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Ezekiel Chapter 40

New Temple Area: Gates, Courts, Rooms The time, manner, and end of the vision of the city and temple

40 1 Eze 33:21; Eze 1:3 I1In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the Lord was upon me, and brought me thither.

2 Eze 8:3; Rev 21:10 2In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.

3 Dan 10:6; Eze 47:3; Rev 11:1 3And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.

4 Eze 43:10; Eze 3:17; Eze 2:7-8 4And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

5 Isa 26:1 5¶And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man’s hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed. The description of the east gate of the outer court

6Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad.

7 1 Chr 9:18 7And every little chamber was one reed long, and one reed broad; and between the little chambers were five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within was one reed.

8He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.

9Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inward.

10 Jer 35:2; Isa 26:20; SS 1:4; Neh 13:12-13; Neh 13:9 10And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.

11And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.

12The space also before the little chambers was one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side: and the little chambers were six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.

13He measured then the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth was five and twenty cubits, door against door.

14 Eze 42:1; Eze 8:7; Isa 62:9 14He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate.

15And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits.

16And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.

17 Rev 11:2; Eze 45:5 17Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, there were chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers were upon the pavement.

18And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates was the lower pavement.

19Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto the forefront of the inner court without, an hundred cubits eastward and northward. of the north gate

20And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.

21And the little chambers thereof were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the first gate: the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

22And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.

23And the gate of the inner court was over against the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured from gate to gate an hundred cubits. of the south gate

24After that he brought me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to these measures.

25 Isa 54:12; 1 Kin 6:4 25And there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

26And there were seven steps to go up to it, and the arches thereof were before them: and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof. of the south gate of the inner court

27¶And there was a gate in the inner court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward the south an hundred cubits.

28And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;

29 Jer 36:10; Jer 35:2; Neh 13:12-13; Neh 13:9; Neh 13:5 29And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, according to these measures: and there were windows in it and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.

30And the arches round about were five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.

31 Psa 92:12; SS 7:7; Jer 10:5 31And the arches thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it had eight steps. of the east gate

32And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.

33And the little chambers thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, were according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in the arches thereof round about: it was fifty cubits long, and five and twenty cubits broad.

34And the arches thereof were toward the outward court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps. and of the north gate

35And he brought me to the north gate, and measured it according to these measures;

36The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.

37And the posts thereof were toward the utter court; and palm trees were upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it had eight steps.

38 Heb 9:14; Lev 3:11; Lev 1:9 38And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering. Eight tables

39 Eze 44:29; Eze 42:13; Num 6:12; Lev 19:21-22; Lev 14:12-13 39¶And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.

40And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables.

41Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew their sacrifices.

42And the four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.

43And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering. The chambers

44 1 Chr 6:31; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16 44And without the inner gate were the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south: one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.

45 Rev 1:6; 1 Kin 2:3; Deu 11:1; Num 3:7 45And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house.

46 Col 4:12; Eph 2:17; Eze 43:19; 1 Kin 2:35; Eze 44:15; Num 18:5 46And the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the Lord to minister unto him.

47So he measured the court, an hundred cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar that was before the house. The porch of the house

48And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.

49 1 Kin 6:3; 1 Kin 6:3 49The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; and he brought me by the steps whereby they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.

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Introduction to Ezekiel
by John MacArthur

Title

The book has always been named for its author, Ezekiel (Ezk 1:3; 24:24), who is nowhere else mentioned in Scripture. His name means “strengthened by God,” which, indeed, he was for the prophetic ministry to which God called him (Ezk 3:8,9). Ezekiel uses visions, prophecies, parables, signs, and symbols to proclaim and dramatize the message of God to His exiled people.

