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Translation
King James Version
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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KJV (with Strong's)
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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
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.
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Berean Standard Bible
In front of the chambers was an inner walkway ten cubits wide and a hundred cubits long. Their doors were on the north.
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American Standard Version
And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits’ breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors were toward the north.
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World English Bible Messianic
Before the rooms was a walk of ten cubits’ breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors were toward the north.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And before the chambers was a gallery of ten cubites wide, and within was a way of one cubite, and their doores towarde the North.
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Young's Literal Translation
And at the front of the chambers is a walk of ten cubits in breadth unto the inner part, a way of one cubit, and their openings are at the north.
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In the KJVVerse 21,557 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Ezekiel 42:4 offers precise architectural specifications for the visionary temple, detailing the dimensions and orientation of the passageways leading to and the doors of the chambers surrounding the inner court. It describes a broad walk of ten cubits breadth before these chambers, followed by a narrow way of one cubit, and notes that the doors of these chambers faced toward the north. This verse, embedded within a larger, highly intricate blueprint, underscores the divine precision and meticulous design inherent in God's future dwelling place, emphasizing themes of order, holiness, and the careful preparation for the manifestation of His glory among His people.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Ezekiel 42:4 is situated within the expansive temple vision that dominates the latter part of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically from Ezekiel 40 through Ezekiel 48. This particular verse contributes to the highly detailed description of the outer and inner courts, along with the various surrounding structures, including the chambers designated for priestly use or temple service. Following the initial measurements of the temple gate and courts in Ezekiel 40 and the temple building itself in Ezekiel 41, chapter 42 focuses on the specific chambers—their dimensions, arrangement, and relationship to the broader temple complex. The meticulous detail in this section serves to build anticipation for the climactic return of God's glory to the temple, vividly described in Ezekiel 43:1-5.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The vision of this elaborate temple was imparted to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, a period roughly spanning 593-571 BC. At this time, the Jewish people were displaced from their homeland, the First Temple in Jerusalem lay in ruins, and their land was desolate. In this context of profound loss and despair, the vision of a new, glorious temple served as a potent message of hope, divine restoration, and God's enduring covenant faithfulness. The specific measurements, given in "cubits" (an ancient unit of measure typically from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, approximately 18-21 inches), would have been well-understood by Ezekiel's audience, emphasizing the tangible and precise nature of this divine blueprint. Ancient Near Eastern temple designs often incorporated precise dimensions, symbolic orientations, and distinct zones to reflect cosmic order, divine presence, and the separation of sacred space. The northward orientation of the doors could hold various cultural or religious significances, as the north was sometimes associated with the dwelling place of deity or the source of divine judgment in ancient cosmologies (Psalm 48:2).
  • Key Themes: This verse, like the entirety of the temple vision, significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, it underscores Divine Precision and Order. The highly specific measurements ("ten cubits breadth," "one cubit") and directional details ("toward the north") emphasize that God's plans are meticulously conceived and perfectly executed, leaving no room for human improvisation in His sacred dwelling. This speaks to God's sovereignty and His desire for perfect order in worship and life. Secondly, it highlights Holiness and Separation. The architectural layout, with its various courts, chambers, and distinct passageways, was designed to delineate sacred space and ensure the purity required for divine encounter. The specific "walk" and "way" likely functioned to control access and maintain the sanctity of the priestly areas, a theme central to the Mosaic Law and the priestly traditions (Leviticus 10:10). Finally, the entire vision, including these intricate details, points to God's Enduring Presence and Restoration. After the desolation of exile, the promise of a new temple where God's glory would dwell was a profound assurance of future blessing, the re-establishment of a purified covenant relationship, and the ultimate restoration of His people, a promise ultimately fulfilled in the person of Christ and the New Creation (Revelation 21:3).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Walk (Hebrew, mahălâk', H4109): Derived from the root halak (to walk), this term (H4109) refers to a passage, a place designed for walking, or a specific distance. In Ezekiel 42:4, it denotes a particular passageway or open area, described as "ten cubits breadth inward." This indicates a substantial and accessible space, approximately 15-18 feet wide, serving as a thoroughfare or access point that leads deeper into the temple complex, specifically before the chambers. Its usage here highlights the functional aspect of the temple's architecture, providing clear pathways for movement.
