Ezekiel 40:15

And the distance from the entrance of the gateway to the far end of its inner portico was fifty cubits.

Study Bible

And the distance
The Hebrew word for "distance" is "mida," which refers to a measurement or extent. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, this measurement is not just a physical dimension but also a symbolic representation of God's order and precision. The meticulous details in the temple's design reflect God's nature as a God of order, emphasizing the importance of structure and intentionality in worship and life.

from the front of the outer gate
The "outer gate" refers to the entrance of the temple complex. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, gates were significant as they represented both protection and access. Spiritually, the outer gate symbolizes the initial step in approaching God, highlighting the necessity of entering His presence with reverence and preparation. The Hebrew term "sha'ar" for gate underscores the concept of a threshold, a point of transition from the secular to the sacred.

to the front of the inner portico of the gate
The "inner portico" or "ulam" in Hebrew, is a porch or vestibule leading into the inner court. This area serves as a transitional space, preparing the worshiper for deeper engagement with the divine. The progression from the outer gate to the inner portico signifies a journey of spiritual maturation, moving from initial faith to a more profound, intimate relationship with God. It reflects the believer's path of sanctification, drawing nearer to God's holiness.

was fifty cubits
A "cubit" is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to the length of a forearm, about 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The number fifty in biblical numerology often symbolizes deliverance or freedom, as seen in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10). Here, the fifty cubits may represent the completeness and sufficiency of God's provision for His people. It serves as a reminder that God's plans are perfect and His ways are higher than ours, offering assurance of His sovereign control over all aspects of life.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Temple
The vision in Ezekiel 40 describes a future temple, symbolizing God's presence and the restoration of Israel. This temple is not the same as Solomon's or the Second Temple but represents a perfect, divine structure.

3. The Outer Gate
Part of the temple's structure, the outer gate signifies the entrance to the sacred space, emphasizing the separation between the holy and the common.

4. The Inner Portico
This is the inner part of the gate structure, leading further into the temple, symbolizing deeper access to God's presence.

5. The Measurement (Fifty Cubits)
The specific measurement highlights the precision and order of God's design, reflecting His holiness and the importance of approaching Him with reverence.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Order
The detailed measurements in Ezekiel's vision remind us of God's holiness and the order He desires in worship. We should approach God with reverence and respect for His divine order.

Symbolism of Access
The outer gate and inner portico symbolize the journey into God's presence. As believers, we are invited to draw near to God through Christ, who is the ultimate gate.

Restoration and Hope
Ezekiel's vision of the temple offers hope for restoration. In times of personal or communal exile, we can trust in God's promise to restore and dwell among His people.

Spiritual Temple
As the church and individual believers are described as God's temple, we are called to live lives that reflect His holiness and order, being mindful of how we build our spiritual lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed measurement of the temple gate in Ezekiel 40:15 reflect God's character and His expectations for worship?

2. In what ways does the vision of the temple in Ezekiel provide hope and encouragement for believers today?

3. How can the symbolism of the outer gate and inner portico in Ezekiel's vision deepen our understanding of access to God through Jesus Christ?

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

5. How does understanding that we are God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) influence the way we live our daily lives and interact with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction parallel the precision in Ezekiel's temple vision, emphasizing God's desire for order and holiness in worship.

Revelation 21
The description of the New Jerusalem, with its precise measurements and gates, echoes the themes of divine order and the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, connecting the physical temple's holiness to the spiritual temple of the church and individual believers.