Author and Date

If the “thirtieth year” of 1:1 refers to Ezekiel’s age, he was 25 when taken captive and 30 when called into ministry. Thirty was the age when priests commenced their office, so it was a notable year for Ezekiel. His ministry began in 593/92 B.C. and extended at least 22 years until 571/70 B.C. (cf. 25:17). He was a contemporary of both Jeremiah (who was about 20 years older) and Daniel (who was the same age), whom he names in 14:14,20; 28:3 as an already well known prophet. Like Jeremiah (Jer 1:1) and Zechariah (cf. Zech 1:1 with Neh 12:16), Ezekiel was both a prophet and a priest (Ezk 1:3). Because of his priestly background, he was particularly interested in and familiar with the temple details; so God used him to write much about them (Ezk 8:1-11:25; 40:1-47:12).

Ezekiel and his wife (who is mentioned in 24:15-27) were among 10,000 Jews taken captive to Babylon in 597 B.C. (2 Kin 24:11-18). They lived in Tel-Abib (Ezk 3:15) on the bank of the Chebar River, probably SE of Babylon. Ezekiel writes of his wife’s death in exile (Ezek 24:18), but the book does not mention Ezekiel’s death, which rabbinical tradition suggests occurred at the hands of an Israelite prince whose idolatry he rebuked around 560 B.C.

The author received his call to prophesy in 593 B.C. (Ezk 1:2), in Babylon (“the land of the Chaldeans”), during the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, which began in 597 B.C. Frequently, Ezekiel dates his prophecies from 597 B.C. (Ezk 8:1; 20:1; 24:1; 26:1; 29:1; 30:20; 31:1; 32:1,17; 33:21; 40:1). He also dates the message in 40:1 as 573/72, the 14th year after 586 B.C., i.e., Jerusalem’s final fall. The last dated utterance of Ezekiel was in 571/70 B.C. (Ezk 29:17).

Prophecies in chaps. 1-28 are in chronological order. In 29:1, the prophet regresses to a year earlier than in 26:1. But from 30:1 on (cf. 31:1; 32:1,17), he is close to being strictly chronological.

Background and Setting

From the historical perspective, Israel’s united kingdom lasted more than 110 years (ca. 1043-931 B.C.), through the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon. Then the divided kingdom, Israel (north) and Judah (south), extended from 931 B.C. to 722/21 B.C. Israel fell to Assyria in
722/21 B.C. leaving Judah, the surviving kingdom for 135 years, which fell to Babylon in 605-586 B.C.

In the more immediate setting, several features were strategic. Politically, Assyria’s vaunted military might crumbled after 626 B.C., and the capital, Nineveh, was destroyed in 612 B.C. by the Babylonians and Medes (cf. Nahum). The neo-Babylonian empire had flexed its muscles since Nabopolassar took the throne in 625 B.C., and Egypt, under Pharaoh Necho II, was determined to conquer what she could. Babylon smashed Assyria in 612-605 B.C., and registered a decisive victory against Egypt in 605 B.C. at Carchemish, leaving, according to the Babylonian Chronicle, no survivors. Also in 605 B.C., Babylon, led by Nebuchadnezzar, began the conquest of Jerusalem and the deportation of captives, among them Daniel (Dan 1:2). In Dec., 598 B.C., he again besieged Jerusalem, and on Mar 16, 597 B.C. took possession. This time, he took captive Jehoiachin and a group of 10,000, including Ezekiel (2 Kin 24:11-18). The final destruction of Jerusalem and the conquest of Judah, including the third deportation, came in 586 B.C.

Religiously, King Josiah (ca 640-609 B.C.) had instituted reforms in Judah (cf. 2 Chr 34). Tragically, despite his effort, idolatry had so dulled the Judeans that their awakening was only “skin deep” overall. The Egyptian army killed Josiah as it crossed Palestine in 609 B.C., and the Jews plunged on in sin toward judgment under Jehoahaz (609 B.C.), Jehoiakim [Eliakim] (609-598 B.C.), Jehoiachin (598-597 B.C.), and Zedekiah (597-586 B.C.).

Domestically, Ezekiel and the 10,000 lived in exile in Babylonia (2 Kin 24:14), more as colonists than captives, being permitted to farm tracts of land under somewhat favorable conditions (Jer 29). Ezekiel even had his own house (Ezk 3:24; 20:1).