  • Way (Hebrew, derek', H1870): This word (H1870) broadly signifies a road, path, or course. While often used figuratively to describe a course of life or mode of action, in this context, it is employed literally to describe a physical passage. The phrase "a way of one cubit" immediately follows the description of the "walk of ten cubits," creating a stark contrast in width. This suggests an extremely narrow passage, approximately 18-21 inches wide, possibly indicating a precise threshold, a boundary line, or a highly restricted entry point into the chambers. Its inclusion underscores the meticulous detail of the divine blueprint and the careful regulation of access within the sacred complex.
  • Chambers (Hebrew, lishkâh', H3957): This term (H3957) refers to a room within a building, which could be utilized for various purposes such as storage, eating, or lodging. Within the context of the temple vision, these chambers are understood to be integral parts of the sacred complex, likely designated for the use of priests (e.g., for changing garments, storing holy vessels, or consuming sacred portions of offerings) or for other essential temple-related functions. Their presence and specific dimensions emphasize the highly organized and functional nature of the envisioned temple, providing necessary infrastructure for priestly service and the meticulous maintenance of holiness.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And before the chambers [was] a walk of ten cubits breadth inward": This clause introduces a significant architectural feature: a broad, open area or passageway directly preceding the chambers. The specification of "ten cubits breadth" (approximately 15-18 feet) indicates a substantial width, suggesting this was a main thoroughfare or a spacious area designed for movement or perhaps for assembly before entering the more private chambers. The term "inward" implies that this walk led deeper into the sacred precincts of the temple complex, guiding visitors or priests toward the inner sanctuary.
  • "a way of one cubit;": This is the most intriguing and debated element of the verse. Immediately following the description of the broad "walk," this phrase describes an exceptionally narrow "way" or passage, measuring only one cubit (about 18-21 inches) wide. This stark contrast in width has led to various interpretations: it could denote a narrow threshold or step at the very entrance of the chambers, a precise boundary line indicating a transition from one area to another, or a highly restricted access point, possibly emphasizing the sanctity of the chambers and the need for careful, deliberate entry. It highlights the divine precision in regulating access to holy spaces.
  • "and their doors toward the north.": This final clause provides a crucial directional detail, specifying the orientation of the doors of these chambers. The fact that they faced "north" is a precise architectural instruction, indicating a deliberate design choice within the overall temple layout. This orientation would have implications for the flow of traffic, the exposure of the chambers to light or elements, and potentially held symbolic significance within the broader sacred geography of the temple, further emphasizing the divine precision and order in the temple's construction.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 42:4, and indeed throughout the entire temple vision from Ezekiel 40 to Ezekiel 48, is Architectural Description as Symbolism. The meticulous and exhaustive detailing of measurements, materials, and orientations is not merely a blueprint for a physical structure; it functions profoundly to convey deeper theological truths. The Precision of the measurements (e.g., "ten cubits," "one cubit") emphasizes divine order, God's meticulous care, and the absolute perfection of His plans for His dwelling place and His people. The striking Contrast between the broad "walk of ten cubits" and the narrow "way of one cubit" draws attention to the specific nature of access and passage within sacred space, perhaps hinting at the distinction between common and holy areas, or the careful, reverent approach required for divine encounter. The specific Orientation of the doors (north) contributes to the overall symbolic geography of the temple, where every detail holds significance in establishing a holy and ordered environment for God's manifest presence.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Ezekiel 42:4, with its precise architectural details, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous nature and His unwavering commitment to establishing a holy dwelling among His people. The detailed measurements and specific orientations within the visionary temple underscore the divine blueprint for order, purity, and the proper approach to God. This precision signifies that every aspect of God's redemptive plan is carefully orchestrated, from the physical spaces of worship to the spiritual transformation of His people. The temple, in its ideal form, represents the perfect harmony and holiness that God desires to restore, a place where His glory can dwell without impediment. This vision, therefore, instills profound hope in God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even in the midst of exile and desolation, pointing to a future where His presence is fully manifested and accessible according to His perfect design.