Daily Tanach – Yechezkel 40: The Beginning of the Temple Vision
- The Setting of the Vision (Verses 1–4)
In the 25th year of the exile, 14 years after Jerusalem’s destruction, the hand of Hashem comes upon Yechezkel.
In a divine vision, Hashem brings him to the Land of Israel, placing him on a very high mountain. On it appears a structure resembling a city.
There, Yechezkel sees a radiant man like glowing copper, holding a linen cord and a measuring rod.
The man instructs Yechezkel to observe everything carefully so he may report it precisely to the House of Israel.
- The Outer Wall and East Gate (Verses 5–16)
The man measures an outer wall surrounding the Temple complex: one rod thick and one rod high (a rod = 6 long cubits).
Yechezkel is led to the eastern gate, ascending steps. He sees:
- Three guard chambers (“cells”) on each side, each one rod square.
- Gateposts, pillars, borders, and chambers arranged symmetrically.
- The entrance width and length carefully measured.
- Narrow windows and palm‑decorated pillars surrounding the gate area.
The gate’s total length is 50 cubits and its width 25 cubits.
- The Outer Court and Its Chambers (Verses 17–19)
Yechezkel is brought into the Outer Court, where he sees 30 chambers arranged along a surrounding pavement (“balcony”).
The pavement edges align with the gates.
The distance from the outer east gate to the inner east gate is 100 cubits.
- The North Gate of the Outer Court (Verses 20–23)
The man measures the northern gate, identical in structure to the east gate:
- Three chambers per side
- Symmetrical pillars
- Windows and palm‑decorated posts
Seven steps lead up to it.
The distance from the inner north gate to the outer north gate is 100 cubits, matching the east side.
- The South Gate of the Outer Court (Verses 24–27)
Yechezkel is brought to the southern gate, again identical in measurement and decoration.
Seven steps lead to this gate as well.
Distance from outer to inner gates along the south is 100 cubits.
- The Inner Court: South, East, and North Gates (Verses 28–37)
The man brings Yechezkel into the Inner Court, starting with the southern inner gate:
- Same architectural design as the outer gates
- Windows and palm‑decorated pillars
- Steps numbering eight
The same pattern appears at the eastern inner gate and northern inner gate, all with symmetrical design and eight steps leading up.
- Chambers for Sacrificial Preparation (Verses 38–43)
Near each gate, Yechezkel sees special chambers where burnt offerings are washed.
In the gate hall are four tables on each side—a total of eight tables for slaughtering burnt offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings.
Additionally, four stone tables (1.5 cubits × 1.5 × 1 cubit) hold the equipment for slaughter.
Hooks, one handbreadth long, are mounted on the walls; the meat of the sacrifices is placed on the tables.
- Chambers for Singers and Priests (Verses 44–46)
Yechezkel sees two large chambers near the inner north gate:
- The south‑facing chamber is for the Temple guards.
- The north‑facing chamber is for the altar‑serving priests, the sons of Tzadok, who alone may approach Hashem to serve Him.
- The Inner Court and the Entrance to the Temple (Verses 47–49)
The inner courtyard is a perfect 100 cubits by 100 cubits, with the altar positioned before the Temple.
Yechezkel is then brought to the Ulam (the Hall) of the Temple:
- Pillars measure 5 cubits on each side of the doorway
- The gate opening is 3 cubits on each side
- The hall measures 20 cubits long and 11 cubits wide
- Steps lead up to it
- Pillars stand beside the posts at the entrance
Key Themes of This Chapter
- The Temple is rebuilt according to exact, divine measurements.
- The architecture reflects symmetry, order, holiness, and majesty.
- The priesthood of Tzadok is reaffirmed.
- The vision begins a long and detailed description of the future Beit HaMikdash.
- Yechezkel acts as the faithful witness and recorder for all Israel.