Prophetically, false prophets deceived the exiles with assurances of a speedy return to Judah (Ezk 13:3,16; Jer 29:1). From 593-585 B.C., Ezekiel warned that their beloved Jerusalem would be destroyed and their exile prolonged, so there was no hope of immediate return. In 585 B.C., an escapee from Jerusalem, who had evaded the Babylonians, reached Ezekiel with the first news that the city had fallen in 586 B.C., about 6 months earlier (Ezk 33:21). That dashed the false hopes of any immediate deliverance for the exiles, so the remainder of Ezekiel’s prophecies related to Israel’s future restoration to its homeland and the final blessings of the messianic kingdom.

Historical and Theological Themes

The “glory of the Lord” is central to Ezekiel, appearing in 1:28; 3:12,23; 10:4,18; 11:23; 43:4,5; 44:4. The book includes graphic descriptions of the disobedience of Israel and Judah, despite God’s kindness (Ezk 23; cf. chap. 16). It shows God’s desire for Israel to bear fruit which He can bless; however, selfish indulgence had left Judah ready for judgment, like a torched vine (Ezk 15). References are plentiful to Israel’s idolatry and its consequences, such as Pelatiah dropping dead (Ezk 11:13), a symbolic illustration of overall disaster for the people.

Many picturesque scenes illustrate spiritual principles. Among these are Ezekiel eating a scroll (Ezk 2); the faces on 4 angels representing aspects of creation over which God rules (Ezk 1:10); a “barbershop” scene (Ezk 5:1-4); graffiti on temple walls reminding readers of what God
really wants in His dwelling place, namely holiness and not ugliness (Ezk 8:10); and sprinkled hot coals depicting judgment (Ezk 10:2,7).

Chief among the theological themes are God’s holiness and sovereignty. These are conveyed by frequent contrast of His bright glory against the despicable backdrop of Judah’s sins (Ezk 1:26-28; often in chaps. 8-11; and 43:1-7). Closely related is God’s purpose of glorious triumph so that all may “know that I am the LORD.” This divine monogram, God’s signature authenticating His acts, is mentioned more than 60 times, usually with a judgment (Ezk 6:7; 7:4), but occasionally after the promised restoration (Ezk 34:27; 36:11,38; 39:28).

Another feature involves God’s angels carrying out His program behind the scenes (Ezk 1:5-25; 10:1-22). A further important theme is God’s holding each individual accountable for pursuing righteousness (Ezk 18:3-32).

Ezekiel also stresses sinfulness in Israel (Ezk 2:3-7; 8:9,10) and other nations (throughout chaps. 25-32). He deals with the necessity of God’s wrath to deal with sin (Ezk 7:1-8; 15:8); God’s frustration of man’s devices to escape from besieged Jerusalem (Ezk 12:1-13; cf. Jer 39:4-7); and
God’s grace pledged in the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 12:1-3) being fulfilled by restoring Abraham’s people to the land of the covenant (chaps. 34,36-48; cf. Gen 12:7). God promises to preserve a remnant of Israelites through whom He will fulfill His restoration promises and
keep His inviolate Word.

Interpretive Challenges

Ezekiel uses extensive symbolic language, as did Isaiah and Jeremiah. This raises the question as to whether certain portions of Ezekiel’s writings are to be taken literally or figuratively, e.g., being bound with ropes, 3:25; whether the prophet was taken bodily to Jerusalem, 8:1-3; how individual judgment can be worked out in chap. 18 when the wicked elude death in 14:22,23 and some of the godly die in an invasion, 21:3,4; how God would permit a faithful prophet’s wife to die (Ezk 24:15-27); when some of the judgments on other nations will occur (chaps. 25-32); whether the temple in chaps. 40-46 will be a literal one and in what form; and how promises of Israel’s future relate to God’s program with the church.

