Ezekiel 42:1

¶ Then he brought me forth into the utter court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that [was] over against the separate place, and which [was] before the building toward the north.

Then he brought me forth {H3318} into the utter {H2435} court {H2691}, the way toward {H1870} the north {H6828}: and he brought {H935} me into the chamber {H3957} that was over against the separate place {H1508}, and which was before the building {H1146} toward the north {H6828}.

Then he led me into the outer courtyard - the route went north - and brought me to the [block of] rooms opposite the separated yard and opposite the building to the north.

Then the man led me out northward into the outer court, and he brought me to the group of chambers opposite the temple courtyard and the outer wall on the north side.

Then he brought me forth into the outer court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that was over against the separate place, and which was over against the building toward the north.

Ezekiel 42:1 marks a new phase in Ezekiel's extensive vision of the future temple, shifting focus to the detailed layout of the chambers surrounding the sacred structure. The prophet is led by his divine guide into specific areas, providing precise directional information about the immense temple complex.

Context of Ezekiel 42:1

This verse is part of a monumental section in the Book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) that details a comprehensive vision of a new temple and its associated structures, along with the reordering of Israel and its worship. Following descriptions of the outer court (Ezekiel 40:17-27), the inner court (Ezekiel 40:28-47), and the main temple building itself (Ezekiel 41:1-26), Ezekiel 42 begins the description of the chambers intended for priestly use. The meticulous measurements and directions emphasize the divine origin and precision of this prophetic blueprint.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The detailed architectural descriptions, including specific directions like "toward the north," underscore God's meticulous planning and desire for order in worship and sacred space. This highlights that every aspect of God's plan is purposeful and divinely ordained.
  • Holiness and Separation: The mention of a "separate place" and designated "chambers" implies areas set apart for specific, holy purposes, likely for the priests to prepare, store holy garments, and eat their portions of the sacrifices. This reinforces the concept of holiness and distinction necessary for those who minister before God.
  • Anticipation of God's Dwelling: The entire temple vision points to God's desire to dwell among His people. These chambers are part of the infrastructure supporting a renewed and perfect system of worship where God's glory will ultimately return (Ezekiel 43:4).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "utter court" refers to the outer court (Hebrew: ḥāṣēr haḥîṣônâ), the largest and outermost area of the temple complex. The term "chamber" (Hebrew: liška) denotes a cell or room, specifically in the context of the temple, rooms for the priests or for storing sacred items. The "separate place" (Hebrew: migrâš or related terms for open space/precinct) likely refers to the distinct area or open ground between the temple structure and these surrounding chambers, emphasizing a clear demarcation of sacred spaces.

Practical Application

While the exact fulfillment of Ezekiel's temple vision is debated (literal future temple, symbolic of the Church, or a spiritual reality), this verse offers timeless principles:

  • God is a God of Detail: We are reminded that God cares about precision and order, not only in grand plans but also in the seemingly minor details of His creation and purposes.
  • Preparation for Presence: Just as these chambers were for priestly preparation and service, we are called to prepare ourselves for spiritual service and worship, ensuring our lives are set apart for God's purposes.
  • Anticipation of God's Fullness: The detailed vision fuels an anticipation for a time when God's presence will be fully manifest, whether in a literal temple or in the New Jerusalem where God Himself is the temple.
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.
  • Ezekiel 40:17

    Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, [there were] chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers [were] upon the pavement.
  • Ezekiel 40:20

    And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
  • Ezekiel 41:1

    ¶ Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, [which was] the breadth of the tabernacle.
  • Ezekiel 42:13

    Then said he unto me, The north chambers [and] the south chambers, which [are] before the separate place, they [be] holy chambers, where the priests that approach unto the LORD shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place [is] holy.
  • Ezekiel 41:12

    ¶ Now the building that [was] before the separate place at the end toward the west [was] seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building [was] five cubits thick round about, and the length thereof ninety cubits.
  • Ezekiel 41:15

    And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which [was] behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court;
  • Ezekiel 42:4

    And before the chambers [was] a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.

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