Ezekiel 42:5

Now the upper chambers [were] shorter: for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building.

Now the upper {H5945} chambers {H3957} were shorter {H7114}: for the galleries {H862} were higher {H398} than these {H2007}, than the lower {H8481}, and than the middlemost {H8484} of the building {H1146}.

The upper rooms were shorter, because the galleries took up some of their space, more than from the [rooms on the] lower and middle [floors] of the building.

Now the upper chambers were smaller because the galleries took more space from the chambers on the lower and middle floors of the building.

Now the upper chambers were shorter; for the galleries took away from these, more than from the lower and the middlemost, in the building.

Ezekiel 42:5 continues the highly detailed architectural description of the visionary temple given to the prophet Ezekiel. This verse specifically addresses the dimensions of the upper chambers in relation to the galleries and lower levels of the building, highlighting the precise and intricate nature of God's design.

Context

This verse is part of an extensive section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) that describes a detailed vision of a new temple, its courts, and the surrounding land. This vision was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, offering a profound message of hope and restoration to a people who had lost their temple and homeland. The meticulous details, including the specific measurements and structural relationships found in verses like the initial chapters of the temple vision, underscore the divine origin and significance of this future dwelling place for God's glory.

Architectural Precision and Divine Design

The verse states, "Now the upper chambers [were] shorter: for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building." This indicates that the upper chambers (or side-chambers, built around the temple structure) had less internal width or depth compared to the lower and middle tiers. This reduction in size on higher levels was due to the projecting "galleries" (Hebrew: attiqim), which were higher and thus encroached upon the space of the upper chambers. This architectural detail suggests a tiered or receding structure, perhaps creating stability or unique aesthetic elements. The emphasis on such specific measurements, much like the precise instructions given for the Tabernacle in Exodus, underscores the divine architect's meticulous planning and perfect design for His sacred space.

Significance and Application

While the exact interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision (whether literal, symbolic, or fulfilled in various ways) is debated, the consistent theme throughout these chapters, including Ezekiel 42:5, is God's profound attention to detail and His commitment to dwelling among His people. The precision of these blueprints signifies:

  • God's Order and Perfection: Every aspect of God's plan, from grand covenants to architectural specifics, is perfectly ordered and intentional.
  • Divine Presence: The ultimate purpose of the temple was to be a place for God's glory to reside. The detailed preparations emphasize the sacredness and importance of His presence.
  • Future Hope: For the exiled Israelites, this vision was a powerful promise of restoration and a future where God would once again dwell among them in a new and glorious way.

For believers today, this passage reminds us that God's plans are meticulous and purposeful. Just as He had a precise blueprint for His dwelling place, He also has a perfect design for our lives and for His church, which the New Testament describes as God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). We are called to live in accordance with His divine order, trusting in His perfect wisdom and sovereign design.

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 41:7

    And [there was] an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house [was still] upward, and so increased [from] the lowest [chamber] to the highest by the midst.
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