Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 40

Verses 1-49

This final section must be studied in relation to all that has immediately preceded it, wherein the spiritual restoration and cleansing of the people had been foretold. The picture of the restored order of worship results therefrom. It is a little difficult to distinguish between the material and the spiritual in Ezekiel's description in this last part. It is clear that the new condition will be characterized by such fellowship with the eternal and spiritual orders as to be completely under their dominion.

The prophet's description of the new Temple commenced with the courts. In the first paragraph is a general description of the outer courts. It deals, first, with the wall which surrounded the whole Temple buildings, with the gate on the east, through which Jehovah would enter as He returned to the Temple; with the lodges, and then with the outer court and the buildings connected with it.

Still dealing with the Temple courts, the prophet now described the inner. The gates of these corresponded with those of the outer court, and are described, with the lodges and the arches. Within this inner court were the arrangements for the sacrificial ceremonies, the tables and books. Therein also were the chambers for the singers and the priests. The measurement of the court was given, and the fact that the altar, stood therein. Finally, the prophet described the porch of the house itself, giving its dimensions, and referring to the two pillars, which undoubtedly responded to the two named Jachin and Boaz in the temple of Solomon.