TRV
Translation
American Standard Version
He measured on the south side five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.
World English Bible Messianic
He measured on the south side five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he measured the South side fiue hundreth reedes with the measuring reede.
Young's Literal Translation
The south side he hath measured, five hundred reeds, with the measuring-reed.
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In the KJVVerse 21,571 of 31,102
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Commentary on Ezekiel 42 verses 15–20
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.
16 He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
17 He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
18 He measured the south side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed.
19 He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.
20 He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall round about, five hundred reeds long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.
We have attended the measuring of this mystical temple and are now to see how far the holy ground on which we tread extends; and that also is here measured, and found to take in a great compass. Observe, 1. What the dimensions of it were. It extended each way 500 reeds (Eze 42:16-19), each reed above three yards and a half, so that it reached every way about an English measured mile, which, the ground lying square, was above four miles round. Thus large were the suburbs (as I may call them) of this mystical temple, signifying the great extent of the church in gospel-times, when all nations should be discipled and the kingdoms of the world made Christ's kingdoms. Room should be made in God's courts for the numerous forces of the Gentiles that shall flow into them, as was foretold, Isa 49:18; Isa 60:4. It is in part fulfilled already in the accession of the Gentiles to the church; and we trust it shall have a more full accomplishment when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in and all Israel shall be saved. 2. Why the dimensions of it were made thus large. It was to make a separation, by putting a very large distance between the sanctuary and the profane place; and therefore there was a wall surrounding it, to keep off those that were unclean and to separate between the previous and the vile. Note, A difference is to be put between common and sacred things, between God's name and other names, between his day and other days, his book and other books, his institutions and other observances; and a distance is to be put between our worldly and religious actions, so as still to go about the worship of God with a solemn pause.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–20. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Verse 15 onwards) When he had finished measuring the interior dimensions of the house, he led me along the way of the gate that faced east, and he measured it all around. (He measured the likeness of the house all around in order.) He measured the east side with the measuring rod; it was 500 rods long by the measuring rod all around. (He also measured the north side, south side, and west side.) And he measured against the north wind, five hundred cubits, measuring with a cubit in circumference. And he measured against the south wind, five hundred cubits, measuring with a cubit in circumference. And he measured against the west wind, five hundred cubits, measuring with a cubit. He measured on all four sides, the wall surrounding it, with a length of five hundred cubits and a width of five hundred cubits, dividing between the sanctuary and the common area. It should be known that after the East and North wind, the South and West wind has a reversed order among the Seventy. For they first set the West, that is the sea; and then the South, whereas among the Hebrews the South wind is first, and then the West. And what the Scripture now says: 'And when he had finished measuring the interior of the house, he led me through the gate that faces toward the East, and showed me all that has been mentioned, both inside and out, and the inner parts of the temple, that is, the Most Holy Place, properly belong to the building of the temple and the inner temple.' Now it follows: He led me through the gate, which looked towards the Eastern road, and measured it all around, like the likeness of a house. By this it is shown that it is not the house itself, but the likeness of the house that is seen: for now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then I shall know even as I am known (I Cor. XIII). Therefore, even Moses in the tabernacle, and Solomon in the building, made not the true tent of the temple, but the likeness and figure of it: that by these things which are lesser and earthly, we may understand those things which are heavenly, and in the spiritual building. But the man who had brought the prophet, went not into the outer courtyard, but through the gate which looked towards the eastern way, first measuring against the eastern wind, that is, the eastern quarter, five hundred reeds round about; second, towards the north; thirdly, towards the south; fourthly, towards the sea, that is, towards the west, on the four sides, a wall all around, as much in length as in breadth, that is, square, which wall had together with it two thousand reeds. But if the reed was six cubits long, and the wrestler one-sixth of a cubit, it is clear that the outer wall had a circumference of 2,000 reeds, which makes 12,333 cubits and a third of two thousand. Let the wise and diligent reader read the book of Joshua and he will find how this measure is preserved in the suburbs. Therefore, even the legion of demons chose this number in the suffocation of the pigs (Luke 8), so that he who was separated from the servants of God by the command of the Lord may be led to his own destruction, to the ruin of those who lead a life worthy of filth and squalor. But every exterior wall, which has a very spacious length and width in the form of a square, contains the number of the apostles, that is, twelve thousand: so that a thousand number is assigned to each apostle, and yet it does not reach the measure of the fullness of Christ and the perfect man, unless it is joined by the παλαιστὴ, which is three hundred and thirty-three cubits, and a third part of a cubit: through which the mystery of the holy and venerable Trinity is demonstrated, which encircles and protects everything, and provides the safest dwelling for the inhabitants of its temple. Where the ark of Noah has a length of three hundred cubits, and a height of thirty cubits, which is completed in one cubit (Gen. 5). But the fifty cubits that are added there in width signify the sacrament of remission (as we have often said). Hence the Lord came to baptism at the age of thirty, and this very prophet puts the thirtieth year at the beginning of his book: which is completed by adding three hundred and thirtieth, and the thirtieth number and a third part. However, in regard to the simplicity of the interpretation, while we pay little attention to the speed of dictation, both the Septuagint and our translation have its wall on all sides, with a length of five hundred cubits and a width of five hundred cubits. The Hebrew text, however, does not include the word 'wall', but simply the length of five hundred and the width of five hundred, with the understanding of 'reeds'. As mentioned earlier, towards the east wind, and towards the north, and towards the south, and towards the sea, the wall of each section was measured by the person holding the reed. But the number five hundred, which is close to fifty, concerning the remission of all sins, is indicated not only in the old Scripture (Lev. XXV), but also in the words of the Savior in the Gospel, saying: There were two debtors to a certain creditor: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty (Luke VII, 41). And the wall divides between the sanctuary and the place of the common people. From this we understand that all the description above the temple, the priests, who are the sons of Zadok, were delegated to ministries. But this wall, which stretches over such a large space and surrounds everything, separates the sanctuary from the common area.