Ezekiel 40:13

He measured then the gate from the roof of [one] little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth [was] five and twenty cubits, door against door.

He measured {H4058} then the gate {H8179} from the roof {H1406} of one little chamber {H8372} to the roof {H1406} of another: the breadth {H7341} was five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}, door {H6607} against door {H6607}.

He measured [inside] the gate from the back wall of one guardroom to the back wall of the other a distance of forty-three-and-three-quarters feet, the openings [to the guardrooms] being opposite each other.

Then he measured the gateway from the roof of one gate chamber to the roof of the opposite one; the distance was twenty-five cubits from doorway to doorway.

And he measured the gate from the roof of the one lodge to the roof of the other, a breadth of five and twenty cubits; door against door.

Commentary

Ezekiel 40:13 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, where he is shown a new temple complex, meticulously measured by an angelic guide.

Context

This verse falls within chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel, which describe an elaborate vision of a future temple. This vision was given to Ezekiel while he was in Babylonian captivity, decades after the destruction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The purpose of these detailed measurements and descriptions was to provide a divine blueprint for a restored Israel and the dwelling place of God's glory. The "He" in the verse refers to the man with a measuring rod, an angelic figure guiding Ezekiel through the complex.

Specifically, verse 13 describes a measurement of one of the temple gates, likely an outer gate, which were significant structures containing guard rooms or "little chambers." These gates controlled access and symbolized the sanctity and order of the temple. The measurements emphasize the divine precision and the immense scale of this envisioned structure.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The meticulous measurements throughout Ezekiel 40 underscore God's attention to detail and His divine order. Nothing in His plan is arbitrary; everything is designed with purpose and exactness.
  • Restoration and Future Hope: For the exiled Israelites, this vision offered immense hope—a promise of future restoration, a new temple, and the return of God's glory among His people (Ezekiel 43:4).
  • God's Presence: The ultimate significance of the temple, whether literal or symbolic, is that it represents the place where God dwells among His people. The careful design ensures a proper sanctuary for His glory.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cubit" (Hebrew: ammah) was a standard unit of measurement in ancient times, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18 inches (or about 45 centimeters). Thus, "five and twenty cubits" would be approximately 37.5 feet or 11.25 meters, indicating a substantial breadth for the gate structure.

The phrase "door against door" can be interpreted in a few ways. It likely refers to the symmetrical layout of the gate complex, where chambers (or guard rooms) on opposing sides of the gate passage had doors facing each other, and the measurement was taken across the space between these opposing doors or the full width including those chambers. It highlights the structured and orderly design of the gate.

Practical Application

While the vision of Ezekiel's temple has various interpretations (literal future temple, symbolic representation of the church, or the heavenly New Jerusalem), its detailed nature offers timeless lessons:

  • God's Meticulous Plans: This passage reminds us that God is a God of order and purpose. He has a precise plan for His creation and for His people, even in times of seeming chaos or despair.
  • The Importance of Structure: Just as the temple required precise measurements, our spiritual lives and the church as a body benefit from structure, discipline, and adherence to divine principles.
  • Hope in God's Promises: The detailed vision served as a tangible promise of restoration for Israel. Similarly, God's detailed promises in scripture, like the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, provide hope and assurance for believers today.

Ezekiel 40:13, though seemingly a technical detail, contributes to the grand picture of God's perfect design and His enduring commitment to dwell among His people.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.