Ezekiel 42:17

After finishing his tour of the inner courtyard, Ezekiel saw the overall dimensions of the area. The entire complex was square, symbolizing holiness. This shape set it apart from Solomon's Temple and the tabernacle, where only the Most Holy Place was square. The description of the temple ends where it started, mentioning a wall surrounding it (see Ezekiel 40:5). Ezekiel reminds us that the wall's purpose was to separate the holy from the common.

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).