Ezekiel 42:3

Over against the twenty [cubits] which [were] for the inner court, and over against the pavement which [was] for the utter court, [was] gallery against gallery in three [stories].

Over against the twenty {H6242} cubits which were for the inner {H6442} court {H2691}, and over against the pavement {H7531} which was for the utter {H2435} court {H2691}, was gallery {H862} against {H6440} gallery {H862} in three {H7992} stories.

It was located between the inner courtyard, which was thirty-five feet wide, and the flooring of the outer courtyard. It had galleries, one above the other, on three floors.

Gallery faced gallery in three levels opposite the twenty cubits that belonged to the inner court and opposite the pavement that belonged to the outer court.

Over against the twentycubitswhich belonged to the inner court, and over against the pavement which belonged to the outer court, was gallery against gallery in the third story.

Commentary

Ezekiel 42:3 is a vivid snapshot from the prophet Ezekiel's detailed vision of a future temple, providing architectural specifics about the chambers surrounding the sanctuary.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy and intricate description of a new temple, found in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. After being led by a divine guide, Ezekiel observes various measurements and structures of this grand edifice. Verse 3 specifically describes the arrangement of galleries or chambers built around the inner and outer courts, emphasizing their multi-story construction and their placement relative to the existing court structures. These chambers were likely intended for the use of priests, for storage of holy vessels, or for the preparation of offerings, underscoring the functional and sacred nature of the envisioned temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The meticulous detail in this vision, down to the exact measurements and structural arrangements like "gallery against gallery in three stories," highlights God's perfect order and His meticulous planning for sacred spaces. It suggests that God's plans are always precise and purposeful.
  • Holiness and Separation: The existence of distinct chambers and courts, with specific dimensions and functions, underscores the theme of holiness and separation. These structures would have facilitated the proper conduct of worship and maintained the sanctity required for interaction with God's presence.
  • Future Hope and Restoration: The entire temple vision in Ezekiel serves as a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness to His covenant people and His promise of future restoration and dwelling among them. While the physical fulfillment is debated, the spiritual reality points to a time of perfect communion, echoing themes of a new creation and God's dwelling with humanity, as seen in Revelation 21:3.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "gallery" (yaṭṭîaʿ) can refer to a walkway, porch, or colonnade, suggesting a series of open or enclosed spaces. The term "stories" (qōmâ) simply denotes levels or height, indicating a multi-tiered construction. The precision of these terms emphasizes the architectural detail, not merely as a vague concept but as a tangible, measured structure.

Practical Application

While the physical temple vision in Ezekiel is complex, it offers spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as God provided a detailed blueprint for His ancient dwelling place, He also has a precise plan for our lives and for His church. This verse encourages us to appreciate God's attention to detail and His desire for order in all things. Furthermore, understanding the purpose of these chambers—to facilitate worship and maintain holiness—reminds us of the importance of living a life set apart for God and creating environments that foster reverence and spiritual discipline. As believers, we are called to be God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16), where His presence resides, and thus, our lives should reflect His divine order and holiness.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 41:15 (5 votes)

    And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which [was] behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court;

  • Ezekiel 41:16 (5 votes)

    The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows [were] covered;

  • Ezekiel 41:10 (4 votes)

    And between the chambers [was] the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:17 (2 votes)

    The beams of our house [are] cedar, [and] our rafters of fir.

  • 2 Chronicles 7:3 (2 votes)

    And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Ezekiel 42:5 (2 votes)

    Now the upper chambers [were] shorter: for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building.

  • Ezekiel 40:17 (2 votes)

    Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, [there were] chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers [were] upon the pavement.