Ezekiel 46:19

¶ After he brought me through the entry, which [was] at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there [was] a place on the two sides westward.

After he brought {H935} me through the entry {H3996}, which was at the side {H3802} of the gate {H8179}, into the holy {H6944} chambers {H3957} of the priests {H3548}, which looked {H6437} toward the north {H6828}: and, behold, there was a place {H4725} on the two sides {H3411} westward {H3220}.

Next, he brought me through the entry at the side of the gate into the holy rooms facing north that were for the cohanim. At their far west end I saw a place

Then the man brought me through the entrance at the side of the gate into the holy chambers facing north, which belonged to the priests, and he showed me a place there at the far western end

Then he brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers for the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there was a place on the hinder part westward.

Commentary

Ezekiel 46:19 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's extensive vision of a new temple, described in chapters 40-48. This particular verse continues the detailed architectural tour of this future sanctuary, emphasizing the precise layout and designated areas for sacred functions.

Context

This verse finds its place within the latter part of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically within the detailed description of the millennial temple. After being brought by an angelic guide through various gates and courts, Ezekiel is now shown the specific areas designated for the priests. The meticulous detail in these chapters highlights God's perfect order and the sanctity of His dwelling place. The "entry, which was at the side of the gate" and the subsequent movement "into the holy chambers of the priests" signify a progression into increasingly sacred spaces within the temple complex, reinforcing the theme of divine order and separation for holy service. The overall vision, beginning in Ezekiel 40:1, is a blueprint for a future temple, distinct from Solomon's and Herod's, suggesting a place of worship in a future age.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The verse, like much of Ezekiel 40-48, showcases the incredibly precise and detailed nature of God's design. Every dimension, location, and purpose is specified, indicating a divine blueprint where nothing is left to chance. This points to God's meticulous planning for His dwelling and worship.
  • Holiness and Separation: The phrase "holy chambers of the priests" immediately highlights the sacredness of these spaces. These chambers are set apart for those who serve God directly, emphasizing the separation and purity required for priestly duties. This concept of holiness pervades the entire temple vision, as articulated in Ezekiel 43:12: "This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy."
  • Preparation for Sacred Service: These chambers served as places where priests would prepare themselves, store holy garments, and handle portions of the holy offerings, as indicated in Ezekiel 42:13. The specific location ("looked toward the north" and "a place on the two sides westward") further details the functional layout for efficient and holy service.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "holy chambers" is lishkhot haqqodesh (לִשְׁכֹת הַקֹּדֶשׁ), which literally means "chambers of the holiness." This reinforces the idea that these are not merely rooms but spaces infused with and dedicated to the sacred. The precise directional cues ("toward the north," "westward") are typical of ancient architectural descriptions and underscore the reality and specificity of the vision, rather than a mere symbolic representation without form.

Practical Application and Significance

While the immediate context is a prophetic vision of a future temple, the principles embedded in Ezekiel 46:19 carry timeless significance. The emphasis on order, holiness, and dedicated spaces for divine service reminds believers of:

  • God's Demand for Holiness: God is holy, and His presence demands a corresponding holiness from those who approach Him. This applies not just to physical spaces but to our lives, attitudes, and service.
  • Purposeful Living: Just as every part of the temple had a specific purpose, believers are called to live with purpose, dedicating their lives and gifts to God's service.
  • Reverence and Preparation: The detailed description of priestly chambers suggests that approaching God requires reverence and preparation. In the New Testament, believers are called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), implying a responsibility to live holy lives worthy of our calling.

This verse, though highly descriptive of ancient temple architecture, serves as a profound reminder of God's meticulous nature, His absolute holiness, and the ordered beauty of His divine plans.

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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 42:9 (4 votes)

    And from under these chambers [was] the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the utter court.

  • Ezekiel 44:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.

  • Ezekiel 44:5 (2 votes)

    And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.

  • Ezekiel 40:44 (2 votes)

    And without the inner gate [were] the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which [was] at the side of the north gate; and their prospect [was] toward the south: one at the side of the east gate [having] the prospect toward the north.

  • Ezekiel 40:46 (2 votes)

    And the chamber whose prospect [is] toward the north [is] for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these [are] the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.