Ezekiel 42:7

KJV

And the wall that [was] without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof [was] fifty cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the wall {H1447} that was without {H2351} over against {H5980} the chambers {H3957}, toward {H1870} the utter {H2435} court {H2691} on the forepart {H6440} of the chambers {H3957}, the length {H753} thereof was fifty {H2572} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The length of the wall outside, next to the rooms, toward the outer courtyard in front of the rooms, was eighty-seven-and-a-half feet.

Berean Standard Bible

An outer wall in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long and ran parallel to the chambers and the outer court.

American Standard Version

And the wall that was without by the side of the chambers, toward the outer court before the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:7 provides a precise architectural detail within the prophet Ezekiel's visionary temple complex, specifying the exact dimensions of an outer wall adjacent to the chambers. This verse, though seemingly mundane in its technicality, is a vital component of the larger blueprint for a future sanctuary, underscoring the meticulous order and divine intentionality behind God's plan for restoration and the re-establishment of His dwelling place among His people after the Babylonian exile. It contributes to the overall sense of divine precision that characterizes the entire temple vision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 42:7 is situated within the highly detailed architectural vision of the new temple, which spans [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - Division of the Land and City"). Specifically, chapters 40-42 describe the outer court, the gates, the chambers for the priests, and the various walls and structures surrounding the main temple building. This verse focuses on a particular wall "without" (outside) the chambers, providing its length. The meticulous nature of these descriptions emphasizes the divine origin and perfect order of the vision, contrasting sharply with the destruction of the first temple and the desolation of Jerusalem. The preceding verses in [Ezekiel 42](/ezekiel/42 "Ezekiel 42 - The Chambers and Courts") detail the arrangement and dimensions of the priestly chambers themselves, making the wall described in verse 7 an integral part of the overall layout, ensuring proper separation and access.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the new temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a period of profound despair and theological crisis for the Jewish people. The destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 BC had shattered their understanding of God's presence and covenant. In this context, Ezekiel's vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the certainty of God's future dwelling among His people. The detailed architectural plans, including specific measurements like the "fifty cubits" in this verse, would have been understood by the exiles as a concrete promise, a tangible blueprint for a future reality, rather than a mere abstract dream. The use of cubits as a measurement reflects the standard ancient Near Eastern system of building and engineering, making the vision relatable and concrete to its original audience.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description in Ezekiel 42:7 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel. First, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's absolute control and intentionality in His plans, where every detail, down to the length of a wall, is significant. This precision underscores the holiness and sacredness of the space where God's glory will reside. Second, it speaks to **Future Glory and Restoration**, providing a tangible promise of Israel's renewal and the re-establishment of proper worship. The grand scale and precise measurements of the temple vision offer a stark contrast to the current state of desolation, pointing to a glorious future. Finally, the entire temple vision, including these specific dimensions, ultimately points to the **Return of God's Presence** (or *Shekinah* glory), which is explicitly described in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Glory of the Lord Returns"). The detailed preparation of the sanctuary, including the specific wall in this verse, is essential for the re-indwelling of God's holiness among His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wall (Hebrew, _gâdêr'_):** From the root meaning "to circumvallate" or "to enclose," this term refers to a fence, hedge, or wall. In the context of the temple vision, it denotes a structural barrier designed to define boundaries, provide security, and establish separation. Its presence emphasizes the defined and sacred nature of the temple complex, setting it apart from the profane.
* **without (Hebrew, _chîytsôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sever," this word specifically means "outer" or "exterior." It delineates the position of the wall as being on the outside, distinguishing it from inner structures. This spatial distinction is crucial in the temple's design, which often involves concentric layers of holiness, moving from the outer courts to the most holy place.
* **cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This is a standard ancient unit of measurement, typically derived from the length of a forearm (elbow to fingertip). While its precise length varied, it was approximately 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The mention of "fifty cubits" provides a concrete, measurable dimension, emphasizing the literal and tangible nature of the architectural blueprint, rather than a purely symbolic or abstract vision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the wall that [was] without over against the chambers,"**: This phrase introduces the specific architectural element being described: a wall located on the exterior side, positioned opposite or adjacent to the chambers. These chambers, detailed earlier in [Ezekiel 42:1-6](/ezekiel/42-1 "Ezekiel 42:1-6 - Description of the Chambers"), were likely for the priests and for storage, making this outer wall a boundary for that specific section of the complex. The phrase "without over against" precisely situates the wall in relation to other key structures.
* **"toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers,"**: This clause further refines the wall's location. "Toward the utter court" indicates its orientation facing the outermost court of the temple complex, suggesting it acts as a boundary or partition for this area. "On the forepart of the chambers" specifies that it is on the front side or entrance area of these chambers, implying it defines the approach or facade of this section. This level of detail highlights the functional and aesthetic precision of the divine blueprint.
* **"the length thereof [was] fifty cubits."**: This final clause provides the exact linear dimension of the described wall. Fifty cubits (approximately 75-87.5 feet or 22.5-26.25 meters) is a significant and precise measurement, typical of the detailed architectural specifications throughout Ezekiel's vision. This numerical exactitude reinforces the divine origin of the blueprint and the certainty of its future fulfillment, leaving no room for ambiguity in God's perfect design.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 42:7, and indeed throughout [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins"), is **Detailed Description** and **Architectural Blueprint**. The verse is a precise, almost technical, specification of a physical structure. This meticulous detailing serves several purposes: it lends **Verisimilitude** to the vision, making it feel concrete and real to the exiles who longed for a tangible restoration. It also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where the exactness of the measurements represents God's perfect order, holiness, and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The sheer volume of such minute details throughout these chapters creates an overwhelming sense of **Divine Intentionality**, emphasizing that nothing in God's plan is arbitrary or accidental.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:7, with its precise measurement of a temple wall, speaks profoundly to the theological concept of God's meticulous design and sovereign control. The emphasis on exact dimensions within the visionary temple complex underscores that God's plans are not vague or arbitrary but are executed with perfect order and intentionality. This divine precision serves as a theological anchor, assuring Israel of the certainty of God's promises—His commitment to restore His people and dwell among them once more. It reflects the truth that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that His holiness demands specific boundaries and structures, both physical and spiritual. This detailed blueprint foreshadows the ultimate, perfect dwelling place of God, not made with human hands, but established by His divine will.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Sanctuary")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The New Jerusalem's Dimensions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Ezekiel 42:7 describes a specific wall in a visionary temple, its underlying message resonates deeply with contemporary believers. This verse reminds us that God is a God of intricate detail and perfect purpose. Just as He had a precise blueprint for His dwelling place, He has a meticulous plan for our lives and for the unfolding of His redemptive history. This should instill in us a profound sense of trust, knowing that even in seemingly insignificant details, God is at work, orchestrating all things according to His wise and sovereign will. For those feeling lost or uncertain, the divine precision of this verse offers comfort: God's promises are as concrete and measurable as the "fifty cubits" of this wall, assuring us that His word will be fulfilled. Furthermore, the order and boundaries inherent in the temple's design call us to cultivate lives of intentionality and discipline, reflecting God's holy character in our worship, relationships, and daily conduct. Our lives, like the temple, are meant to be spaces where God's presence is honored and His purposes are fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's architectural plans in Ezekiel's vision impact your understanding of His character and His involvement in your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you need to embrace more "divine precision" or intentionality, rather than living haphazardly?**
* **How does the promise of God's future dwelling, symbolized by this detailed temple, offer you hope in times of uncertainty or spiritual desolation?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "fifty cubits" measurement in Ezekiel 42:7?**