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Ezekiel 42:4 invites us to ponder the profound implications of God's meticulous attention to detail, not just in ancient blueprints but in His ongoing work in our lives and in the world. Just as every cubit and every door in the visionary temple served a precise purpose in preparing for God's glory, so too does God orchestrate the details of our lives with intentionality and divine purpose. This should inspire us to live with greater diligence, faithfulness, and a commitment to holiness, recognizing that our lives, individually and corporately, are meant to be spiritual temples where God's Spirit dwells. The striking contrast between the broad "walk of ten cubits" and the narrow "way of one cubit" might also prompt us to consider the pathways we choose in life – whether we pursue the broad, easy paths of the world or the narrower, more disciplined path of holiness and obedience that leads to true communion with God. Ultimately, this verse calls us to trust in God's perfect plan, to embrace the call to holiness and order in our own lives, and to live in joyful anticipation of His full and glorious presence.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the meticulous detail of Ezekiel's temple vision encourage or challenge your understanding of God's character and His involvement in the specifics of your life?
  • In what ways can you apply the principle of "divine precision and order" to your own spiritual disciplines, daily routines, or the way you approach your responsibilities?
  • Considering the contrast between the "ten cubits breadth" and "one cubit way," what does this suggest about the nature of our approach to sacred spaces, spiritual disciplines, or the call to discipleship today?

FAQ

What is the significance of the "ten cubits" and "one cubit" measurements in Ezekiel 42:4?

Answer: The specific measurements in Ezekiel 42:4—a "walk of ten cubits breadth" and "a way of one cubit"—are profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, they powerfully underscore the divine origin and precision of the entire temple vision. God is presented as an architect of perfect order, where every dimension is exact and purposeful, leaving no room for human error or improvisation. The "ten cubits" likely describes a substantial, accessible passageway or open area before the chambers, designed to facilitate movement and perhaps accommodate a number of people. The "one cubit way," however, is notably narrow, creating a stark contrast. This has been interpreted in various ways: it could represent a narrow threshold, a precise boundary marker, or a highly restricted entry point. This dramatic difference in width might symbolize the transition from more public or general areas to more sacred or restricted priestly chambers, emphasizing the increasing holiness and the careful, reverent approach required as one moves deeper into God's presence. Such meticulous details reinforce the overarching biblical theme of separation between the holy and the common, which is vital throughout the temple vision and the broader biblical narrative (Leviticus 10:10).

Why are the doors of the chambers described as facing "toward the north"?

Answer: The northward orientation of the doors in Ezekiel 42:4 is another striking example of the meticulous precision embedded within the temple blueprint. In ancient Near Eastern cosmology and biblical symbolism, the north was sometimes associated with the dwelling place of deity, the source of divine judgment, or the direction from which God's glory might manifest (Psalm 48:2). While the exact theological significance of the north orientation for these specific chambers is not explicitly stated, it contributes to the overall symbolic geography and sacred spatial logic of the temple. It suggests a deliberate design choice that integrates these chambers into the divinely ordained layout, potentially influencing light, air flow, or the ritualistic movement within the complex. This detail, like all others in the vision, points to the comprehensive and divinely ordained nature of God's future dwelling, where every element serves a specific purpose in establishing a perfectly ordered, holy, and functional environment for His manifest presence.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Ezekiel 42:4, with its precise architectural details of the visionary temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a reconstructed physical building, but profoundly in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the spiritual reality He inaugurates. The meticulous measurements and specific passages of the temple vision foreshadow the perfect order, divine design, and ultimate accessibility embodied in Christ, who is the true and living temple of God (John 2:19-21). Just as the chambers in Ezekiel's vision were prepared for priestly service and the dwelling of God's glory, so too does Christ, our Great High Priest, perfectly fulfill all priestly functions and become the ultimate locus of God's presence among humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16). The "walk of ten cubits" and the "way of one cubit" can be seen as symbolic of the accessibility and yet the holiness required for approaching God; in Christ, the way to God is made fully open, perfectly holy, and eternally secure through His once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-22). Furthermore, the church, as the body of Christ, is described as a spiritual temple where the Holy Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16), fulfilling the vision of God dwelling among His people in a new and profound way. Ultimately, the perfect order, divine presence, and glorious accessibility envisioned in Ezekiel's temple culminate in the New Jerusalem, where there is no longer a need for a physical temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple, and God dwells directly with His redeemed humanity for all eternity (Revelation 21:22-23).

