41:21 41:21

Ezekiel 41:22

41:23 41:23

Bible Versions

The altar of wood [was] three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, [were] of wood: and he said unto me, This [is] the table that [is] before the LORD.
The altar {H4196} of wood {H6086} was three {H7969} cubits {H520} high {H1364}, and the length {H753} thereof two {H8147} cubits {H520}; and the corners {H4740} thereof, and the length {H753} thereof, and the walls {H7023} thereof, were of wood {H6086}: and he said {H1696} unto me, This is the table {H7979} that is before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.
The altar was of wood, five-and-a-quarter feet high and three-and-a-half feet long; its length and walls were also of wood. He said to me, "This is the table which is in the presence of ADONAI."
There was an altar of wood three cubits high and two cubits square. Its corners, base, and sides were of wood. And the man told me, “This is the table that is before the LORD.”
The altar was of wood, three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before Jehovah.

Context of Ezekiel 41:22

Ezekiel 41:22 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future, ideal temple. Chapters 40-48 of the Book of Ezekiel describe this elaborate structure, its dimensions, chambers, and functions. This particular verse focuses on a specific piece of furniture within the temple's inner sanctuary, likely the Holy Place. Given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (around 593-571 BC), this extensive vision served as a profound source of hope and a promise of God's continued presence among His people, even if its ultimate fulfillment is debated among theologians (literal future temple, symbolic representation of the church, or heavenly reality).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Table Before the Lord: The most striking aspect of this verse is the identification of what is initially called an "altar of wood" as "the table that is before the LORD." In the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, this would correspond to the Table of Showbread (or Table of Presence Bread). This signifies communion, divine provision, and fellowship with God, rather than solely sacrifice.
  • Divine Presence and Communion: The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the sacredness and importance of this table, indicating that it is where God's presence is particularly manifested and where His people commune with Him. It highlights a relationship of intimacy and sustenance.
  • Symbolism of Wood: Unlike the gold-overlaid table in the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:24), this one is explicitly described as being entirely "of wood." This might symbolize simplicity, humility, or perhaps a different emphasis in this future temple. Some interpretations suggest it points to the humanity of Christ, who is the true bread of life (John 6:35).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeakh) typically refers to a place of sacrifice. However, the immediate clarification "This is the table" (שֻׁלְחָן, shulchan) is crucial. This juxtaposition highlights that while it might visually resemble an altar or possess an altar-like sacredness due to its position and function, its primary purpose in this vision is that of a table for fellowship and sustenance. This shift in terminology from altar to table underscores a move from emphasis on sacrifice to communion, especially significant in a temple vision following the sacrificial system.

Practical Application

While the exact fulfillment of Ezekiel's temple vision is debated, its spiritual principles are timeless. This verse reminds believers that God desires not just ritualistic sacrifice, but also intimate communion and fellowship. The "table before the LORD" can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual nourishment and relationship we have with God through Christ. It points to the ultimate reality where Christ Himself is our spiritual sustenance, and through Him, we have access to God's presence and provision. It encourages us to seek regular communion with God, trusting in His provision and enjoying His presence, rather than focusing solely on ritual or obligation. It also subtly foreshadows the New Covenant where the ultimate sacrifice has been made, opening the way for direct fellowship with God.

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.

  • Malachi 1:7

    Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] contemptible.

  • Malachi 1:12

    But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] polluted; and the fruit thereof, [even] his meat, [is] contemptible.

  • Ezekiel 23:41

    And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil.

  • Ezekiel 44:16

    They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.

  • Revelation 8:3

    And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer [it] with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

  • Exodus 30:1

    ¶ And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: [of] shittim wood shalt thou make it.

  • Exodus 30:3

    And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
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