Ezekiel 40: A Vision of the Future Temple
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.
Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.
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.
And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
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.
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.
He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate.
And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.
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.
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.
And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates was the lower pavement.
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.
And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;
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.
And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.
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.
And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.
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.
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.
And he brought me to the north gate, and measured it according to these measures;
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.
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.
And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering.
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.
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.
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.
So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house.
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.
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.
Ezekiel 40 marks a significant turning point in the book of Ezekiel, shifting from judgment and lament to hope and restoration. This chapter initiates a detailed vision of a new temple, a new order of worship, and a new division of the land of Israel, all set to take effect in the future kingdom age. Understanding this chapter requires recognizing its place within God's larger plan for his people.
The Setting of the Vision (Ezekiel 40:1-2)
Ezekiel 40:1-2 provides the specific historical context for this profound vision. The prophet dates his final prophecies to the twenty-fifth year of exile, the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month—specifically, the fourteenth year after Jerusalem's fall. This places the event around 573 BC. In this vision, God transports Ezekiel to Israel, but not to the desolate land ravaged by the Babylonian conquest. Instead, he is shown a future, restored Israel. Many leaders throughout history have promised a new era, but only Jesus Christ can bring a true new order when He establishes His millennial kingdom at His second coming. This vision offers a glimpse of that glorious day for God's chosen people, Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises to them.
A Divine Encounter and Purpose (Ezekiel 40:3-4)
In the vision, Ezekiel is taken to a "very high mountain" (Ezekiel 40:2), a symbolic place of divine revelation. There, he encounters a radiant figure, undoubtedly an angel, with a bronze-like appearance. The angel is holding a measuring rod and commands Ezekiel to record everything he sees and hears for the benefit of the house of Israel (Ezekiel 40:3-4). This command underscores the purpose of these concluding chapters: to reveal God's plan for the future restoration of Israel and the establishment of a new temple. It's a reminder of God's perfect holiness and intolerance of sin, but also of His unwavering love for His chosen people.
The Millennial Temple: A Symbol of the New Covenant (Ezekiel 40:5-16)
Ezekiel's vision unveils a rebuilt temple where God's people will worship Him in spirit and truth under the reign of Jesus Christ. Ezekiel finds himself standing at the entrance of this millennial temple, a visible symbol of the new covenant God promised to establish. The angel meticulously measures the wall surrounding the temple and the eastern gate, emphasizing its dimensions and decorations (Ezekiel 40:5-16). The eastern gate holds particular significance in God's millennial plan (see commentary on Ezekiel 44:1-3). This detailed measurement underscores the precision and order that will characterize the worship in the future kingdom.
Exploring the Outer and Inner Courts (Ezekiel 40:17-47)
The angelic guide leads Ezekiel through the temple's outer court, where he observes thirty chambers (Ezekiel 40:17), potentially used for storage or meeting places during feasts. The tour continues from the east gate of the outer court to the north and south gates, with the angel measuring and Ezekiel recording every detail. The journey extends to the temple's inner court, its gates, and measurements (Ezekiel 40:27-37). Ezekiel also sees eight tables designated for slaughtering sacrifices (Ezekiel 40:41).
The mention of animal sacrifices in the millennial kingdom may raise questions. It's crucial to understand that these sacrifices do not imply a return to the Levitical sacrificial system. Such sacrifices could never ultimately remove sins (Hebrews 10:4, 11) and were fulfilled in Christ's atoning death on the cross (Hebrews 10:12-18). Instead, these sacrifices will serve as memorials and reminders of the Messiah's ultimate sacrifice, commemorating His act of redemption, much like the Lord's Supper does today (Acts 21:26). Millennial worship, as described in Ezekiel 44-46, will include these sacrifices, properly understood in light of Christ's finished work.
Ezekiel is also shown two rooms in the inner court, one for the singers and one for the priests on duty (Ezekiel 40:44-47), highlighting the organized and dedicated nature of worship in the future temple.
The Temple's Entrance and Holy Place (Ezekiel 40:48-49)
Ezekiel's vision shifts as he steps back in the inner court to observe the entire temple. The angel measures the portico, or entrance, a vestibule resembling a porch with pillars on each side (Ezekiel 40:48). To reach the great hall or outer sanctuary, Ezekiel has to climb a flight of stairs (Ezekiel 40:49). The angel measures the great hall (Ezekiel 41:1-2) but enters a smaller room adjacent to it alone (Ezekiel 41:3-4). This smaller room, Ezekiel learns, is the "most holy place" (Ezekiel 41:4), emphasizing its sacred and restricted nature.
Ezekiel 40 offers a detailed glimpse into the future temple and its worship, revealing God's plan for restoration and renewal. While the specific details may be complex, the overarching message is clear: God's covenant promises to Israel will be fulfilled, and His people will worship Him in a restored and glorious temple in the millennial kingdom. This chapter invites us to anticipate that future day with hope and to worship God in spirit and truth today, remembering the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ that makes our access to God possible.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.
Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.
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.
And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.
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.
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.
He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate.
And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.
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.
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.
And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates was the lower pavement.
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.
And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;
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.
And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.
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.
And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.
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.
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.
And he brought me to the north gate, and measured it according to these measures;
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.
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.
And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering.
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.
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.
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.
So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house.
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.
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.
Ezekiel 40 marks a significant turning point in the book of Ezekiel, shifting from judgment and lament to hope and restoration. This chapter initiates a detailed vision of a new temple, a new order of worship, and a new division of the land of Israel, all set to take effect in the future kingdom age. Understanding this chapter requires recognizing its place within God's larger plan for his people.
The Setting of the Vision (Ezekiel 40:1-2)
Ezekiel 40:1-2 provides the specific historical context for this profound vision. The prophet dates his final prophecies to the twenty-fifth year of exile, the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month—specifically, the fourteenth year after Jerusalem's fall. This places the event around 573 BC. In this vision, God transports Ezekiel to Israel, but not to the desolate land ravaged by the Babylonian conquest. Instead, he is shown a future, restored Israel. Many leaders throughout history have promised a new era, but only Jesus Christ can bring a true new order when He establishes His millennial kingdom at His second coming. This vision offers a glimpse of that glorious day for God's chosen people, Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises to them.
A Divine Encounter and Purpose (Ezekiel 40:3-4)
In the vision, Ezekiel is taken to a "very high mountain" (Ezekiel 40:2), a symbolic place of divine revelation. There, he encounters a radiant figure, undoubtedly an angel, with a bronze-like appearance. The angel is holding a measuring rod and commands Ezekiel to record everything he sees and hears for the benefit of the house of Israel (Ezekiel 40:3-4). This command underscores the purpose of these concluding chapters: to reveal God's plan for the future restoration of Israel and the establishment of a new temple. It's a reminder of God's perfect holiness and intolerance of sin, but also of His unwavering love for His chosen people.
The Millennial Temple: A Symbol of the New Covenant (Ezekiel 40:5-16)
Ezekiel's vision unveils a rebuilt temple where God's people will worship Him in spirit and truth under the reign of Jesus Christ. Ezekiel finds himself standing at the entrance of this millennial temple, a visible symbol of the new covenant God promised to establish. The angel meticulously measures the wall surrounding the temple and the eastern gate, emphasizing its dimensions and decorations (Ezekiel 40:5-16). The eastern gate holds particular significance in God's millennial plan (see commentary on Ezekiel 44:1-3). This detailed measurement underscores the precision and order that will characterize the worship in the future kingdom.
Exploring the Outer and Inner Courts (Ezekiel 40:17-47)
The angelic guide leads Ezekiel through the temple's outer court, where he observes thirty chambers (Ezekiel 40:17), potentially used for storage or meeting places during feasts. The tour continues from the east gate of the outer court to the north and south gates, with the angel measuring and Ezekiel recording every detail. The journey extends to the temple's inner court, its gates, and measurements (Ezekiel 40:27-37). Ezekiel also sees eight tables designated for slaughtering sacrifices (Ezekiel 40:41).
The mention of animal sacrifices in the millennial kingdom may raise questions. It's crucial to understand that these sacrifices do not imply a return to the Levitical sacrificial system. Such sacrifices could never ultimately remove sins (Hebrews 10:4, 11) and were fulfilled in Christ's atoning death on the cross (Hebrews 10:12-18). Instead, these sacrifices will serve as memorials and reminders of the Messiah's ultimate sacrifice, commemorating His act of redemption, much like the Lord's Supper does today (Acts 21:26). Millennial worship, as described in Ezekiel 44-46, will include these sacrifices, properly understood in light of Christ's finished work.
Ezekiel is also shown two rooms in the inner court, one for the singers and one for the priests on duty (Ezekiel 40:44-47), highlighting the organized and dedicated nature of worship in the future temple.
The Temple's Entrance and Holy Place (Ezekiel 40:48-49)
Ezekiel's vision shifts as he steps back in the inner court to observe the entire temple. The angel measures the portico, or entrance, a vestibule resembling a porch with pillars on each side (Ezekiel 40:48). To reach the great hall or outer sanctuary, Ezekiel has to climb a flight of stairs (Ezekiel 40:49). The angel measures the great hall (Ezekiel 41:1-2) but enters a smaller room adjacent to it alone (Ezekiel 41:3-4). This smaller room, Ezekiel learns, is the "most holy place" (Ezekiel 41:4), emphasizing its sacred and restricted nature.
Ezekiel 40 offers a detailed glimpse into the future temple and its worship, revealing God's plan for restoration and renewal. While the specific details may be complex, the overarching message is clear: God's covenant promises to Israel will be fulfilled, and His people will worship Him in a restored and glorious temple in the millennial kingdom. This chapter invites us to anticipate that future day with hope and to worship God in spirit and truth today, remembering the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ that makes our access to God possible.