Ezekiel 41:3

And he went into the inner sanctuary and measured the side pillars at the entrance to be two cubits wide. The entrance was six cubits wide, and the walls on each side were seven cubits wide.

Study Bible

And he went into the inner sanctuary
The "he" refers to the angelic guide leading Ezekiel through the visionary temple. The inner sanctuary, also known as the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred part of the temple, where God's presence dwelt. This mirrors the inner sanctum of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:16-20) and the tabernacle (Exodus 26:33-34). It symbolizes the ultimate communion with God, foreshadowing the access believers have through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).

and measured the side pillars at the entrance to be two cubits wide
The measurement of the side pillars emphasizes precision and order in God's design. A cubit is approximately 18 inches, making these pillars about three feet wide. Pillars often symbolize strength and stability (Galatians 2:9), and their presence at the entrance signifies the support and foundation of God's dwelling place. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the cornerstone and foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20).

The entrance was six cubits wide
The entrance's width, about nine feet, indicates accessibility and openness, yet it is still a controlled entry, signifying that access to God's presence is both available and restricted to those who are sanctified. This reflects the narrow gate Jesus speaks of in Matthew 7:13-14, where entry into the Kingdom requires commitment and righteousness.

and the walls on each side were seven cubits wide
The walls, measuring about ten and a half feet wide, provide a sense of security and separation from the outside world. The number seven often represents completeness and perfection in the Bible, suggesting the perfect protection and holiness of God's presence. This can be connected to the protective nature of God's covenant with His people, as seen throughout scripture (Psalm 91:1-2).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the detailed vision of the new temple.

2. The Temple
The vision of the temple in Ezekiel 40-48 represents a future idealized temple, symbolizing God's presence and holiness.

3. The Measuring
The act of measuring the temple signifies God's order, precision, and the importance of His dwelling place.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Order
The precise measurements of the temple highlight God's holiness and the order He brings to His creation. Believers are called to reflect God's holiness in their lives.

The Importance of God's Presence
The temple symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people. In the New Covenant, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of living in a way that honors God's presence within us.

Attention to Detail in Worship
Just as the temple's construction required attention to detail, our worship and service to God should be intentional and reverent, reflecting His glory and majesty.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed description of the temple in Ezekiel 41:3 reflect God's character, and what does this teach us about His nature?

2. In what ways can we, as believers, ensure that our lives reflect the holiness and order that God desires, as seen in the temple measurements?

3. How does the concept of the temple in Ezekiel connect to the idea of believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, considering the significance of the temple?

5. How can the attention to detail in the temple's construction inspire us to approach our worship and service to God with greater intentionality and reverence?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle given to Moses parallel the detailed measurements in Ezekiel, emphasizing God's desire for a holy dwelling place among His people.

Revelation 21
The vision of the New Jerusalem, with its precise measurements, 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.