Dimensions and Design of the Temple

While attending Philadelphia College of Bible I remember Ralph Kuiper using this illustration as he brought a message on God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. He said, I liken them to two ropes going through two holes in the ceiling and over a pulley above. If I … More

Sovereignty

Chapters 40-43 give the temple’s measurements and then describe how it would be filled with God’s glory. As you read all of these details, remember that God is sovereign over everything and even restoring the faithful to Himself. Ezekiel climbed the stairs and entered through the vestibule into the outer sanctuary (v. 1). As one enters the building each gate or doorway is narrower than the one before it (vv. 2-4). Possibly this reflects God’s restricting man’s access into His holy presence. Ezekiel entered the outer sanctuary but not the most holy place, the inner sanctuary. Instead the angel went into the inner sanctuary to measure it. As a priest, Ezekiel was allowed into the outer sanctuary, but was barred from the most holy place (Heb. 9:6-7). The most holy place was the innermost room in the temple (Ex. 26:33-34). This was where the ark of the covenant was kept and where God’s glory was said to dwell. This room was entered only once a year by the high priest, who performed a ceremony to atone for the nation’s sins.

Surrounding the temple were three levels of side rooms, one above another, 30 on each level (vv. 5-11). These rooms were probably storerooms for the temple equipment and storage chambers for the people’s tithes and offerings (Mal 3:8-10). These rooms were similar to those in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:5-10). Ezekiel then recorded the overall dimensions of the temple proper (vv. 12-15) and described its decorations and furnishings (vv. 16-26). Immediately west of the temple was a structure described as the building facing the temple courtyard on the west side (v. 12). The function of this building is not explained. The temple was 87½ feet wide and 175 feet long.

Application

God is God and I am not. I don’t have to understand everything but I must obey Him.

Ezekiel 41:1-26 (English Standard Version)


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