Outline of Ezekiel
by John MacArthur

The book can be largely divided into sections about condemnation/retribution and then consolation/restoration. A more detailed look divides the book into 4 sections. First, are prophecies on the ruin of Jerusalem (chaps. 1-24). Second, are prophecies of retribution on nearby nations (chaps. 25-32), with a glimpse at God’s future restoration of Israel (Ezk 28:25,26). Thirdly, there is a transition chapter (33) which gives instruction concerning a last call for Israel to repent. Finally, the fourth division includes rich expectations involving God’s future restoration of Israel (chaps. 34-48).

I. Prophecies of Jerusalem’s Ruin (Ezk 1:1-24:27)

A. Preparation and Commission of Ezekiel (Ezk 1:1-3:27)
1. Divine appearance to Ezekiel (Ezk 1:1-28)
2. Divine assignment to Ezekiel (Ezk 2:1-3:27)
B. Proclamation of Jerusalem’s Condemnation (Ezk 4:1-24:27)
1. Signs of coming judgment (Ezk 4:1-5:4)
2. Messages concerning judgment (Ezk 5:5-7:27)
3. Visions concerning abomination in the city and temple (Ezk 8:1-11:25)
4. Explanations of judgment (Ezk 12:1-24:27)

II. Prophecies of Retribution to the Nations (Ezk 25:1-32:32)

A. Ammon (Ezk 25:1-7)
B. Moab (Ezk 25:8-11)
C. Edom (Ezk 25:12-14)
D. Philistia (Ezk 25:15-17)
E. Tyre (Ezk 26:1-28:19)
F. Sidon (Ezk 28:20-24)
Excursus: The Restoration of Israel (Ezk 28:25, 26)
G. Egypt (Ezk 29:1-32:32)

III. Provision for Israel’s Repentance (Ezk 33:1-33)

IV. Prophecies of Israel’s Restoration (Ezk 34:1-48:35)

A. Regathering of Israel to the Land (Ezk 34:1-37:28)
1. Promise of a True Shepherd (Ezk 34:1-31)
2. Punishment of the nations (Ezk 35:1-36:7)
3. Purposes of restoration (Ezk 36:8-38)
4. Pictures of restoration—dry bones and two sticks (Ezk 37:1-28)
B. Removal of Israel’s Enemies from the Land (Ezk 38:1-39:29)
1. Invasion of Gog to plunder Israel (Ezk 38:1-16)
2. Intervention of God to protect Israel (Ezk 38:17-39:29)
C. Reinstatement of True Worship in Israel (Ezk 40:1-46:24)
1. New temple (Ezk 40:1-43:12)
2. New worship (Ezk 43:13-46:24)
D. Redistribution of the Land in Israel (Ezk 47:1-48:35)
1. Position of the river (Ezk 47:1-12)
2. Portions for the tribes (Ezk 47:13-48:35)

Introduction to Ezekiel
by John MacArthur

Title

Author and Date

Background and Setting

Historical and Theological Themes

Interpretive Challenges

Outline of Ezekiel
by John MacArthur

I. Prophecies of Jerusalem’s Ruin (Ezk 1:1-24:27)

II. Prophecies of Retribution to the Nations (Ezk 25:1-32:32)

III. Provision for Israel’s Repentance (Ezk 33:1-33)

IV. Prophecies of Israel’s Restoration (Ezk 34:1-48:35)

The 1440 Agenda

Remembering Marcy

Study Bible

Introduction to Ezekielby John MacArthur

Title

Author and Date

Background and Setting

Historical and Theological Themes

Interpretive Challenges

Outline of Ezekielby John MacArthur

I. Prophecies of Jerusalem’s Ruin (Ezk 1:1-24:27)

II. Prophecies of Retribution to the Nations (Ezk 25:1-32:32)

III. Provision for Israel’s Repentance (Ezk 33:1-33)

IV. Prophecies of Israel’s Restoration (Ezk 34:1-48:35)

Books of the Bible

Chapters in Ezekiel

The 1440 Agenda

Introduction to Ezekiel
by John MacArthur

Outline of Ezekiel
by John MacArthur