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Commentary on Ezekiel 42 verses 1–14

The prophet has taken a very exact view of the temple and the buildings belonging to it, and is now brought again into the outer court, to observe the chambers that were in that square.

I. Here is a description of these chambers, which (as that which went before) seems to us very perplexed and intricate, through our unacquaintedness with the Hebrew language and the rules of architecture at that time. We shall only observe, in general, 1. That about the temple, which was the place of public worship, there were private chambers, to teach us that our attendance upon God in solemn ordinances will not excuse us from the duties of the closet. We must not only worship in the courts of God's house, but must, both before and after our attendance there, enter into our chambers, enter into our closets, and read and meditate, and pray to our Father in secret; and a great deal of comfort the people of God have found in their communion with God in solitude. 2. That these chambers were many; there were three stories of them, and, though the higher stories were not so large as the lower, yet they served as well for retirement, Eze 42:5, Eze 42:6. There were many, that there might be conveniences for all such devout people as Anna the prophetess, who departed not from the temple night or day, Luk 2:37. In my Father's house are many mansions. In his house on earth there are so; multitudes by faith have taken lodgings in his sanctuary, and yet there is room. 3. That these chambers, though they were private, yet were near the temple, within view of it, within reach of it, to teach us to prefer public worship before private (the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob, and so must we), and to refer our private worship to the public. Our religious performances in our chambers must be to prepare us for the exercises of devotion in public, and to further us in our improvement of them, as our opportunities are. 4. That before these chambers there were walks of five yards broad (Eze 42:4), in which those that had lodgings in these chambers might meet for conversation, might walk and talk together for their mutual edification, might communicate their knowledge and experiences. For we are not to spend all our time between the church and the chamber, though a great deal of time may be spent to very good purpose in both. But man is made for society, and Christians for the communion of saints; and the duties of that communion we must make conscience of, and the privileges and pleasures of that communion we must take the comfort of. It is promised to Joshua, who was high priest in the second temple, that God will give him places to walk in among those that stand by, Zac 3:7.

