Ezekiel 42:9

KJV

And from under these chambers [was] the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the utter court.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Under these rooms was the entrance to the east side, leading in from the outer courtyard.

Berean Standard Bible

And below these chambers was the entrance on the east side as one enters them from the outer court.

American Standard Version

And from under these chambers was the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the outer court.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 42:9 provides a precise architectural detail within the prophet Ezekiel's visionary temple, specifying the location and nature of an entry point to certain chambers. This verse describes an access route from the outer court, situated on the east side, leading into the chambers that were under or associated with a larger structure. It underscores the meticulous divine blueprint for the sacred complex, emphasizing order, controlled access, and the distinct separation of spaces within God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 42:9 is embedded within the highly detailed architectural description of the visionary temple, spanning [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel's Temple Vision"). Following the initial measurements of the outer and inner courts, and the various gates, Ezekiel 42 focuses specifically on the chambers for the priests. These chambers, described in verses 1-12, are located on the north and south sides of the temple proper, between the temple building and the outer court. Verse 9, along with verse 11, specifically addresses the entrance to these chambers, clarifying that the primary access was from the "utter court" (outer court) on the east side. This precise detail reinforces the comprehensive nature of the divine revelation and the functional design of the sacred space, ensuring proper flow and separation for priestly duties and holy offerings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a time of profound despair for the Jewish people who had lost their temple, their land, and their king. In this context, the detailed vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring presence among His people. Temples in the ancient Near East, including Solomon's Temple, were meticulously designed structures, often reflecting cosmic order and divine presence. The "east side" held particular significance, as the primary entrance to temples often faced east, aligning with the rising sun, and in biblical tradition, the [glory of the Lord departed and returned from the east](/ezekiel/10-19 "Ezekiel 10:19 - The Glory Departs") ([Ezekiel 10:19](/ezekiel/10-19 "Ezekiel 10:19 - The Glory Departs"), [43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory Returns")). The concept of "chambers" was common in temple architecture, serving various purposes such as storage for sacred vessels and offerings, housing for priests, or places for ritual preparation. The "utter court" (outer court) was the most accessible area, from which one would then proceed to more sacred inner spaces.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy. First, it highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in the design of His sacred dwelling. Every dimension, every entrance, and every function is divinely ordained, reflecting His perfect wisdom and intentionality. Second, the mention of specific entry points from the outer court emphasizes **Controlled Access and Holiness**. The temple was not a free-for-all; access to its various precincts was regulated, underscoring the sanctity of God's presence and the need for proper reverence and ritual purity. This aligns with the broader theme of God's holiness, which permeates the entire book of Ezekiel, particularly in the later chapters concerning the temple and the land. Finally, the vision points to **Future Restoration and God's Dwelling Among His People**. The temple vision, with its intricate details, served as a tangible promise of God's future return to a purified people and a restored land, where His presence would once again be central, as seen in the promise of a new covenant where God would [put His Spirit within them](/ezekiel/36-27 "Ezekiel 36:27 - God's Spirit Within").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chambers (Hebrew, _lishkâh'_):** This term refers to a room, cell, or apartment within a building, often specifically associated with temple precincts. In Ezekiel's vision, these chambers likely served various functions for the priests, such as storage for holy offerings, changing rooms for priestly garments, or places for eating sacred portions of sacrifices. The presence of these dedicated spaces underscores the functional and organized nature of the temple, designed to facilitate the sacred duties of the priesthood.
* **Entry (Hebrew, _mâbôwʼ'_):** Derived from the verb "to come" or "to go," this word denotes an entrance or access point, either the place itself or the act of entering. Its use here highlights the specific, designated path for movement within the temple complex. The emphasis on a defined "entry" reinforces the idea of regulated access to sacred areas, ensuring that those who approach do so in an orderly and prescribed manner, reflecting the reverence due to God's holy dwelling.
* **Outer Court (Hebrew, _chîytsôwn châtsêr'_):** The term _chîytsôwn_ means "outer" or "exterior," while _châtsêr_ refers to a "yard" or "court." Together, they designate the outermost courtyard of the temple complex. This area was typically more accessible to the general populace, serving as a transitional space before entering more restricted, sacred areas. The fact that the entry to these chambers was "from the utter court" signifies a specific progression from a less sacred to a more sacred space, emphasizing the hierarchical structure and increasing holiness as one approaches the divine presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from under these chambers":** This phrase indicates the location of the entry point in relation to the chambers. The word "under" (Hebrew: *tachath*) can mean literally beneath, but also in the sense of "belonging to," "in connection with," or "at the base of." Given the architectural context, it likely means that the entry was situated at the ground level or base of the structure containing these chambers, providing access to them. It suggests a foundational or integrated access point rather than an elevated one.
* **"[was] the entry on the east side":** This specifies the precise orientation of the entrance. The "east side" (Hebrew: *qadîym*) is highly significant in temple geography, often associated with the main approach and, in Ezekiel's vision, the direction from which the glory of the Lord would return ([Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory Returns")). This detail is crucial for understanding the overall layout and the symbolic pathways within the temple.
* **"as one goeth into them from the utter court":** This clause clarifies the direction of movement and the starting point for entering these chambers. It indicates that the path to these specific chambers originated from the "utter court" (the outermost courtyard), signifying a progression from a more public or less sacred area into a more restricted and consecrated space. This highlights the controlled and orderly access required for those entering areas designated for sacred functions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 42:9, and indeed throughout the temple vision, is **Architectural Detail**. The prophet meticulously records precise measurements, orientations, and access points, creating a vivid and tangible blueprint. This level of detail serves not merely as a technical drawing but as a means to convey **Symbolism**. The specific "entry on the east side" from the "utter court" symbolizes controlled access to holiness and the structured progression towards God's presence. The very act of entering these chambers from the outer court signifies a movement from the common to the sacred, from the profane to the holy. Furthermore, the **Precision** of the description itself functions as a literary device, emphasizing the divine origin of the vision and the perfect order inherent in God's plans. It communicates that every aspect of God's dwelling and worship is intentional and divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation regarding sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 42:9, though seemingly a minor architectural detail, profoundly contributes to the theological understanding of God's nature and His relationship with humanity. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for order in worship and service. The precise entry points and distinct chambers reflect the principle that access to God's presence is not haphazard but divinely ordained and regulated. This separation of spaces—from the outer court to the inner chambers—illustrates the increasing sanctity as one draws nearer to the divine. It reminds us that God is a God of design and purpose, and His plans, whether for a physical temple or for the spiritual lives of His people, are characterized by intentionality and precision, ultimately for the purpose of maintaining His glory and facilitating proper communion.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - Pattern for the Tabernacle"): "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."
* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguishing Holy and Profane"): "And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;"
* [Hebrews 9:8](/hebrews/9-8 "Hebrews 9:8 - Access to the Holy Place"): "The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the specific entry described in verse 9, serve as a profound reminder of God's character and our approach to Him. While we no longer worship in a physical temple with such precise architectural requirements, the underlying principles remain eternally relevant. God is a God of order, not chaos, and He desires that our lives, our worship, and our service to Him reflect His divine intentionality. This verse encourages us to consider the "entry points" and "chambers" of our own spiritual lives—how we approach God, the reverence we bring, and the intentionality with which we engage in spiritual disciplines and service. It calls us to recognize the sacredness of God's presence and to live lives that honor His holiness, understanding that true access is always on His terms, which are ultimately for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Ezekiel's temple vision challenge my own approach to order and intentionality in my spiritual life and service?**
* **In what ways do I recognize and respect the "sacred spaces" or "holy ground" in my daily walk with God, even outside of a physical building?**
* **What "entry points" do I use to draw near to God, and am I approaching Him with the reverence and intentionality that His holiness deserves?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "east side" in this temple vision?**

