Ezekiel 42:15

¶ Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth toward the gate whose prospect [is] toward the east, and measured it round about.

Now when he had made an end {H3615} of measuring {H4060} the inner {H6442} house {H1004}, he brought me forth {H3318} toward {H1870} the gate {H8179} whose prospect {H6440} is toward {H1870} the east {H6921}, and measured {H4058} it round about {H5439}.

After he had finished measuring the inner house, he brought me out by way of the gate facing east and measured the whole area.

Now when the man had finished measuring the interior of the temple area, he led me out by the gate that faced east, and he measured the area all around:

Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it round about.

Ezekiel 42:15 marks a crucial transition in Ezekiel's elaborate vision of the future temple. After meticulously detailing the "inner house" (the temple proper and its surrounding structures), the angelic guide turns Ezekiel's attention outward, beginning the comprehensive measurement of the outer court.

Context of Ezekiel 42:15

This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapters 40-48, which describe a highly detailed vision of a new, perfect temple. This vision was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, offering hope and a blueprint for God's renewed presence among His people. Chapters 40-42 focus on the precise architectural layout and dimensions of the temple complex. Specifically, the scene for this extensive prophetic tour is set in Ezekiel 40:1. Verse 15 signifies the completion of the inner sanctuary measurements and the shift to the larger temple precincts, starting with the significant east gate.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exhaustive measurements throughout these chapters underscore God's meticulousness and the divine origin of the temple's design. Every detail is purposeful, reflecting God's perfect order and sovereignty.
  • Holiness and Separation: The act of measuring defines boundaries, emphasizing the sacredness of the temple space and its separation from the common. This physical separation points to the spiritual holiness required for God's dwelling.
  • The Future Temple and God's Presence: This vision is often interpreted as a literal future temple in the millennial kingdom, a symbolic representation of God's ultimate dwelling with His people, or a blueprint for a spiritual reality. The emphasis on the "gate whose prospect is toward the east" is particularly significant, as it is through this gate that the glory of the Lord later enters the temple (Ezekiel 43:1-5).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whose prospect [is] toward the east" emphasizes the strategic orientation of this gate. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the east often held symbolic significance, particularly in relation to beginnings, the rising sun, and divine manifestation. For this temple, it is the direction from which God's glory returns, making its orientation crucial for the subsequent events in the vision. The phrase "measured it round about" indicates a comprehensive survey of the entire outer perimeter, not just one dimension.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 42:15, though part of a detailed architectural vision, offers timeless insights. It reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose. Just as He meticulously planned the temple, He has a precise plan for our lives and for His kingdom. The detailed measurements can also symbolize the importance of boundaries and structure in our spiritual lives, helping us to maintain holiness and distinction as God's people. Furthermore, the anticipation of God's presence entering through the east gate foreshadows the ultimate reality of God dwelling fully with humanity in the new heavens and new earth, a promise of perfect communion.

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 43:1

    ¶ Afterward he brought me to the gate, [even] the gate that looketh toward the east:

  • 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 41:2

    And the breadth of the door [was] ten cubits; and the sides of the door [were] five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits.

  • Ezekiel 41:5

    After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of [every] side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.

  • Ezekiel 40:6

    Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, [which was] one reed broad; and the other threshold [of the gate, which was] one reed broad.

  • Ezekiel 40:16

    And [there were] narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows [were] round about inward: and upon [each] post [were] palm trees.

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