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Ezekiel 40:26

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And [there were] seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof [were] before them: and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof.

And there were seven {H7651} steps {H4609} to go up {H5930} to it, and the arches {H361} thereof were before {H6440} them: and it had palm trees {H8561}, one {H259} on this side, and another {H259} on that side, upon the posts {H352} thereof.

Seven steps led up to it [from the outside], while its vestibule was toward the inside. It had palm trees, one on each side, on its supports.

Seven steps led up to it, and its portico was opposite them; it had palm trees on its side pillars, one on each side.

And there were seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof were before them; and it had palm-trees, one on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof.

Commentary

Ezekiel 40:26 is a verse from the prophet Ezekiel's highly detailed and profound vision of a new temple, which begins its extensive description in Ezekiel chapter 40. This specific verse contributes to the meticulous architectural blueprint, detailing the entrance to one of the temple's inner gates.

Context

The book of Ezekiel recounts the prophet's experiences during the Babylonian exile. After prophecies of judgment and restoration, God grants Ezekiel a grand vision of a new temple, spanning chapters 40-48. This vision serves as a blueprint for either a literal future temple, a symbolic representation of God's renewed presence and glory among His people, or a spiritual reality concerning the New Covenant. An angelic guide leads Ezekiel through the complex, measuring every gate, court, and chamber. Verse 26, along with its surrounding verses, focuses on the precise dimensions and ornamentation of the outer gates leading into the inner court, emphasizing the divine order and sacredness of this structure.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The extraordinary level of detail in Ezekiel's vision, including the exact number of steps and the placement of decorative elements, highlights God's meticulous nature and the perfect order of His divine plans. This contrasts sharply with the desolation of the first temple and the spiritual disarray of Israel.
  • Symbolism of Palm Trees: The inclusion of "palm trees" (Hebrew: timorim) on the posts is significant. In biblical imagery, palm trees often symbolize righteousness, flourishing, victory, and prosperity. They were also common decorative motifs in ancient temple architecture, as seen in Solomon's Temple. Their presence here suggests beauty, vitality, and the spiritual fruitfulness associated with God's renewed dwelling, perhaps echoing the joyous celebration of the multitude with palm branches in Revelation 7:9.
  • Access to Sacred Space: The mention of "seven steps to go up to it" signifies a deliberate, structured ascent into a holy area. The number seven often represents completeness or perfection in biblical numerology, further underscoring the holiness and divine design of the temple and the intentionality required to approach God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "palm trees" is timorim (תִּמֹרִים), derived from tamar (תָּמָר), which refers to the date palm. This tree was highly valued in the ancient Near East for its upright stature, fruitfulness, and beauty, making it a fitting and aesthetically pleasing element for a divine structure. The specific placement—"one on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof"—emphasizes the symmetry and deliberate design, reflecting the organized and harmonious nature of God's presence.

Practical Application

Regardless of whether Ezekiel's temple vision is interpreted literally, symbolically, or spiritually, the principles it conveys are timeless. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, beauty, and intentionality—every detail matters to Him. For believers, it highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and intentionality, recognizing the sacredness of His presence. The imagery of the palm trees can also serve as an encouragement for us to live lives of righteousness and spiritual flourishing, bearing fruit for God's glory, much like the righteous are described as flourishing in Psalm 92:12. Ultimately, this detailed vision points to God's profound desire to dwell among His people in a place of holiness and perfection.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 40:22 (6 votes)

    And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, [were] after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof [were] before them.

  • Ezekiel 40:16 (4 votes)

    And [there were] narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows [were] round about inward: and upon [each] post [were] palm trees.

  • Ezekiel 40:6 (3 votes)

    Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, [which was] one reed broad; and the other threshold [of the gate, which was] one reed broad.

  • Song Of Solomon 7:7 (2 votes)

    This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters [of grapes].

  • Song Of Solomon 7:8 (2 votes)

    I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples;

  • Ezekiel 40:29 (2 votes)

    And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, according to these measures: and [there were] windows in it and in the arches thereof round about: [it was] fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.

  • Psalms 92:12 (2 votes)

    The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.