Ezekiel Chapter 40 Vs. 6-16

The East Gate to the Outer Court

Ezekiel 40:6-16

Ezekiel passed into the outer court through the gate facing east. This was one of three gates leading into the outer court. Since it faced east, it was the most important gate (cf. Eze. 44:1-3). He described the gate in detail, with its steps… threshold, guards’ alcoves… portico facing the temple… with palm trees (Eze. 40:16) along the projecting walls.

The buildings of the East gate are first because this will be in the direct line of approach to the temple. Each opening was 10.5 feet across. Chambers (rooms) in the wall are 10.5 x 10.5 feet. Precise measurements describe a literal temple, not a symbolic one.

The inside porch was 10.5 feet.

The porch was 8 cubits or 12 feet. The porch then was, 9 or 10 feet wide and 12 feet long. We know that there were at least two posts, because it is plural. Each of them was 3 ft. We do not know, whether these posts are round or square.

The chambers described here are accommodations for the ministering priest and temple officers who care for the temple.

This entry is 15 feet wide, and the length was 19 1/2 feet.

These areas in front of the chambers were1.5 feet on each side and the little chambers were 9 ft. by 9 ft.

This gate area from door to door was 37 1/2 feet long.

These posts would have been 90 feet long.

This area is speaking of being 75 feet across.


Since they had no glass, there are lattices. On each post … palm trees: These depict God’s desire for fruit in Israel. Palms are symbols of beauty, salvation and triumph. Palms are on the inner court’s gateposts as well, v.31.