Ezekiel 41:7

And [there was] an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house [was still] upward, and so increased [from] the lowest [chamber] to the highest by the midst.

And there was an enlarging {H7337}, and a winding about {H5437} still upward {H4605} to the side chambers {H6763}: for the winding about {H4141} of the house {H1004} went still upward {H4605} round about {H5439} the house {H1004}: therefore the breadth {H7341} of the house {H1004} was still upward {H4605}, and so increased {H5927} from the lowest {H8481} chamber to the highest {H5945} by the midst {H8484}.

The higher side-rooms surrounding the house were wider than the lower ones, as were the passageways next to the side-rooms on each floor; thus the width of the side-rooms plus that of the passageways increased as one went up from floor to floor. The ascent from the lowest floor to the highest was [by a ramp] through the middle floor.

The side rooms surrounding the temple widened at each successive level, because the structure surrounding the temple ascended by stages corresponding to the narrowing of the temple wall as it rose upward. And so a stairway went up from the lowest story to the highest, through the middle one.

And the side-chambers were broader as they encompassed the house higher and higher; for the encompassing of the house went higher and higher round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house continued upward; and so one went up from the lowest chamber to the highest by the middle chamber.

Ezekiel 41:7 provides a detailed architectural description within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a future temple. This specific verse focuses on the unique construction of the side chambers surrounding the main sanctuary, highlighting how their dimensions progressively widened as they ascended.

Context of Ezekiel 41:7

This verse is found in the latter portion of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which is dedicated to a highly detailed and elaborate vision of a new temple. Given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, this vision served as a powerful message of hope and restoration to a disheartened Jewish people. The meticulous measurements and structural descriptions, including the "enlarging, and a winding about still upward" of the side chambers, underscore the divine origin and perfect order of this future sanctuary. The temple vision is interpreted in various ways: as a literal future temple, a symbolic representation of God's dwelling among His people, or a prophetic picture of the Church and ultimate heavenly realities.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The extraordinary detail in Ezekiel's temple vision, including the specific dimensions and architectural features described in verse 7, emphasizes God's meticulous planning and His commitment to order in His creation and redemptive purposes.
  • Growth and Expansion: The phrase "an enlarging, and a winding about still upward" suggests a progressive increase in breadth or capacity as one ascends. This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth, where maturity leads to greater understanding and capacity, or for the expanding nature of God's kingdom and His dwelling among His people.
  • God's Dwelling Place: The entire temple vision underscores the profound importance of God's presence among His people. The intricate structure prepares for the glorious return of the Lord's presence, as vividly depicted in Ezekiel 43:4, offering comfort and assurance of future restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "enlarging" (rachab) signifies widening or making broad, indicating a progressive increase in space. The phrase "winding about" (nasab) implies a continuous, perhaps spiral, ascent. The "side chambers" (tsela'ot) literally translates to "ribs," referring to the rooms built against the temple's outer wall. The architectural design described suggests that these chambers became wider at higher levels, possibly because the temple wall itself tapered in thickness as it ascended, creating ledges that supported broader upper rooms. This ingenious structure maximized usable space on higher floors.

Practical Application

While the immediate context of Ezekiel 41:7 is architectural, its underlying principles offer spiritual insights. Just as the temple chambers expanded upward, so too can our spiritual lives be characterized by growth and an increasing capacity for God's presence and purposes. This verse encourages us to recognize the divine blueprint for our lives and the meticulous care with which God designs every detail of His plan. It also reminds us of the ultimate promise of God's intimate presence with His people, a theme beautifully echoed in the New Testament where believers are described as living stones built into a spiritual house, a holy dwelling place for God.

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.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 13:32

    Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

  • Hebrews 6:1

    ¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
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