Ezekiel 42:2

Before the length of an hundred cubits [was] the north door, and the breadth [was] fifty cubits.

Before {H6440} the length {H753} of an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} was the north {H6828} door {H6607}, and the breadth {H7341} was fifty {H2572} cubits {H520}.

The length of the front was 175 feet on the north side, where the door was; the width was eighty-seven-and-a-half feet.

The building with the door facing north was a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide.

Before the length of a hundred cubits was the north door, and the breadth was fifty cubits.

Commentary

Context of Ezekiel 42:2

Ezekiel 42:2 is part of a lengthy and intricate section in the Book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) that details a magnificent, visionary temple. This is not a description of the historical First Temple (Solomon's) or the Second Temple (Zerubbabel's/Herod's), but rather a prophetic blueprint shown to Ezekiel, often interpreted as either a literal future temple, a symbolic representation of God's presence among His people, or a spiritual reality related to the church or new creation. The prophet, exiled in Babylon, receives this vision of God's renewed dwelling place, emphasizing divine order, holiness, and the meticulous restoration of worship. This particular verse focuses on the specific measurements of an entrance associated with the side chambers on the north side of the temple complex.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exact dimensions provided ("an hundred cubits" length, "fifty cubits" breadth) highlight the incredible precision and intentionality behind God's plans. Every detail in this visionary temple is carefully measured and designed, underscoring that God's work is never arbitrary but perfectly ordered and purposeful. This meticulousness signifies the divine standard of holiness and the importance of exactness in approaching God.
  • Architectural Detail and Structure: The verse is purely descriptive, contributing to the overall picture of the temple's layout. It helps the reader visualize the scale and complexity of the structure, emphasizing the grandeur and functional design of God's envisioned sanctuary. These detailed descriptions are consistent throughout Ezekiel's temple vision, which also describes other gates and courts.
  • Symbolism of Access and Holiness: Entrances and their dimensions in a temple complex are crucial. They regulate access, indicating the boundaries of holy space and the paths for those permitted to enter. The specific size of this "north door" implies a significant entry point, contributing to the structured flow of worship and service within the sacred precincts.

Linguistic Insights

The primary unit of measurement mentioned, "cubit" (Hebrew: ammah), was a standard ancient measurement based on the length of a forearm, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches. In Ezekiel's vision, a "long cubit" of about 20.67 inches (a cubit and a handbreadth) is often implied (see Ezekiel 40:5). Therefore, "an hundred cubits" would be approximately 170-175 feet, and "fifty cubits" about 85-87.5 feet, illustrating the immense scale of this visionary complex.

Practical Application and Significance

While Ezekiel's temple vision is often debated in its literal fulfillment, its underlying principles remain highly relevant. The meticulous detail in this verse reminds us of God's profound attention to detail and His sovereign control over all things. It speaks to the idea that God's plans are perfect and exhaustive. For believers, this can inspire confidence in God's meticulous design for our lives and His creation, encouraging us to trust in His wisdom even when we don't understand the full blueprint. It also highlights the importance of order and reverence in our spiritual lives and worship, reflecting God's holy nature.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 41:13 (2 votes)

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