What is the significance of the "utter court" and the specific direction "toward the north" in this verse?

The "utter court" (Hebrew: *chîytsôwn*) refers to the outermost and largest area of the visionary temple complex. Its mention here signifies that Ezekiel is still being guided through the extensive outer perimeter. The specific direction "toward the north" (Hebrew: *tsâphôwn*) is crucial for precise architectural orientation. The entire temple vision in Ezekiel 40-48 is characterized by meticulous measurements and cardinal directions. This detail ensures that the reader or builder could accurately understand the exact location of these newly described chambers within the vast complex, emphasizing the divine precision and systematic revelation of the future temple's layout.

What is the "separate place" mentioned in Ezekiel 42:1, and why is it important?

The "separate place" (Hebrew: *gizrâh*) refers to a distinct, enclosed, or set-apart area within the temple complex. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, it is understood as a designated precinct or open ground that likely ran along the western side of the main temple building, acting as a buffer or boundary. Its importance lies in reinforcing the theme of

holiness and demarcation

. Ancient temples, including the Israelite tabernacle and Solomon's temple, always had clear distinctions between sacred and common areas. This "separate place" would have served to physically and symbolically separate the highly sacred temple structure from the surrounding ancillary buildings and the outer courts, underscoring the purity and sanctity required for approaching God's dwelling.

Why does God provide such detailed architectural blueprints in Ezekiel's vision?

God provides such exhaustive architectural details for several profound reasons. Firstly, it underscores the

divine origin and authority

of the vision; it is not a human imagination but a precise revelation from God. Secondly, it serves as a powerful message of

for the exiled Israelites, assuring them that God's presence would return and a perfect system of worship would be re-established. Thirdly, the meticulousness highlights God's

character of order, perfection, and holiness

. Every detail matters to God, especially concerning His dwelling place and worship. Finally, it may serve as a

, whether for a literal future temple or as a symbolic representation of the perfect order and spiritual realities of God's ultimate dwelling with His people, as seen in the New Jerusalem (cf. Revelation 21:22-27).

41:26 41:26

Ezekiel 42:1

42:2 42:2

Bible Versions

¶ 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.

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 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.

Bible Versions

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