The description of the wall and side chambers is primarily found in the book of Ezekiel, specifically in the vision of the new temple. This vision, given to the prophet Ezekiel, provides a detailed architectural plan for a temple that has been the subject of much theological and eschatological discussion.

The Wall:

In Ezekiel 40:5, the wall surrounding the temple is described: "And behold, there was a wall on the outside of the temple all around. In the man’s hand was a measuring rod six cubits long, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth. So he measured the wall, one rod high and one rod thick." . This wall serves as a boundary, marking the sacred space of the temple and separating it from the profane. The use of a measuring rod indicates precision and divine order, emphasizing the holiness and set-apart nature of the temple complex.

The wall's dimensions, being one rod high and one rod thick, suggest a robust and fortified structure, symbolizing protection and the impenetrable nature of God's holiness. The wall's presence underscores the separation between the divine and the mundane, a recurring theme in the temple's design.

The Side Chambers:

Ezekiel 41:5-11 provides a detailed account of the side chambers: "Then he measured the wall of the temple; it was six cubits thick, and the width of each side chamber all around the temple was four cubits. The side chambers were in three accounts, one above another, thirty in each account. There were ledges all around the wall of the temple to serve as supports for the side chambers, so that they would not be supported by the wall of the temple itself." .

These side chambers, arranged in three accounts, served various purposes, likely including storage and housing for temple personnel. The design, with ledges supporting the chambers, indicates a thoughtful architectural plan that ensures the integrity of the temple's main structure. The chambers' arrangement in three accounts may symbolize completeness and divine order, reflecting the triune nature of God.

The chambers' presence within the temple complex highlights the practical needs of temple service, accommodating the priests and Levites who ministered there. The careful design and integration of these chambers into the temple structure demonstrate the importance of order and function in worship.

Theological Significance:

The wall and side chambers, while architectural features, carry deep theological significance. They represent the separation between the holy and the common, a theme central to the understanding of sacred space in the Old Testament. The detailed measurements and descriptions underscore the divine origin of the temple's design, pointing to God's sovereignty and meticulous care in establishing a place for His presence among His people.

In the broader biblical narrative, these elements of the temple foreshadow the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity through Jesus Christ, who is described as the cornerstone of a new spiritual temple (Ephesians 2:19-22). The physical structures of the wall and chambers thus serve as a shadow of the greater spiritual realities revealed in the New Testament.