Ezekiel 46:22

In the four corners of the court [there were] courts joined of forty [cubits] long and thirty broad: these four corners [were] of one measure.

In the four ^{H702} corners ^{H4740} of the court ^{H2691} there were courts ^{H2691} joined ^{H7000} of forty ^{H705} cubits long ^{H753} and thirty ^{H7970} broad ^{H7341}: these four ^{H702} corners ^{H7106} were of one ^{H259} measure ^{H4060}.

in the four corners of the courtyard were enclosed courtyards seventy feet long and fifty-two-and-a-half feet; the four courtyards in the corners were the same size.

In the four corners of the outer court there were enclosed courts, each forty cubits long and thirty cubits wide. Each of the four corner areas had the same dimensions.

In the four corners of the court there were courts inclosed, forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four in the corners were of one measure.

Ezekiel 46:22 is a verse from the prophet Ezekiel's extensive vision of a new, meticulously detailed temple. This particular verse describes specific dimensions of the courts located in the four corners of the main temple court, highlighting the precise and orderly nature of the divine blueprint.

Context of Ezekiel 46:22

This verse is found within chapters 40-48 of the Book of Ezekiel, which are dedicated to a detailed prophetic vision of a future temple. Following the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites to Babylon, Ezekiel received visions from God that provided hope and a glimpse into a restored future for Israel. These chapters describe the temple's layout, dimensions, and the various ordinances associated with it, from the gates and courts to the functions of the priests and the prince. Ezekiel 46 specifically outlines the prince's offerings and regulations for the temple gates, leading into the description of the cooking places in the corners, which are the subject of this verse.

Key Themes and Messages

Divine Precision and Order: The exact measurements—"forty cubits long and thirty broad"—underscore God's meticulous attention to detail. This precision signifies divine design and the importance of order in all things pertaining to God's presence and worship. It suggests that nothing in God's plan is arbitrary or left to chance.
Purposeful Design for Holiness: These "courts joined of forty cubits long and thirty broad" were not just empty spaces. As clarified in Ezekiel 46:24, they were designated places for the temple servants to boil the sacrifices, ensuring that the preparation of offerings took place in specific, consecrated areas. This highlights the separation and holiness required for sacred activities within the temple complex.
Completeness and Symmetry: The phrase "these four corners were of one measure" emphasizes the symmetry and uniformity of the temple design. This speaks to the completeness and perfection of God's plan, where every part is precisely measured and balanced, contributing to the overall harmony of the sacred space.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cubit" (Hebrew: ʼammah) was a standard unit of measurement in ancient Israel, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (approx. 45-53 cm). The consistent use of precise measurements throughout Ezekiel's temple vision underscores the tangible and detailed nature of this prophetic blueprint, emphasizing the reality of God's design.

Practical Application

While the exact fulfillment of Ezekiel's temple vision is debated (whether literal, symbolic of the church, or an eschatological temple), the principles conveyed in verses like Ezekiel 46:22 remain relevant. It teaches us about God's character:

God is a God of Order: His plans are meticulously crafted and precise. This encourages believers to approach their worship and service with intentionality and order, reflecting His nature.
Holiness Requires Preparation: The designated courts for preparing sacrifices remind us that approaching God requires preparation and adherence to His standards of holiness. This can be applied to our spiritual lives, emphasizing the need for intentionality and purity in our devotion and service.
Every Detail Matters: The emphasis on specific dimensions suggests that even seemingly small details are important in God's sight, especially when they contribute to His greater purposes and the sanctity of His presence. This encourages faithfulness in all aspects of life, knowing that God values our wholehearted devotion.

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.

No cross-references found for this verse.