate facing east and climbed its steps. He measured the threshold of the gate to be one rod deep.

Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the steps thereof: and he measured the threshold of the gate, one reed broad; and the other threshold, one reed broad.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Ezekiel 8:16

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.
Ezekiel 43:1

¶ Afterward he brought me to the gate, [even] the gate that looketh toward the east:
Ezekiel 40:20

And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
Jeremiah 19:2

And go forth unto the valley of the son of Hinnom, which [is] by the entry of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell thee,
1 Chronicles 9:24

In four quarters were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.
Ezekiel 10:18

Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
1 Kings 6:8

The door for the middle chamber [was] in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle [chamber], and out of the middle into the third.

Bible Versions

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