And from under these chambers [was] the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the utter court.
And from under these chambers {H3957} was the entry {H3996}{H935} on the east side {H6921}, as one goeth {H935} into them {H2007} from the utter {H2435} court {H2691}.
Under these rooms was the entrance to the east side, leading in from the outer courtyard.
And below these chambers was the entrance on the east side as one enters them from the outer court.
And from under these chambers was the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the outer court.
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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. -
Ezekiel 44:5
And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.
Ezekiel 42:9 (KJV) is a precise architectural detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a future temple, described in chapters 40-48. This verse specifies the location and access point for certain chambers within the temple complex, emphasizing the meticulous design of God's dwelling place.
Context
This verse is part of a detailed blueprint given to Ezekiel, outlining a magnificent temple that differs significantly from the tabernacle or Solomon's Temple. The vision, recorded in Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48, is highly symbolic and has been interpreted in various ways: as a literal future temple, a spiritual depiction of God's presence among His people, or a prophetic vision of the New Covenant church. Ezekiel 42 focuses specifically on the design of the chambers, which likely served as rooms for priests, storage for holy offerings, or other sacred functions. The "utter court" refers to the outermost courtyard of the temple complex, from which one would enter these specific chambers.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "chambers" (לִשְׁכָּה, lishkah) denotes a room, cell, or apartment, often associated with temple precincts for various purposes, including priestly use or storage. The "utter court" is a direct translation of the Hebrew term for the outer courtyard, distinguishing it from inner, more sacred areas. The "east side" (קָדִים, qadim) is particularly significant in biblical temple geography. In Ezekiel's vision, the glory of the Lord enters the temple from the east, making the eastern gate and associated structures highly symbolic of divine presence and access.
Practical Application
While Ezekiel's temple vision is complex and debated, this verse, like others in the passage, speaks to God's attribute of meticulous planning and His desire for order in worship and service. For believers today, it can serve as a reminder that: