Ezekiel 40:23

There was a gate to the inner court facing the north gate, just as there was on the east. He measured the distance from gateway to gateway to be a hundred cubits.

Study Bible

There was a gate
The term "gate" in Hebrew is "שַׁעַר" (sha'ar), which often signifies a place of entry or access. In ancient cities, gates were not only physical structures but also symbolic of authority and control. In the context of Ezekiel's vision, the gate represents access to the divine presence, emphasizing the importance of entering into God's holiness with reverence and preparedness.

to the inner court
The "inner court" refers to a more sacred area within the temple complex. In the Hebrew context, the inner court was a place of greater sanctity, reserved for priests and specific sacrificial rituals. This highlights the progressive nature of approaching God, where deeper intimacy requires greater purity and dedication.

facing the north
The direction "north" in biblical symbolism often represents judgment or a place from which God's power is manifested. Historically, invaders often came from the north, and thus it can symbolize both threat and divine intervention. In Ezekiel's vision, the north-facing gate may suggest the readiness to confront and overcome spiritual challenges through divine strength.

like the one in the east
The "east" holds significant biblical symbolism, often associated with beginnings, as the sun rises in the east. The Garden of Eden was placed in the east, and the east gate of the temple is traditionally seen as the gate of hope and new beginnings. The comparison to the east gate suggests a uniformity in God's design and purpose, indicating that access to His presence is consistent and orderly.

and he measured
The act of measuring, in Hebrew "מָדַד" (madad), signifies precision and intentionality. In biblical terms, measurement often denotes God's sovereignty and the establishment of His order. It reflects the divine plan and the meticulous care God takes in preparing a place for His people.

a hundred cubits
A "cubit" is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The specific measurement of "a hundred cubits" underscores the grandeur and significance of the temple structure. It reflects the vastness of God's kingdom and the ample space He provides for worship and communion with Him.

from gate to gate
The phrase "from gate to gate" suggests a connection and continuity between different parts of the temple. It symbolizes the journey of faith, moving from one stage of spiritual growth to another. This continuity emphasizes that every part of our spiritual walk is interconnected, leading us closer to the heart of God.

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 a new temple in chapters 40-48.

2. The Inner Court
Part of the temple complex described in Ezekiel's vision. It represents a place of greater sanctity and proximity to God's presence.

3. The North Gate
One of the gates leading into the inner court. Gates in the temple vision symbolize access and entry into God's presence.

4. The East Gate
Another gate mentioned in the vision, often associated with the glory of God entering the temple.

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

Teaching Points

God's Order and Precision
The detailed measurements in Ezekiel's vision highlight God's attention to detail and the importance of order in His plans. Believers are called to reflect God's order in their lives, valuing discipline and structure in spiritual practices.

Access to God's Presence
The gates symbolize access to God. In Christ, believers have direct access to God, encouraging us to approach Him with confidence and reverence.

The Holiness of God's Dwelling
The inner court represents a place of holiness. As God's temple, believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for His purposes.

The Fulfillment of God's Promises
The vision of the temple points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in Christ and the New Jerusalem. This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed description of the temple in Ezekiel 40:23 reflect God's character, and how can this understanding impact your daily life?

2. In what ways does the concept of gates in Ezekiel's vision relate to the access we have to God through Jesus Christ?

3. How can the idea of being God's temple, as described in 1 Corinthians 3, influence your personal conduct and spiritual disciplines?

4. What parallels can you draw between the measuring of the temple in Ezekiel and the New Jerusalem in Revelation, and how do these visions encourage your faith?

5. How can the themes of order, holiness, and access to God in Ezekiel 40:23 inspire you to live a life that reflects God's presence and purpose?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 43
This chapter describes the glory of the Lord entering the temple through the east gate, emphasizing the significance of the temple as God's dwelling place.

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

1 Corinthians 3
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, connecting the physical temple's significance to the spiritual reality of God's presence in His people.