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.
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}.
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.
An outer wall in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long and ran parallel to the chambers and the outer court.
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.
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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.
Ezekiel 42:7 is a highly specific architectural detail within Ezekiel's grand vision of a new temple, given to him during the Babylonian exile. This verse states: "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." It describes a specific dimension of the outer wall in relation to the temple chambers, providing precise measurements that underscore the meticulous nature of the entire prophetic blueprint.
Context
This verse is part of a lengthy and incredibly detailed vision of a new temple complex, described from Ezekiel 40 through 48. Given to the prophet while he was in exile, this vision offered a powerful message of hope and restoration for the Jewish people. It depicted a future sanctuary where God's glory would dwell, providing a tangible blueprint for renewed worship and God's presence among His people. Ezekiel 42 specifically details the chambers surrounding the temple and the precise dimensions of various walls and structures related to these chambers and the courts.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "cubit" (Hebrew: ʼammah) was a standard ancient measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, approximately 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The repetition of specific measurements throughout Ezekiel chapters 40-48 underscores the literal precision and divine origin of the vision, emphasizing that every detail matters in God's plan.
Practical Application
While the specifics of this architectural detail may seem remote to modern readers, they convey profound spiritual truths: