So that the face of a man [was] toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: [it was] made through all the house round about.
So that the face {H6440} of a man {H120} was toward the palm tree {H8561} on the one side, and the face {H6440} of a young lion {H3715} toward the palm tree {H8561} on the other side: it was made {H6213} through all the house {H1004} round about {H5439}.
so that there was the face of a man toward the palm tree on its one side and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on its other side - this was the pattern all the way around the house.
the face of a man was toward the palm tree on one side, and the face of a young lion was toward the palm tree on the other side. They were carved all the way around the temple.
so that there was the face of a man toward the palm-tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm-tree on the other side. Thus was it made through all the house round about:
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Ezekiel 10:14
And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a cherub, and the second face [was] the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. -
Ezekiel 1:10
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Context of Ezekiel 41:19
Ezekiel 41:19 is part of a detailed, visionary description of a new temple given to the prophet Ezekiel by God, starting in Ezekiel chapter 40. This elaborate vision, occurring during the Babylonian exile, served as a powerful message of hope and future restoration for the exiled Israelites. It provided a glimpse into a meticulously designed sanctuary, emphasizing God's desire for a pure and holy place of worship among His people. Verse 19 specifically describes the decorative carvings found throughout the inner and outer walls of this magnificent, prophetic temple, highlighting the intricate details of its construction and symbolism.
Key Themes and Symbolism
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew words for "man" (אדם - 'adam), "young lion" (כפיר - kĕphîr), and "palm tree" (תמר - tāmār) are straightforward and carry their common meanings. The significance lies not in complex etymology, but in the rich symbolic associations these figures held within ancient Near Eastern and biblical cultures. The pairing and alternating arrangement of these symbols suggest a balance of divine attributes and the characteristics expected of those who would worship in God's presence.
Practical Application
While Ezekiel's temple vision has various interpretations (literal future temple, symbolic representation of the church, or the heavenly temple), the underlying principles offer valuable lessons: