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.
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.
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.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
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;
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.
20 From the ground unto above the door [were] cherubims and palm trees made, and [on] the wall of the temple.
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].
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.
23 And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors.
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.
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.
Overview of Ezekiel Chapter 41
Ezekiel Chapter 41 describes the measurements and layout of the temple, specifically focusing on the inner sanctuary and its features. This chapter is part of a larger vision given to Ezekiel regarding the restoration of Israel and the establishment of God’s presence among His people.
Key Themes
- Divine Architecture: The detailed description of the temple signifies God’s order and design in worship.
- Holiness of the Sanctuary: The inner sanctuary is a representation of God’s presence and holiness.
- Restoration: The vision of the temple symbolizes the hope of restoration for the people of Israel.
Structure and Features of the Temple
The chapter outlines the physical dimensions and various components of the temple. Key features include:
- The Inner Sanctuary (Holy of Holies):
- Dimensions: The inner sanctuary is described as being 20 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 20 cubits high.
- Significance: This space is where the presence of God dwells, emphasizing its sacredness.
- The Entrance:
- Measurements: The entrance to the inner sanctuary is noted to be 10 cubits wide.
- Symbolism: The entrance serves as a threshold between the holy and the common, highlighting the need for reverence in approaching God.
- Side Chambers:
- Design: The chapter mentions side chambers that are built around the inner sanctuary, which add to the structure’s complexity.
- Function: These chambers may serve various purposes, including storage or housing for priests.
Symbolism and Interpretation
The details in Chapter 41 carry significant symbolic weight:
- Measurement: The precise measurements reflect God’s sovereignty and the importance of order in worship.
- Inner Sanctuary: Represents the ultimate communion between God and His people, accessible only through holiness.
- Restoration of Worship: The vision of the temple serves as a promise of renewed worship and relationship with God for the Israelites.
Conclusion
Ezekiel Chapter 41 provides a detailed vision of the temple’s structure, emphasizing the holiness of God’s dwelling place. The chapter serves to inspire reverence, hope, and the anticipation of restoration among the people of Israel. Through its architectural details, it conveys profound theological truths about God’s presence and the nature of worship.
