Chapter 40
574 BC. - Ezekiel’s Vision of the Temple (The Millennial Sanctuary)
1 In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.
“In the five and twentieth year of our captivity” concerns itself with the first invasion of Jerusalem by Babylon, which occurred in 605 BC. During this invasion, the city was partly destroyed, and many of the people were carried away captive. The city was further devastated in 597 BC and finally burned and desolated in 586 BC.
2 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.
The events of chapters 40 through 48 concern the things in the Kingdom Age, when Christ will personally rule from Jerusalem. This will immediately follow the Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of The Lord.
3 And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
If we compare the descriptions given in Ezekiel 1:26-27, Daniel 10:6, and Revelation 1:15, the “man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass” is Christ. Personally, He will give the prophet the information regarding the coming glory and grandeur of restored Jerusalem and the Temple. “(W)ith a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed” speaks of righteousness.
The Eastern Wall and Gate
4 And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.
“Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears” portrays the truth that all given, concerning dimensions, portrayals, and specifications, have a spiritual reference, with all pertaining to Christ. The carnal heart will see little blessing in these tedious statements and measurements, and consequently, will reap little. However, the spiritual heart will dig and probe that these nuggets of spiritual gold may be brought to the surface (Colossians 2:3).
5 And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.
A “reed” represents 9 feet. It is interesting that the tabernacle had no wall, nor did the temple, or at least no wall was an essential part of the sacred structure. Here, however, the wall constitutes an integral portion of the whole and was designed “to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.” This “wall” encloses the square in which will stand the sacred palace.
6 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.
On the construction of these three places of worship, nothing is left to man’s taste or imagination. Everything, even in the matter of measurements, was commanded by God, and as stated, holds rich spiritual meaning. For instance, the phrase “and went up the stairs thereof” pertains to God’s plan of salvation. Even though the number of steps is not given here, they are mentioned in verses 22 and 26 concerning the northern and southern gates as being “seven.” “Seven” is God’s number, implying perfection, completion, and totality. Such is God’s salvation afforded by Christ Jesus and offered freely to man.
7 And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers were five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within was one reed.
These are actually guard chambers intended for the Levite sentinels, who stood guard over the house. It is not that guards are needed; they are for decorative purposes only. Nevertheless, the spiritual application is appropriate. The child of God is ordered to “watch” and to “pray” (Mark 13:33).
8 He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.
9 Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.
Christ is the One Who measures. As The Lord of Glory, He is perfect in His design.
10 And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.
11 And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
This is the eastern gate to the Temple. It is nearly 20 feet high.
12 The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side: and the little chambers were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.
This area or “space” immediately before the “little chambers” most likely was to enable the guardsman, by stepping beyond his cell, to observe the happenings in the gate without interrupting those coming and going. Spiritually speaking, what kind of guard do we have which observes what goes in and what comes out? Nothing should be allowed to enter that stains, corrupts, pollutes, or spoils.
13 He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cubits, door against door.
If the guard chambers are scrutinized this closely as to measurements and direction, then the significance should not be lost upon us. To guard our mind, which is the doorway to our spirit, in order that defilement not enter, can be done only as the believer places his faith in Christ and what Christ has done for us at The Cross. In essence, Christ must not be separated from The Cross, and we speak of its benefits (Romans 6:3-5; Romans 8:1-2, 11; 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, 23; 2:2; Galatians 6:14).
14 He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate.
These “posts” are 90 feet high and are different than the little, short posts mentioned in verse 10. I think The Holy Spirit does not desire this “post” of 90 feet height to be contrasted with the little “post” of only 3 feet high in verse 9. To serve in any capacity in the Kingdom of God is of utmost significance as one is needed, the other is also needed.
15 And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.
The “50 cubits” are 75 feet. This comprised the whole length of the eastern gate from the outer entrance to the inner exit.
16 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.
Similar windows existed in the temple of Solomon (1 Kings 6:4). It is notable that the only type of trees mentioned as being part of the decoration of the Millennial Temple is the “palm tree.” This tree symbolizes “rest”.
Outer Court
17 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.
18 And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates was the lower pavement.
19 Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward.
The Hebrew word for pavement must suggest ornamental pavement. The pavement of the outer court was called “the lower pavement” to distinguish it from that laid in the inner court, which stood at a higher elevation.
The Northern Gate of the Outer Court
20 And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
21 And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.
22 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.
There will be no west gate, for the Messiah, when seated on His throne within the temple, will face the east. The worshippers will enter in by the north and south gates and stand before Him. Behind Him will, perhaps, stand the cherubims of Glory. The “seven steps”, as I have explained, denotes perfection, totality, completion, and universality. “Seven” is God’s number and applies to Christ Himself.
