Book of Ezekiel: Chapters 41 & 42
Chapters 41 and 42 of the book of Ezekiel are fairly brief and also of similar content. As with chapter 40, we continue to watch, through the eyes of Ezekiel, God’s plan for the final Temple in Israel. God’s plans are laid out through the careful measurements provided in these chapters.
Chapter 41 of Ezekiel follows the plans God has laid out for the inner sanctuary of the Temple. This sanctuary is considered one of the holiest of places. In the book of Exodus, it is explained that the Ark of the Covenant was kept in the inner sanctuary of the Temple. The Ark is where God’s glory resided. With God’s presence indicated by the Ark, then it can easily be seen that the inner sanctuary was to be carefully created with meticulous detail.
Chapter 42 of Ezekiel continues with the measurements of the Temple. In this chapter, we learn of the measurements and of the rooms for the priests. Details of how the priests were to encounter the holiest part of the sanctuary is discussed as well. Approaching these areas were considered extremely serious. God even instructs that the priests must change clothes after they leave the sanctuary and before they return to the public.
The main takeaway that we can find with these detailed instructions is this: God will be returning to his followers on Earth. If he were to take the time to describe the minutiae of how to construct the new Temple, then He means to use it. If He wasn’t returning, then it would be like teaching someone how to build your new home without ever moving in.
Key Verses:
“And he measured the length of the inner sanctuary: it was twenty cubits, and its width was twenty cubits across the end of the nave. He said to me, ‘This is the Most Holy Place.'” ~ Ezekiel 41:4
“Then he said to me, ‘The north and south rooms facing the temple courtyard are the priests’ rooms, where the priests who approach the Lord will eat the most holy offerings. There they will put the most holy offerings—the grain offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings—for the place is holy.'” ~ Ezekiel 42:13
Questions to ponder:
- How does the description of this temple compare to that of Solomon’s Temple?
- Why would God instruct the priests to change clothes after exiting the sanctuary?