Answer: The "fifty cubits" (approximately 75-87.5 feet or 22.5-26.25 meters) is significant because it emphasizes the meticulous precision and concrete reality of God's visionary temple blueprint. Rather than a vague or abstract dream, this exact measurement underscores God's intentionality and perfect order in His plans. For the exiled Israelites, it would have served as a tangible promise of future restoration and the certainty of God's presence returning to a perfectly prepared sanctuary, reinforcing the divine origin and reliability of the entire vision described from [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") onwards.

**Is the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48 a literal temple to be built, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision (chapters [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins")) is debated among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal temple to be built in the future, often in a millennial kingdom, due to its extreme architectural detail and the specific measurements provided, such as the "fifty cubits" in [Ezekiel 42:7](/ezekiel/42-7 "Ezekiel 42:7 - The Wall's Length"). Others view it primarily as a symbolic representation of God's ideal dwelling among His people, emphasizing themes of holiness, divine order, and the restoration of worship, which finds its ultimate fulfillment not in a physical structure but in the Church or in the New Jerusalem (as seen in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). A third view suggests it's a conditional blueprint, showing what could have been if Israel had fully obeyed, or a prophetic vision that blends literal and symbolic elements. Regardless of the exact interpretation, its primary purpose was to offer hope and a vision of God's renewed presence to the exiled Israelites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 42:7 describes a physical wall in a visionary temple, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies not in a literal building but in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true temple of God. The meticulous measurements and divine precision of Ezekiel's vision foreshadow the perfect and intentional plan of God for redemption, culminating in Christ. Just as the temple was the dwelling place of God's glory, [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" among us, revealing God's glory. Jesus Himself proclaimed, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Christ established a new and living way to God, fulfilling the temple's purpose of mediating God's presence. Furthermore, believers are now called "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple")), and the Church is described as a spiritual house built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Thus, the precise boundaries and dimensions of Ezekiel's temple ultimately point to the perfectly ordered and holy reality of God's dwelling among His people, fully realized in Christ and His redeemed community, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God's presence is direct and unmediated ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 42:10

The chambers [were] in the thickness of the wall of the court toward the east, over against the separate place, and over against the building.

Ezekiel 42:12

And according to the doors of the chambers that [were] toward the south [was] a door in the head of the way, [even] the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one entereth into them.