23 And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits.
The distance is identical from the north, east, and south, 150 feet.
The Southern Gate of the Outer Court
24 After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.
25 And there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.
26 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.
All three gates, east, north, and south, have “seven steps” leading up from the outside of the outer well. Actually, the design of the temple area is very simple, forming a square, with the dimensions identical from all entrances. This portrays the exactness, perfection, and harmony of God’s Salvation Plan, exemplified in Christ, Who is perfect from every side. In fact, any way one looks at Christ, one sees nothing but perfection. If one comes through the south gate, it is identical to that which leads through the north gate. Therefore, whichever one enters, there is no confusion. What a beautiful picture of true Bible Christianity!
The Inner Court Gates and Walls
27 And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.
28 And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;
29 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.
30 And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.
31 And the arches thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it had eight steps.
There were “eight steps” that led to the south inner gate, whereas there were “seven” that led to the north outer gate. God’s number, which is “seven”, cannot be improved upon, and is not meant to be improved upon. Therefore, the number “eight”, respecting the steps that lead to the “inner court”, should be added to the seven, totaling 15. This corresponds to the pilgrim psalms or “Songs of Degrees” or “ascents”, which were 15. They are Psalms 120-134. They were supposed to have been sung one upon each step by the chair of the Levites as they ascended first into the outer and then the inner court of Solomon’s temple. These “Songs of Degrees” symbolize the spiritual journey of every believer. The first psalm of each group speaks of distress and trouble, Psalm 120, 123, 126, 129, 132. The second psalm of each group speaks of trust and deliverance by God, Psalm 121, 124, 127, 130, 133. The third psalm of each group speaks of blessing and triumph upon Zion, Psalm 122, 125, 128, 131, 134.
32 And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.
33 And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, were according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.
34 And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.
35 And he brought me to the north gate, and measured it according to these measures;
36 The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.
37 And the posts thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.
The same minute specifications are again repeated as if to show that all parts of this divinely fashioned edifice are of equal moment, and therefore, symbolize Christ.
38 And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.
The sacrifices included the “whole burnt offering”, which spoke of Christ giving His all.
Tables for Preparing the Sacrifices
39 And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.
40 And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables.
41 Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew their sacrifices.
42 And the four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.
43 And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering.
Actually, three types of offerings would be offered here, the “burnt offering”, the “sin offering”, and “trespass offering”. There were 12 tables in all, eight on which the sacrifices were placed and four for placing the instruments employed in killing the animals. Although reinstituted as under the Old Covenant, the sacrifices do not now take away sin any more than they did then (Hebrews 10:4). The sacrifices are merely symbolic and are meant to portray the Great Sacrifice made by Christ at Calvary. This is never to be forgotten. The daily offering of the sacrifices will be a constant ritual so that the entire world will never forget that which saved man. The shed Blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary did not come cheaply or easily. Therefore, it is thought of so highly in the mind of God, and rightly so, that the never ending repetition of sacrifices will constantly be offered as an ongoing reminder.
Chambers of the Singers
44 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.
The “singers” whose worship will accompany the sacrifices portray the truth that the great price paid at Calvary brought eternal joy to the human heart and is ever to be expressed accordingly. Therefore, the truth is evidenced here that if the church goes further than Calvary, it loses its way with God. As well, if Calvary is ever lifted up as the focal point of man’s redemption and sanctification, which it most certainly is, then great joy always accompanies this great Truth (Romans 6:3-14).
Building for the Priests
45 And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house.
The indication is that this chamber is exclusively for the “priests”.
46 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.
The two chambers mentioned in verses 45 and 46 both pertain to the priests. These, in verse 45, face toward the south and are for those in charge of the temple. The one facing north is for those having charge of the altar.
The Porch of the House
47 So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house.
The “cubit” was 18 inches long. The great altar was situated in the very center of the four squares and is 18 feet square. The revelation of all of this testifies to the interest of God in His people. He will rebuild His sanctuary among them, and He has informed them of this fact and of its details as a testimony of His faithful love and as a message to their hearts and consciences. Therefore, the prophet was commanded to show these things to the house of Israel, verse 4.
48 And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.
49 The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; and he brought me by the steps whereby they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.
The “Most Holy Place”, specified in verse 4 of the next chapter, is larger than the “porch of the house” or entrance, thus signifying that God’s grace is far greater than anything that could be brought to it. Consequently, this fact illustrates the great spiritual truth in this building and its dependencies. The measurements of the “foundations” and the “posts” have great importance, for the one word expresses stability and the other permanence. In the Bible, the “posts” of the door mean the whole house as an erect structure, and they figure its strength. This is indicated in the massive stone door posts of the Egyptian temples. If, therefore, the posts of the door shake, the whole house shakes. In this house of Jehovah, all the foundations will be of like measure, signifying its great strength, which is Christ.
