Ezekiel 40:5 - Summary and Interpretation

Ezekiel 40:5 reads: "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 a hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed." This verse introduces the significant detail of measurement in the vision of the restored temple, emphasizing God's precise plans for His dwelling place and His people.

Overview of Ezekiel 40:5

The context of this verse is found in Ezekiel's prophecy concerning the future temple and the restoration of Israel. Ezekiel is shown a detailed vision, and this verse marks the beginning of a comprehensive description of the temple structure, reflecting a meticulous divine blueprint.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry highlights the symbolism of the measurements, indicating God's order and perfection in His designs. The measuring reed is seen as a representation of God's authority and the coming restoration of worship in Israel.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes emphasizes that the dimensions serve to illustrate God's plan for the house of worship and underscore the importance of holiness in approach to God. He notes that the measurements signify a standard for the people of Israel to emulate in their worship practices.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke points out that the specific mention of cubits demonstrates the importance of divine order in worship and how God’s instructions are to be followed meticulously. He also connects these measurements to the larger theme of God's covenant with Israel.

Thematic Connections

The themes presented in Ezekiel 40:5 relate to several key biblical concepts:

• Divine Order: God's precise measurements indicate that He is a God of order, desiring His people to worship Him with reverence and structure.
• Restoration: The vision signifies hope and the promise of restoration for Israel, mirroring themes found throughout the prophetic books.
• Holiness in Worship: This verse illustrates a standard of holiness that must be honored in temple worship, aligning with other scriptures that emphasize sanctity in approaching God.

Bible Cross References

Several Bible verses relate to Ezekiel 40:5, highlighting the interconnectedness of Scripture:

• Revelation 21:15-17: Describes measurements of the New Jerusalem, echoing the theme of divine order and perfection in God's dwelling.
• Exodus 25:9: "According to all that I show you, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." This emphasizes the importance of following God's specific instructions.
• 1 Kings 6:2: Illustrates the details of Solomon's temple construction, reflecting similar emphasis on structure and design.
• Hebrews 8:5: Refers to the heavenly tabernacle and warns about following the pattern set for worship, linking to the significance of Ezekiel's measurements.
• 2 Chronicles 3:3: Another reference to the dimensions of the temple constructed by Solomon, reinforcing the significance of these architectural details.
• Isaiah 40:3: Provides prophetic insight into preparing a way for the Lord, linking through the theme of holiness and preparation for God's presence.
• Ezekiel 43:10-11: Further describes more of God's plans for the temple and the necessity for the people to be aware of its significance.
• Matthew 21:12-13: Reflects Jesus’ emphasis on the temple's purpose, which aligns with the holiness that is to be maintained according to the standards set in Ezekiel.
• Psalm 84:1-4: Expresses the longing for God’s presence and the significance of worshipping in His house, connecting the emotional aspect with physical preparation.
• Romans 12:1: Calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, connecting to the theme of worship and holiness in God's presence.

Conclusion

In summary, Ezekiel 40:5 serves as a pivotal verse in understanding the comprehensive vision of the temple's restoration and the divine order established by God. Insights from various commentaries underline the significance of measurements in this prophetic vision, representing greater themes of worship, holiness, and God's presence among His people. The links to other scriptures demonstrate profound connections that enrich our understanding of both the Old and New Testaments.