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Ezekiel 40

Ezekiel 40:22

The North Gate · Ezekiel 40:20–23
Read Ezekiel 40

Translations

Modern
Its windows, portico, and palm trees had the same measurements as those of the gate facing east. Seven steps led up to it, with its portico opposite them.
Traditional
And 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.
Literal
And its windows, and its porticos, and its palm trees, were according to the measure of the gateway that had its face toward the east; and with seven steps they ascend on it, and its portico was opposite them.
Latin
Fenestræ autem ejus, et vestibulum, et sculpturæ secundum mensuram portæ quæ respiciebat ad orientem: et septem graduum erat ascensus ejus, et vestibulum ante eam.

Original

Hebrew
English
Its windows, portico, and palm trees had the same measurements as those of the gate facing east. Seven steps led up to it, with its portico opposite them.

Notes

Ezekiel 40:22

Steps led up to each gate. These steps made the gates feel less accessible. A person had to go up in order to enter the sacred area.

The inner parts of the temple were higher than the outer parts. The more sacred the space, the higher it stood. This difference in height created another level of separation between common space and holy space.

In this way, the design of the temple showed that not every place was the same. Some areas were set apart as more sacred than others.

Ezekiel 40:20–27

The north gateway and the south gateway are described in similar ways to the east gateway. However, the description gives fewer details than it does for the east gateway. Even so, these gates were strong and impressive structures.

Like the east gateway, they served as a powerful defensive barrier. They were meant to prevent any defilement (anything unclean or impure) from entering the sacred area.

There was no west gateway to either the outer court or the inner court. The area behind the main temple building was closed off. This design prevented anyone from entering the temple area from the rear.

Ezekiel 40:1–46:24

The prophet’s tour of the new temple began outside the building. He then moved step by step toward its center.

After reaching the inside, he walked outward again. The tour ended at the kitchens located in the corners of the outer courtyard (Ezekiel 46:19–24).

Events

Glossary

Arch Book of Revelation Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of Judaism Laver New Jerusalem Porch Sadducees Son of Man Temple Theocracy

Topics

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: The Seven Steps in the Temple Seen in Ezekiel's Vision Window: General Scriptures Concerning