Chapter 41
574 BC – The Measuring of the Temple
1 Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.
The massiveness and loftiness of the “posts” or “pillars” proclaim the strength and magnificence of the temple. “Six” is used for a reason because it denotes the number of man and corresponds with the words of Christ (Revelation 3:12).
2 And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits.
“And the breadth of the door was ten cubits” refers to the “door” that led into the Holy Place which was 15 feet wide. This corresponds, again, to Jesus as the “door” (John 10:7). The Holy Place was 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. This was the same dimensions as Solomon’s Temple.
3 Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.
The phrase “Then went he inward” speaks of the Most Holy Place, which was situated immediately behind the Holy Place. No one but the High Priest could go into the “Most Holy Place”, and that was only once a year. Therefore, Christ, it seems, went in alone, leaving Ezekiel outside. The height of the door is “six cubits.” This refers to Christ as the door to salvation, i.e., man’s approach to God since “six” is man’s number. The width of the door is “seven cubits”, which portrays God’s perfect salvation in Christ, God’s number being “seven”, which speaks of perfection.
4 So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me, This is the most holy place.
The “most holy place” was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the Tabernacle and in Solomon’s Temple. Actually, the dimensions were the same as Solomon’s temple, 30 feet long and 30 feet wide. At Solomon’s Temple, the “altar” was 30 feet long and 30 feet wide, the same size as the “Most Holy Place”. However, in the Millennial Temple, the “altar” will be smaller than the Most Holy Place, only 18 feet square. Solomon’s altar was larger because it represented a price yet to be paid, while the “altar” in the Millennial Temple is smaller, thereby representing a price already paid (2 Chronicles 4:1, Ezekiel 43:16).
5 After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.
The wall of this “house” will be 6 cubits or 9 feet thick. The massive thickness of the “wall” will, no doubt, serve as a symbol of strength and indestructability concerning Christ as the true Temple. In other words, this house is secure, whereas the house built by man fell.
6 And the side chambers were three, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which was of the house for the side chambers round about, that they might have hold, but they had not hold in the wall of the house.
7 And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst.
The width of the wall of the first story was 7 ½ feet. This was diminished to 6 feet for the second story and to 4 ½ feet for the third story.
8 I saw also the height of the house round about: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits.
The “foundations” of these chambers were 9 feet thick, constituting a “firm foundation”.
9 The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side chambers that were within.
The symbolism is here intended to convey the spiritual message desired. In this case, the firm foundation of our spiritual experience in Christ, along with the firm walls, denoting the structure of salvation and the reign of Christ as being absolutely secure and eternal in its consequence.
10 And between the chambers was the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.
11 And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.
12 Now the building that was before the separate place at the end toward the west was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick round about, and the length thereof ninety cubits.
This building was a separate place or structure, which was built behind the temple on the west, which was marked off from the rest of the ground on which the temple, with its courts and chambers, stood. It was likely devoted to less sacred purposes. Actually, behind Solomon’s temple lay a similar space (2 Kings 23:11; 1 Chronicles 26:18).
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;
14 Also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, an hundred cubits.
That which is instituted, even though it would contain some of the trappings of the Mosaic Law, still is carried forth, mostly as a symbol or memorial that men never forget what about Christ did at Calvary for the human family in order that men might be saved.
15 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;
Details About the Interior of the Temple
16 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;
17 To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure.
These three-storied houses, as the Palace itself, will be finished off with wooden wainscoting, ornamented with cherubims and palm trees. The wood, no doubt, typified the incarnation of Christ, when God became man in order to become the Last Adam and to redeem humanity.
18 And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;
As in Solomon’s temple, 1 Kings 6:29, the wainscoting was adorned with artistic coverings of cherubims and palm trees. A palm tree and a cherub standing alternately. As the wood denoted Christ’s humanity, likewise, the cherubims denote His holiness. The “palm trees” denote the lifting of the curse from the earth and from man with harmony now prevailing, typifying “rest”.
19 So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.
“So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side” refers to God becoming man “the man, Christ Jesus”, in order to redeem man and lift the curse. The phrase “and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side” refers to Christ coming “as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5).
20 From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple.
Throughout the Temple, “even unto the inner house” (v. 17), the Holy of Holies, will be the symbols.
21 The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other.
They were “squared”, which signified the four-fold Gospel of Jesus Christ, Salvation by The Blood, the Baptism with The Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the Second Coming of Christ, all now in the Kingdom Age a reality, hence, “the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other.”
