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.

And before {H6440} the chambers {H3957} was a walk {H4109} of ten {H6235} cubits {H520} breadth {H7341} inward {H6442}, a way {H1870} of one {H259} cubit {H520}; and their doors {H6607} toward the north {H6828}.

In front of the [block of] rooms was a walkway seventeen-and-a-half feet wide and a path twenty-one inches [wide]; their doors faced north.

In front of the chambers was an inner walkway ten cubits wide and a hundred cubits long. Their doors were on the north.

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

Context

Ezekiel 42:4 is an intricate part of the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a future temple, meticulously detailed from Ezekiel chapter 40 through chapter 48. This section specifically describes the architectural layout of the chambers surrounding the inner court, which were likely designated for priestly use, storage of offerings, or other sacred functions within the temple complex. Following prophecies of judgment and exile, this detailed vision served as a profound message of hope and restoration, emphasizing God's faithfulness and His renewed presence among His people in the future.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The highly specific measurements, such as "ten cubits breadth" and "one cubit," underscore the divine origin of the vision and God's meticulous attention to detail. This precision suggests that every aspect of God's dwelling place and His plans for His people are perfectly orchestrated and designed for holy purposes.
  • Holiness and Separation: The architectural arrangement of these chambers and their surrounding passages likely served to maintain the sanctity of the temple areas. Such specific designs ensured that sacred activities could occur in dedicated spaces, reinforcing the principle of separating the holy from the common, a recurring theme throughout biblical temple instructions.
  • Anticipation of God's Presence: Ultimately, this detailed temple vision points to God's future dwelling among His redeemed people. The specific structural elements prepare the way for the climactic moment when the glory of the Lord fills the temple in Ezekiel 43, signifying His return and enduring presence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a way of one cubit" (וְדֶרֶךְ אַחַת אַמָּה, v'derekh achat amma) is particularly noteworthy. While the "walk of ten cubits breadth inward" clearly indicates a substantial passageway or open area, the "one cubit way" is interpreted in various ways:

  • It could refer to a narrow threshold or step at the entrance of the chambers.
  • Alternatively, it might describe a very narrow passage or boundary of one cubit in width, perhaps leading directly into the chambers and contrasting with the wider walk.

This linguistic nuance highlights the highly technical and exact nature of Ezekiel's prophetic architectural descriptions, emphasizing the divine blueprint's unparalleled accuracy.

Practical Application and Reflection

While Ezekiel's temple vision holds significant prophetic weight, its detailed descriptions offer spiritual insights for believers today:

  • God's Care for Detail: This verse serves as a reminder that God is a God of order and precision. He cares about the minute details of His plans and purposes, encouraging us to approach our own lives and service with diligence and intentionality.
  • Preparation for Holiness: Just as the temple was meticulously prepared for God's glory, believers are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit. This implies a need for spiritual purity and dedication in our lives, honoring the divine presence within us.
  • Hope in God's Faithfulness: The entire temple vision, including these specific architectural elements, was a message of profound hope to a people in exile. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate plan to dwell with humanity, a promise fully realized in Christ and anticipated in the new heavens and new earth.
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 46:19

    ¶ After he brought me through the entry, which [was] at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there [was] a place on the two sides westward.

  • Matthew 7:14

    Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

  • Luke 13:24

    Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
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