Ezekiel 41:3

And he went into the inner sanctuary and measured the side pillars at the entrance to be two cubits wide. The entrance was six cubits wide, and the walls on each side were seven cubits wide.

Study Bible

Then he went inside
This phrase indicates a transition from the outer areas of the temple to the inner sanctum, symbolizing a movement towards holiness and the presence of God. In the Hebrew context, the act of going inside represents a deeper spiritual journey. The temple, as described by Ezekiel, is a place where God's glory dwells, and entering it signifies approaching the divine presence. This movement can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's journey into a closer relationship with God, seeking intimacy and understanding.

and measured the doorposts
The act of measuring in the book of Ezekiel often signifies divine order and precision. The Hebrew word for "measure" (מָדַד, madad) implies a careful and deliberate action, suggesting that every aspect of God's dwelling is intentional and significant. The doorposts, being the structural elements that support the entrance, symbolize strength and stability. In a spiritual sense, they can represent the foundational truths of faith that support a believer's life.

each two cubits wide
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to the length of a forearm, about 18 inches. The specific measurement of two cubits for the doorposts indicates a standard set by God, reflecting His divine order. In biblical symbolism, the number two often represents confirmation and witness. Thus, the two cubits could symbolize the confirmation of God's promises and the witness of His covenant with His people.

and the entrance six cubits wide
The entrance being six cubits wide suggests a significant and welcoming space. The number six in biblical numerology often represents humanity, as man was created on the sixth day. This wide entrance can symbolize God's invitation to humanity to enter into His presence. It reflects the accessibility of God to those who seek Him, emphasizing His desire for fellowship with His creation.

and the width of the gateway seven cubits
The number seven is frequently associated with completion and perfection in the Bible, as seen in the seven days of creation. The gateway being seven cubits wide signifies the perfection and completeness of God's plan for His temple and His people. It represents the fullness of God's provision and the perfect way He has made for believers to enter into His presence. This measurement underscores the idea that approaching God is not only possible but is part of His perfect design for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the detailed vision of the new temple.

2. The Temple
The vision of the temple in Ezekiel 40-48 represents a future idealized temple, symbolizing God's presence and holiness.

3. The Measuring
The act of measuring the temple signifies God's order, precision, and the importance of His dwelling place.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Order
The precise measurements of the temple highlight God's holiness and the order He brings to His creation. Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives.

The Importance of God's Presence
The temple symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. In the New Covenant, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of living in a way that honors God's presence within us.

Attention to Detail in Worship
Just as the temple's construction required attention to detail, our worship and service to God should be intentional and reverent, reflecting His glory and majesty.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed description of the temple in Ezekiel 41:3 reflect God's character, and what does this teach us about His nature?

2. In what ways can we, as believers, ensure that our lives reflect the holiness and order that God desires, as seen in the temple measurements?

3. How does the concept of the temple in Ezekiel connect to the idea of believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, considering the significance of the temple?

5. How can the attention to detail in the temple's construction inspire us to approach our worship and service to God with greater intentionality and reverence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle given to Moses parallel the detailed measurements in Ezekiel, emphasizing God's desire for a holy dwelling place among His people.

Revelation 21
The vision of the New Jerusalem, with its precise measurements, 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.