Ezekiel 40:20

He also measured the length and width of the gateway of the outer court facing north.

Study Bible

He also measured the length and width
This phrase indicates the precision and orderliness of God's design for the temple. Measurements in biblical texts often symbolize God's exactness and the importance of following His divine plan. The act of measuring can also signify ownership and authority, as seen in other scriptures like Revelation 11:1, where John is instructed to measure the temple of God.

of the gateway of the outer court
The outer court was accessible to all Israelites, symbolizing the inclusivity of God's covenant people. The gateway serves as a point of entry, representing the way to approach God. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, the temple's structure reflects the holiness and separation required to approach God, reminiscent of the tabernacle and Solomon's temple. The outer court's design may also foreshadow the New Testament concept of the Church as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16).

facing north
The direction north may have specific significance, as it was often associated with judgment and invasion in biblical texts (e.g., Jeremiah 1:14). The northern gate's orientation could symbolize vigilance and readiness against spiritual adversaries. Additionally, the north was the direction from which Babylon, a significant power in Ezekiel's time, would come, adding a layer of historical context to the vision.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book. He receives visions from God, including the detailed vision of the new temple in chapters 40-48.

2. The Outer Gate
This is part of the visionary temple described by Ezekiel. The outer gate facing north is one of the three gates leading into the outer court, symbolizing access and entry into the presence of God.

3. The Outer Court
The area surrounding the temple proper, where people would gather. It represents the initial stage of approaching God, emphasizing the holiness and order of worship.

4. The Vision of the Temple
This vision, given to Ezekiel, is a detailed blueprint of a future temple, symbolizing God's presence and the restoration of Israel.

5. The Measuring
The act of measuring the temple components signifies God's precision, order, and the importance of each part of His divine plan.

Teaching Points

God's Order and Precision
The detailed measurements of the temple remind us of God's orderliness and the importance of following His instructions in our lives.

Access to God
The gates symbolize access to God, reminding us that through Christ, we have direct access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Holiness in Worship
The outer court and its gates emphasize the need for holiness and reverence in our approach to worship.

Hope and Restoration
Ezekiel's vision offers hope for restoration, encouraging us to trust in God's promises for renewal and redemption.

Symbolism of the Temple
The temple serves as a symbol of God's presence, prompting us to consider how we can be living temples, reflecting His glory in our lives (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed measurement of the temple gates in Ezekiel 40:20 reflect God's character and His expectations for worship?

2. In what ways does the vision of the temple in Ezekiel provide hope for restoration and renewal for the people of Israel and for us today?

3. How can the symbolism of the temple gates and the outer court inform our understanding of access to God through Jesus Christ?

4. What parallels can you draw between the temple vision in Ezekiel and the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21?

5. How can we apply the principles of holiness and reverence in worship, as seen in Ezekiel's temple vision, to our personal and communal worship practices today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 43
This chapter describes the glory of the Lord entering the temple, connecting the physical structure to the spiritual reality of God's presence.

Revelation 21
The measuring of the New Jerusalem parallels Ezekiel's vision, symbolizing God's perfect design and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.

Exodus 25-27
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle given to Moses echo the precision and holiness required in worship, similar to Ezekiel's temple vision.