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:18 meticulously details the measurement of the south side of the visionary temple's outer court, specifying it as five hundred reeds. This precise dimension is part of a larger, divinely revealed architectural blueprint, underscoring the absolute order, vastness, and sanctity of the sacred space God intends for His renewed presence among His people. The verse emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's plans and the clear demarcation between the holy and the common, reflecting His character and the comprehensive scope of His future restoration.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary devices at play in Ezekiel 42:18 and the surrounding chapters are Symbolism through Precision and Hyperbole. The meticulous and repetitive enumeration of exact measurements, extending to "five hundred reeds" for each side of the outer court, creates an overwhelming sense of divine Precision and absolute order. This extreme detail, while potentially literal in the visionary sense, also functions as Hyperbole to convey the immense scale and absolute sanctity of God's future dwelling. The sheer size of the complex, far exceeding any historical temple, serves as Symbolism for the boundless nature of God's presence, His comprehensive restoration plan, and the complete separation of the holy from the profane. The "measuring reed" itself is a powerful Symbol of divine authority and the unchangeable, authoritative nature of God's decrees and His perfect design.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:18, with its emphasis on precise measurements and the vastness of the sacred space, deeply connects to the theological themes of God's absolute holiness, His meticulous order, and His desire for a separated dwelling place among His people. This vision, given during Israel's exile, served as a powerful promise of future restoration and the re-establishment of God's presence in a purified land. The extensive boundaries highlight the unapproachable purity of God and the necessity of a sanctified environment for His habitation, foreshadowing the ultimate reality of God dwelling fully and perfectly with humanity. The concept of a vast, precisely measured holy space points to the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, which encompasses not just a people but also the very environment in which they live and worship, ensuring that all aspects of life are brought under His holy dominion.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous measurements of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the "five hundred reeds" for the south side, might seem abstract to modern readers, but they carry profound spiritual weight. They remind us that God is a God of infinite detail, order, and purpose. Nothing in His divine plan is arbitrary or left to chance. This should inspire us to live lives marked by intentionality, seeking to align our actions and priorities with God's perfect will. Furthermore, the vastness of the sacred space, set apart from the common, serves as a powerful metaphor for the call to holiness in the life of a believer. As God's dwelling place in the New Covenant, we are called to be set apart, to reflect His character in a world that often lacks order and sanctity. Our lives, individually and corporately as the church, are meant to be a distinct space where God's presence is honored and His glory is revealed, demonstrating His order and holiness to a chaotic world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "five hundred reeds" measurement?
Answer: The "five hundred reeds" (approximately one mile or 1.6 kilometers on each side) signifies the immense scale of the visionary temple complex. This vastness emphasizes several points: the grandeur and majesty of God, the comprehensive nature of His future dwelling place, and the absolute separation of the holy space from the common or profane. It underscores that God's presence is not confined but expansive, and His holiness requires a significant demarcation. This scale far exceeds any historical temple, suggesting its symbolic rather than purely literal architectural significance.
Is Ezekiel's temple vision meant to be a literal blueprint for a future physical temple?
Answer: Scholars hold various views on this. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future temple to be built in Jerusalem during the millennium. Others view it primarily as a symbolic vision, representing the ideal spiritual reality of God's perfect presence among His people in a future age, or even the church as God's spiritual temple. The extreme detail and immense, perhaps impractical, dimensions (like the "five hundred reeds" square outer court, which would be a mile on each side) often lead to a symbolic interpretation, pointing to the perfection, order, and holiness of God's ultimate kingdom and His dwelling with humanity, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the New Heavens and New Earth (e.g., Revelation 21:1-3).
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 42:18, with its emphasis on precise measurements defining a vast, holy space for God's dwelling, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a physical edifice but in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the spiritual reality He inaugurates. The Old Testament temple, and Ezekiel's visionary temple, were shadows pointing to the ultimate reality of God dwelling among His people. Jesus declared Himself to be greater than the temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), referring to the temple of His body. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate, perfect dwelling place of God, the one through whom God's presence is fully revealed and accessible to humanity. Furthermore, in Christ, believers become living stones, built into a spiritual house, a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5), and the church collectively becomes the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 3:16). The meticulous measurements of Ezekiel's vision, symbolizing perfect order and holiness, are perfectly realized in Christ, who perfectly embodies God's holiness and brings perfect order to the chaotic human condition, ultimately leading to the eternal dwelling of God with humanity in the New Jerusalem, where there is no temple because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22).