II. Here is the use of these chambers appointed, Eze 42:13, Eze 42:14. 1. They were for the priests that approach unto the Lord, that they may be always near their business and may not be non-residents. Therefore they are called holy chambers, because they were for use of those that ministered in holy things during their ministration. Those that have public work to do for God and the souls of men have need to be much in private, to fit themselves for it. Ministers should spend much time in their chambers, in reading, meditation, and prayer, that their profiting may appear; and they ought to be provided with conveniences for this purpose. 2. There the priests were to deposit the most holy things, those parts of the offerings which fell to their share; and there they were to eat them, they and their families, in a religious manner, for the place is holy; and thus they must make a difference between those feasts upon the sacrifice and other meals. 3. There (among other uses) they were to lay their vestments, which God had appointed them to wear when they ministered at the altar, their linen ephods, coats, girdles, and bonnets. We read of the providing of priests garments after their return out of captivity, Neh 7:70, Neh 7:72. When they had ended their service at the altar they must lay by those garments, to signify that the use of them should continue only during that dispensation; but they must put on other garments, such as other people wear, when they approached to those things which were for the people, that is, to do that part of their service which related to the people, to teach them the law and to answer their enquiries. Their holy garments must be laid up, that they may be kept clean and decent for the credit of their service.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–14. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
Chapter XLII, verses 1 and following: 'And he brought me to the outer court by the way leading to the north, and he brought me to the treasury which was opposite the separated building and opposite the temple facing the north. On the face of the length of one hundred cubits of the north gate, and the breadth of fifty cubits, opposite the twenty cubits of the inner court, and opposite the pavement laid with stone of the outer court, where the porch was joined to the triple porch.' And before the treasury, there was a walkway ten cubits wide, looking inward, with the doors facing north, where the treasuries were lower on the upper levels because the porticoes that protruded from the lower and middle parts of the building supported them. These porticoes were narrow and did not have columns like the columns of the courtyards, so they protruded from the lower and middle parts of the building by fifty cubits. And there was an outer courtyard by the treasury, which was in the way of the outer court before the treasury: the length of it was fifty cubits. Because the length of the treasuries of the outer court was fifty cubits and the length before the face of the temple was one hundred cubits. And there was an entrance under these treasuries from the east for those who entered from the outer court: in the width of the courtyard of the eastern way before the separate building. And there were before the building treasuries, and a road in front of their face like the treasuries, which were on the northern side, according to their length, and thus their width. And every entrance of them, and their similarities, and their doors, according to the doors of the treasuries, which were on the road facing the South (Known), a door at the head of the road, which was in front of the separate vestibule through the Eastern road for those entering. LXX: And he brought me into the outer court towards the east, opposite the north gate; and he led me to the inner court, and behold, there were five chambers on the north side of the building, and a separate building adjoining the north side, one hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with the same measurements as the gates of the inner court, and like the pillars of the outer court, according to the arrangement of the gateways of the three-sided portico, and opposite the chambers was a walkway ten cubits wide, one hundred cubits long, along the inner way of one cubit, with its entrance facing north. And the walkways of the upper rooms were similar, as the columns of the upper rooms stood out from the lower columns, and the space was similar. And there were triple porticoes, and they did not have columns like the columns on the outer side; therefore, they stood out from those that were lower, and in the middle of the ground fifty cubits, and the outer light was like the outer courtyard porticoes, which faced the porticoes of the north, with a length of fifty cubits. The length of the porticos facing the outer courtyard was fifty cubits. And these are opposite their own facade, all one hundred cubits, and the entrance of these porticos is towards the Eastern entrance, so one may enter through them into the outer courtyard, according to the light that was at the beginning of the walkway to the South, opposite the Southern side of the building, and separate. And the porticos and walkway are opposite their own facade, according to the measurements of the porticos and the way to the North, and their length, and their width, and all their exits, and entrances, and lights, and the entrance to the porticos towards the South, and the entrance from the beginning of the walkway to the light, the space of the reed pen: and so one may go towards the East through them. That which is translated into the East in the LXX is not found in the Hebrew, and it is clear that it is superfluous. For how is it brought out to the outer gate toward the East, when it follows against the gate of the North? That which we have also put above, and in this place: He brought me into the