Ezekiel 41:13

So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;

So he measured {H4058} the house {H1004}, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} long {H753}; and the separate place {H1508}, and the building {H1140}, with the walls {H7023} thereof, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} long {H753};

He measured the length of the house at 175 feet; then a distance that included [the width of] the separated yard, [the interior width of] the building and [the thickness of] its [front and back exterior] walls, at 175 feet.

Then he measured the temple to be a hundred cubits long, and the temple courtyard and the building with its walls were also a hundred cubits long.

So he measured the house, a hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, a hundred cubits long;

Commentary

Context of Ezekiel 41:13

Ezekiel 41:13 is part of a profound and highly detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). Beginning in Ezekiel chapter 40, the prophet is transported in vision to a very high mountain and shown a meticulously measured temple complex by an angelic guide. This extensive architectural blueprint for a new temple (chapters 40-48) served as a powerful message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites, assuring them that God had not abandoned them and that a future dwelling place for His glory would be established.

This particular verse focuses on the overall length of the main temple structure and an adjoining "separate place," emphasizing the precise and grand scale of the visionary building. The consistent measurement of "an hundred cubits long" underscores the divine order and perfection inherent in God's future plans for His people and their worship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The repeated mention of "an hundred cubits long" for both "the house" and "the separate place" highlights God's meticulous attention to detail. Every dimension in this visionary temple is exact, symbolizing the perfect order and careful execution of God's divine will. This speaks to the reliability and trustworthiness of God's plans.
  • Holiness and Separation: The "separate place" (Hebrew: gizrāh) implies a distinct, possibly sacred or set-apart area within the temple complex. This emphasizes the profound holiness of God's dwelling and the necessity of separation from the profane, a recurring theme throughout Scripture concerning God's presence.
  • Future Hope and Restoration: For the exiled Israelites, this highly detailed vision was a powerful promise of future restoration. It wasn't merely about a physical building, but about God's renewed presence among His people, as seen in Ezekiel 43:4-5 where God's glory re-enters the temple. The vision provided comfort and hope for a future beyond their current suffering, pointing to a time of renewed worship and divine fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The unit of measurement, "cubit," was a standard ancient length, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches, based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The repetition of "an hundred cubits long" emphasizes the impressive scale and grandeur of the structure being described, signifying a substantial and magnificent building.

The Hebrew word for "separate place" is gizrāh (גִּזְרָה), which literally means "a cut-off part" or "a distinct portion." This term reinforces the idea of a specially designated, distinct, and holy area within the temple precinct, set apart for specific sacred purposes.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 41:13, with its emphasis on precise measurements and divine order, reminds us that God is a God of meticulous planning and perfect execution. His plans are not haphazard but are crafted with ultimate precision, whether for a physical temple or for the spiritual lives and destiny of His people. This attention to detail assures us of the reliability of God's promises and the certainty of His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

The vision also foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity, as seen in the New Testament's description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16, which is also described with perfect, divinely appointed measurements. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect design for our lives and the world, knowing that His purposes will be fulfilled with divine exactness.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 40:47 (3 votes)

    So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar [that was] before the house.