Ezekiel 40:15

And the distance from the entrance of the gateway to the far end of its inner portico was fifty cubits.

Study Bible

And the distance from the entrance of the gateway
This phrase refers to the measurement of the temple's outer gate, which is part of Ezekiel's vision of a new temple. The entrance of the gateway signifies the beginning of the sacred space, emphasizing the importance of approaching God with reverence. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, gateways often symbolized transition from the secular to the sacred. This vision of the temple serves as a prophetic symbol of God's future dwelling with His people, reflecting the holiness and order of divine worship.

to the far end of its inner portico
The inner portico represents the inner part of the gateway structure, which would have been a covered area leading into the temple complex. This design reflects the architectural style of ancient temples, where porticos served as transitional spaces. The inner portico's mention highlights the detailed and orderly nature of God's design for worship, emphasizing the importance of preparation and sanctification before entering His presence. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate gateway to God, providing access to the Father through His sacrifice.

was fifty cubits.
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters, making fifty cubits approximately 75 feet or 22.5 meters. The specific measurement underscores the precision and intentionality in God's design for the temple. The number fifty in biblical numerology often symbolizes deliverance or freedom, as seen in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25), which occurred every fifty years and was a time of liberation and restoration. This measurement may prophetically point to the ultimate deliverance and restoration found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets, bringing spiritual freedom to believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the detailed vision of a new temple in chapters 40-48.

2. The Temple
The vision in Ezekiel 40 describes a future temple, symbolizing God's presence and the restoration of Israel. This temple is not the same as Solomon's or the Second Temple but represents a perfect, divine structure.

3. The Outer Gate
Part of the temple's structure, the outer gate signifies the entrance to the sacred space, emphasizing the separation between the holy and the common.

4. The Inner Portico
This is the inner part of the gate structure, leading further into the temple, symbolizing deeper access to God's presence.

5. The Measurement (Fifty Cubits)
The specific measurement highlights the precision and order of God's design, reflecting His holiness and the importance of approaching Him with reverence.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Order
The detailed measurements in Ezekiel's vision remind us of God's holiness and the order He desires in worship. We should approach God with reverence and respect for His divine order.

Symbolism of Access
The outer gate and inner portico symbolize the journey into God's presence. As believers, we are invited to draw near to God through Christ, who is the ultimate gate.

Restoration and Hope
Ezekiel's vision of the temple offers hope for restoration. In times of personal or communal exile, we can trust in God's promise to restore and dwell among His people.

Spiritual Temple
As the church and individual believers are described as God's temple, we are called to live lives that reflect His holiness and order, being mindful of how we build our spiritual lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed measurement of the temple gate in Ezekiel 40:15 reflect God's character and His expectations for worship?

2. In what ways does the vision of the temple in Ezekiel provide hope and encouragement for believers today?

3. How can the symbolism of the outer gate and inner portico in Ezekiel's vision deepen our understanding of access to God through Jesus Christ?

4. What parallels can you draw between the temple described in Ezekiel and the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21?

5. How does understanding that we are God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) influence the way we live our daily lives and interact with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction parallel the precision in Ezekiel's temple vision, emphasizing God's desire for order and holiness in worship.

Revelation 21
The description of the New Jerusalem, with its precise measurements and gates, echoes the themes of divine order and the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, connecting the physical temple's holiness to the spiritual temple of the church and individual believers.