Topical Bible: Reed used As a Measuring Device (Six Cubits)

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In biblical times, reeds were commonly used as measuring devices, particularly in prophetic and visionary contexts. The reed, a plant known for its straight and sturdy stalk, served as a practical tool for measurement due to its uniformity and availability. The use of a reed as a measuring device is notably mentioned in the prophetic books of Ezekiel and Revelation, where it is used to measure sacred spaces and structures.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple:
In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet receives a detailed vision of a future temple. A significant aspect of this vision involves the use of a measuring reed. Ezekiel 40:3-5 states: "He brought me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. He was standing in the gateway. And the man said to me, 'Son of man, look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report everything you see to the house of Israel.' And behold, there was a wall surrounding the temple area. The measuring rod in the man’s hand was six cubits long, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth. So he measured the thickness of the wall, one rod, and the height, one rod."

Here, the reed is described as being six cubits long, with each cubit being a standard cubit plus a handbreadth. This measurement underscores the precision and divine order associated with the construction of the temple, reflecting God's meticulous standards for His dwelling place.

2. The Measuring of the New Jerusalem:
In the book of Revelation, a similar use of a measuring reed is found in the vision of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:15-16 describes: "The angel who spoke with me had a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with the rod: 12,000 stadia in length and as wide and high as it is long."

Although the material of the rod is different—golden rather than a simple reed—the concept remains the same. The measuring rod signifies the divine precision and perfection of the heavenly city, emphasizing its completeness and symmetry.

Symbolic Significance:

The use of a reed as a measuring device in these contexts carries symbolic significance. It represents God's authority and the standard by which He measures His creation. The act of measuring denotes ownership, judgment, and the establishment of boundaries. In Ezekiel, the measurement of the temple signifies God's presence and the restoration of His people. In Revelation, the measurement of the New Jerusalem symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promises and the perfection of His eternal kingdom.

Conclusion:

The reed as a measuring device in biblical literature serves as a powerful symbol of divine order and precision. It reflects the meticulous care with which God designs and measures His sacred spaces, whether in the earthly temple or the heavenly city. Through these measurements, believers are reminded of God's sovereignty, His attention to detail, and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 40:3-8
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.
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Ezekiel 41:8
I saw also the height of the house round about: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits.
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Ezekiel 42:16-19
He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.
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Ezekiel 45:1
Moreover, when you shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, you shall offer an oblation to the LORD, an holy portion of the land: the length shall be the length of five and twenty thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand. This shall be holy in all the borders thereof round about.
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Revelation 11:1
And there was given me a reed like to a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
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Revelation 21:15,16
And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
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