22 The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.
This is not the altar of sacrifice which sat in the center of the 100 cubit square and in front of the temple, but instead, the “Altar of Incense”. It is in the Holy Place, immediately in front of the Holy of Holies, exactly where it sat in the Tabernacle and in Solomon’s Temple.
23 And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors.
These “doors” led to the “Holy Place” and the “Most Holy Place”.
24 And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door.
25 And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without.
As Solomon’s temple also represented the coming Kingdom Age, likewise this Temple, which is the Kingdom Age, has the same symbols. They stand for holiness and harmony.
26 And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch, and upon the side chambers of the house, and thick planks.
Solomon’s Temple was heavily ornamented with gold, whereas such is not present in the Kingdom Temple because Christ, which the gold represented, is now present. Therefore, the gold is no longer necessary. The implication is this, the abundance of gold made Solomon’s temple beautiful. However, Christ will so far eclipse the luster of mere gold that even if gold were present, it would not be noticed for the glory of The Lord.
Chapter 42
574 BC – The North Outer Court
1 Then he brought me forth into the utter court, the way toward the north: and he brought me into the chamber that was over against the separate place, and which was before the building toward the north.
The utter court actually refers to “outer court”. The survey of the Temple has now been completed, and Ezekiel is taken outside by Christ into the “outer court”.
2 Before the length of an hundred cubits was the north door, and the breadth was fifty cubits.
The length is 150 feet, the width is 75 feet. This building contains the priests’ chambers.
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.
This building is 3 stories high with a “gallery” or “porch” running the length of the building on all three stories.
4 And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.
5 Now the upper chambers were shorter: for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building.
The verse seems to mean that the “upper chambers”, or the second and third stories, were smaller than the bottom floor.
6 For they were in three stories, but had not pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the building was straitened more than the lowest and the middlemost from the ground.
The bottom floors being larger suggest, in the spiritual sense, an enlarged vision enjoyed in communion. The upper stories being smaller suggests a humbling experience gained in service. In communion with The Lord and sensing His great presence, the recipient of this presence, and for the moment, thinks himself capable of miraculous events. However, the actual service quickly demonstrates the inability of the flesh and humbles the participant.
7 And the wall that was without over against the chambers, toward the utter court on the forepart of the chambers, the length thereof was fifty cubits.
8 For the length of the chambers that were in the utter court was fifty cubits: and, lo, before the temple were an hundred cubits.
The East Entrance Outer Court
9 And from under these chambers was the entry on the east side, as one goeth into them from the utter court.
Quite possibly the elevation of this building regarding ground level will be higher than the outer court but lower than the temple area. Consequently, the “entry” is represented as lying under the chambers.
10 The chambers were in the thickness of the wall of the court toward the east, over against the separate place, and over against the building.
11 And the way before them was like the appearance of the chambers which were toward the north, as long as they, and as broad as they: and all their goings out were both according to their fashions, and according to their doors.
12 And according to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door in the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one entereth into them.
Chambers of the Priests
13 Then said he unto me, The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they be holy chambers, where the priests that approach unto the LORD shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy.
14 When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people.
The regulation as to priestly garments of the sons of Zadok reveals a feature of the spiritual life peculiar to the modern Christian, that there are affections, energies, and ministries which belong exclusively to the life of communion and intercession and must, therefore, be reserved expressly for The Lord. Refreshed and enabled by this inner communion, the Christian can then go out to minister to the world. Observing Christ as the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, despite the nail prints in His hands, resplendent in beauty and glory, one is apt to forget what He did to redeem humanity. These repetitive sacrificial rituals will be a constant reminder.
The Measurement of the Temple Area
15 Now when he had made an end of measuring the inner house, he brought me forth toward the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it round about.
As The Lord measures the dimensions for the Kingdom Temple, likewise, He measures the government, operation, and service of His church. As His dimensions are exact for the coming temple, likewise, they are exact for His church.
16 He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
17 He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
18 He measured the south side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed.
19 He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.
This is called the “most outer court” or the “profane place”, which could be used by the people coming to the sanctuary itself.
20 He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall round about, five hundred reeds long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.
The sanctuaries, given by inspiration to Moses and to David, were built, and thus, set visibly before the eyes of Israel. The sanctuary given in the vision to Ezekiel is yet to be built, but its details are revealed in writing (Ezekiel 43:11) as a testimony and instruction to Israel. These details make real God’s interest in His ancient people and give substance to His promise to establish His home among them. Thus, this vision is a perpetual call to repentance according to Ezekiel 43:10-11.