Answer: The "east side" (Hebrew: *qadîym*) holds profound theological and symbolic significance throughout biblical temple geography, and particularly in Ezekiel's vision. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the east, where the sun rises, often symbolized new beginnings or divine presence. For the Israelites, the main entrance to the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple typically faced east. In Ezekiel's prophecy, the [glory of the Lord departed from the temple by the east gate](/ezekiel/10-19 "Ezekiel 10:19 - The Glory Departs") (Ezekiel 10:19) and, crucially, is prophesied to [return to the temple from the east](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1 - The Glory Returns") (Ezekiel 43:1-5). Therefore, the eastern entry in Ezekiel 42:9 is not just an architectural detail but a highly symbolic point of access, hinting at the direction of divine presence and the pathway for God's glory to enter and sanctify the temple.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 42:9, with its emphasis on specific entries to sacred chambers from the outer court, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The elaborate temple architecture, with its regulated access and distinct areas, foreshadowed the need for a perfect mediator and a new, living way to God. Christ is the ultimate "entry" and the "way" into God's presence, as He declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")" (John 14:6). He is not merely an access point but the very [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making true reconciliation possible. The chambers, once restricted and accessible only through specific means, point to the reality that in Christ, believers become the very [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as God's Temple") (1 Corinthians 6:19) and are built together into a [holy temple in the Lord](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - Believers as a Holy Temple") (Ephesians 2:21). The controlled access of the old covenant temple, with its outer and inner courts, is superseded by the direct and open access we now have to God's throne of grace through Christ's shed blood, as [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access Through Christ") proclaims, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way." Thus, the meticulous details of Ezekiel's vision, while pointing to God's order and holiness, ultimately direct our gaze to the One who perfectly fulfilled every requirement and opened the way for all who believe.

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 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.