treasury, which will be opposite the separate building, and opposite the temple facing the North, for which it is held in the LXX: And he brought me: and behold, there are five chambers from the remaining building and next to the separate building toward the North: for separate, which Aquila and Symmachus translated, the second edition of Aquila, and Theodotion placed this word itself, Gazera (), expressing it similarly in all places: and many other things which are placed in the present passage between the Hebrew and the LXX not only differ in order, but also in number, and in the interpretation of words, so that if we wished to linger on each one, and seek and explain their reason for the diversity, we would depart greatly from the proposed subject. And I had wanted to pass over in silence my present testimony of final despair and greatness, but I thought it better to say anything than to say nothing at all, adopting that Socratic principle: I know that I do not know. For it is a part of knowledge to know that you do not know. Therefore, after the prophet had carefully observed the things that were inside, the man, whose rope and reed were in his hand, led him out to the outer courtyard, along the path leading to the North, which he had already seen from above before he entered the inner chambers. But we see things differently when it comes to perfect knowledge, compared to the beginning of discipline. And it is necessary for one who has looked into the inner workings, according to the same form and measures and hidden sacraments, to also see the external things. However, he was led into the treasury, or as the Septuagint translated it, the hall, or as Theodotion, the παστοφόριον, which is turned into a chamber: which was located opposite the separate building. But what the Seventy added for the treasury, five exedras, is not found in Hebrew. The treasury was a separate building, as we have already said. Gazera. And it was separate, receiving those who came from the North, and it was against the temple facing the North, that is, looking towards the parts of the North, but not located in the North, so that there would be an easier passage for those who were leaving the cold of the North, from which evils arise upon the earth (Jer. 1). We read in the book of Numbers that the tribes of Dan and Naphtali, and the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, the maidservants of Rachel and Leah, held their camps in the northern regions. Moreover, the width of the entrance to the north was one hundred cubits, and the length was fifty cubits: a square number and perfect from ten decades, and from seven weeks, which is the number of remission, and at the beginning of unity, that is, the octave, it bursts forth, so that the spaces of the priestly duties in the temple of God may be shown. And that which is joined next to the Hebrew, opposite the twenty cubits of the inner court, which the Seventy have translated, was described like the gates of the inner court, has this meaning: that the number of a hundred and fifty in the outer court should have the same force as the number of twenty in the inner court. For if you reckon four times five times, in the number twenty, you will find both Testaments: so that both the Law may be held in the Gospel and the Gospel may be born from the root of the Law. For the number seventy, the likeness of the inner court, may have been interpreted, perhaps fearing the number twenty, in which offerings of Esau are made, to place in the inner court. It follows: And against the pavement, the floor of the outer court, where there was a porch, joined to the triple porch; for which seventy were transferred: And as the columns of the outer court were placed in order, opposite the face of the triple porches. However, it signifies that the pavement of the outer court was laid with living stone, so that the feet of the priests are not defiled by the dust of summer or the mud of winter. And so, the Lord, about to ascend to the Father, washes the feet of the Apostles (John 13), so that with purified and cleansed feet they may ascend to the kingdoms of heaven; and he commands the apostles that in whichever city they enter and are not received, they should shake off the dust from their feet (Matthew 10; and Mark 6): so that nothing of earthly possessions may remain with them. And not only was the pavement covered with stones, but there was also a portico joined to a triple portico. A portico protecting priests from rain and heat, and joined to the triple portico, showing the mystery of the Trinity, which, while being divided in names among the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, is yet joined in one divinity to itself. There was also before the treasury, or the halls, or the chambers, a walkway of ten cubits in width, looking towards the interior of the road of one cubit. And what was added by the Seventy: It is extra to have a length of one hundred cubits: for in the Hebrew it is not held, what they set forth, they took what is held in Hebrew, looking towards the interior of the road of one cubit, which we translated from the truth of Hebrew. But it signifies that before the doors of all the treasuries, or exedrae, and chambers, there was a walkway, having a width of ten cubits, which is a perfect number, either because of the Decalogue or because of the mystery of the Gospel. For if you come from one to four by twos and threes, the number ten is made, the number of the Gospels: in the width of which the priests walk, going before each treasury. But in such a way that they always look towards the interior of the path which leads to one cubit, that is, to the worship of one divinity, as the Son says to the Father: I have revealed thy name to men (John 17:6). For she is the way, looking inward, which is said in the Gospel: I am the way, and the truth, and the life (John XIV, 6): because no one