Ezekiel Chapter 41 Vs. 1

 

Ezekiel Chapter 41

Temple Proper

Precise descriptions continue for the temple proper, its sanctuary or holy place (here called temple), and side chambers for priest’s quarters. This chapter can be studied in the light of 1 Kings 6 and 7 to note differences from Solomon’s temple.

The Inner Temple

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. Eze 41:1

to the temple... It is inaccurate to speak of all these courts, porches, and buildings as the temple. The proper term is the sanctuary, the temple being only a small part of it. The temple itself occupied only the 100-cubit square facing another 100-cubit square situated in the very center of the whole sanctuary (Eze. 45:1-4).

six cubits broad... The outer wall of the temple was 6 cubits or 10 feet 6 inches thick (Eze. 40:5; Eze. 41:1). The eastern posts of this wall forming the front of the temple were ornamented with pillars, 6 cubits or 10 feet 6 inches on each side.

which was the... The words "which was" in italics (supplied by translators) should be omitted, for the building was wider than 6 cubits.

Ezekiel climbed the stairs and entered through the vestibule into the outer sanctuary (Eze. 41:1). As one enters the building each gate or doorway is narrower than the one before it. Possibly this reflects God’s restricting man’s access into His holy presence.

The temple building

Eze.40:48-41:4... Standing in the inner court, Ezekiel’s gaze shifted to the temple building itself. He described the structure in great detail as he was led through it. Ezekiel went first to the portico or entrance to the temple (Eze. 40:48-49). This was the porch-like vestibule on the front of the temple. A flight of stairs led up to the portico and pillars were on each side of the jambs. Ezekiel climbed the stairs and entered through the vestibule into the outer sanctuary (Eze. 41:1). Again, as one enters the building each gate or doorway is narrower than the one before it. Possibly this reflects God’s restricting man’s access into His holy presence.