comes to the knowledge of the Father, except through the Son. It follows: And their doors to the north, where the treasuries were in the lower and middle parts: because the porticoes which stood out from the lower and middle parts of the building supported them. For they were narrow, and did not have columns like the columns of the courts: therefore they stood out from the lower and middle parts by fifty cubits from the ground. What is joined: the doors of these, it is understood, (belong to) the exedrae or treasury rooms, about which there was discussion above. The treasuries were on the upper floors, that is, in the lower rooms. The upper rooms were ascended by Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 4); and the Lord, with the disciples, celebrated the Passover (Mark 14), and Tabitha, who was raised by the Apostle's faith and the merit of her virtues (Acts 9). These are the upper rooms, about which it is written in the psalm: He waters the mountains from his upper rooms (Psalm 104, 13). For unless a mountain is made, and rises to higher things, it will not be irrigated by the rains of the Lord, which for the diversity of merits are irrigated in the first, second, and third coenaculum. Even the storerooms themselves, that is, the treasuries of the Lord's treasures, are lower in the higher places. (Ephesians 3). However, the higher one is, the more one is humbled with the Apostle, saying: I am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. (1 Corinthians 1:9). However, the treasure rooms themselves were located in the lower rooms, because they supported the porticoes that projected from the lower and middle parts of the building. And the reason why the treasure rooms were placed in the lower rooms and were lower was this: because the porticoes, which enjoyed the freedom of the air, supported and projected from the lower and middle parts of the building. In this way, the second floor of the building would be higher than the first floor, and the third floor would be higher than the second, so that as one ascended to higher levels, they would use a higher treasure room, which increased in humility, as the Lord says: 'If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.' (Mark 9:35). For they were not carried by other columns, as we read in the columns of the atrium; but they protruded from the lower and middle parts of the ground by fifty cubits, as a sign of the remission of all debts. These, however, are the sad things of which it is commanded: Describe them in triple form, with counsel and knowledge, so that you may answer with words of truth those things that are proposed to you (Prov. 22:20-21). Therefore, the lower and outer parts need columns, but the higher and inner parts do not need the support of columns, that is, of external help. After this it is said: And the outer court was surrounded by a wall, with treasuries along the outside walls. The length of this outer court was fifty cubits, because the length of the treasuries of the outer court was fifty cubits, and the length before the front of the temple was one hundred cubits. The surrounding wall, called the peribolus, enclosed the treasuries along the outside walls of the outer court, and it was fifty cubits in length, as we have frequently mentioned. Moreover, the length in front of the face of the temple was not fifty cubits, as it was before the treasury, but one hundred cubits: so that after the remission of all sins, we may await perfect rewards in the number one hundred (Lev. XII). Regarding the barrier, or wall, which in Hebrew is called Gader (), the Seventy have interpreted it as light, which comes from outside and illuminates the eyes of our hearts: our natural light, which operates in the senses, is not sufficient to have the perfect brightness of knowledge, unless it enters from outside through the grace of God. What first illuminates the eyes of our heart, and the outer atrium, which extends to a width of fifty cubits, makes it shine. Then, when we come before the face of the temple, we shall receive perfect rewards in the number of one hundred. And below, there was an entrance to the treasury from the East for those entering from the outer atrium. For it is necessary for us to possess the riches of God, and to find the entrance below the treasury from the outer atrium, under the treasury of the East, and to come through the width of the vestibule, which faces the way of the East, to the building that is separated for the holy ones, before which are the treasuries, and in that very way, a likeness to the treasuries that were in the way of the North. For although we may reach the entrance to the East, the resemblance of the ancestors is found in the smaller things, and we cannot reach the light of the East except by way of the North, that is, by progressing from the smaller and lower things to the greater and higher things. In the very entrance itself, the length was similar to the width, that is, the same measurement throughout: every entrance and likeness, and doors had the same measurement and likeness as the treasure chambers that were on the road facing the South. For indeed, by the East the cold of the North is resisted, we reach the South, in which the bridegroom reclines at midday, and moves in full light. At the head, however, of the same road, that is, the Eastern one, which is open to those who enter, there is a door, which unless it is opened by Him who says: I am the door (John 10:9) and who has the key of David, to the vestibule separated by holy virtues, and which receives those coming from the North, we cannot reach. It is unnecessary to discuss each individual word of this passage in detail: both what has been said does not lack clarity, and what we keep silent about is almost similar to what we have said.
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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