Ezekiel 40:6
Then he went into the gateway facing east, going up its steps, and measured the threshold of the gate, one reed deep.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text specifies measuring "the threshold" and "the other threshold," suggesting two distinct measurements. This isn't just about the bottom sill, but also the lintel or upper beam of the doorway, indicating a comprehensive measurement of the gate's entire structure, not just its base.
Ezekiel is being guided through a visionary temple complex, starting with the outer measurements. The focus now shifts to a specific gateway, the one facing east, which is significant because it's where the glory of the Lord will later enter. The visionary guide begins meticulously measuring its components, including the steps and the thresholds.
This wasn't just a flat entryway; there were steps involved. What does that tell us about approaching something holy?
Ezekiel's vision describes the measuring of an eastern gate, a gateway to a place of immense holiness. Notice the detail: 'went up its steps.' This detail is repeated for other gates (Ezekiel 40:22, 26, 34, 37), and it matters!
A 'reed' is a substantial measuring stick, about 10-12 feet long. What does measuring a threshold with such a tool signify?
The measuring of the threshold with 'one reed' is a recurring, precise detail. This measurement, significant in its depth, speaks volumes about the nature of God's dwelling and His access.
Understand the original words
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
A point of entry or exit, often serving as a place of judgment, administration, or formal greeting in ancient Near Eastern cities; in the context of the temple, it signifies the place of access to the holy presence of God.
qaneh · Hebrew Noun
A standard unit of length derived from the length of a common reed plant, often used for architectural measurements in the temple vision; it emphasizes the precision and order of God's dwelling place.
saph · Hebrew Noun
The strip of wood or stone forming the bottom of a doorway; it marks the boundary between the common or outer space and the sacred inner space of the sanctuary.
Ezekiel's vision of the temple, with its precise measurements, comes during the Babylonian exile after the destruction of Jerusalem. This detailed blueprint for a future sanctuary offers a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the enduring presence of God, even in the midst of profound national loss and displacement.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation of Judah
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, deports King Jehoiachin and many of Judah's elite, including Ezekiel, to Babylon. This marks a significant decline in Judah's sovereignty.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and leading to further exile. This event profoundly impacts the identity and hope of the Jewish people.
c. 571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Vision of the New Temple
Ezekiel receives a detailed vision of a new temple in Jerusalem. This vision is given during his exile in Babylon, offering a message of future restoration and divine presence.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
This passage describes the glory of the Lord entering the temple through the eastern gate, highlighting its significance as a point of divine presence.
John 14:6Jesus declares Himself 'the way, the truth, and the life,' paralleling the eastern gate as a singular, divinely appointed entrance to God's presence and favor.
Hebrews 10:19-20The concept of a 'new and living way' through Jesus' sacrifice provides a spiritual parallel to a physical gateway leading into a holy place.
Matthew 7:13-14Jesus speaks of two gates, one leading to destruction and one to life, emphasizing that access to God or eternal life is through a specific, though perhaps narrow, path.
Revelation 21:12-13The New Jerusalem is described with twelve gates, each named after a tribe of Israel, symbolizing a comprehensive and divinely ordered access for God's people.
clarkeEzekiel 40:6: "Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad."
Went up the stairs thereof - As the temple was built upon an eminence, there must have been steps on the outside, opposite to each door, to ascend by. And it appears there were steps to go up from one court to another, see Ezekiel 40:22 , Ezekiel 40:26 , Ezekiel 4…
gillEzekiel 40:6: "Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad; and the other threshold of the gate, which was one reed broad."
Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east,.... Or, "whose face is the way to the east" (r); to the east of the house or temple; not to the eastern gate of the wall about the house; but to the eastern gate of the outward court; see Ezekiel 40:20 , fo…
The text specifies measuring "the threshold" and "the other threshold," suggesting two distinct measurements. This isn't just about the bottom sill, but also the lintel or upper beam of the doorway, indicating a comprehensive measurement of the gate's entire structure, not just its base.
Ezekiel is being guided through a visionary temple complex, starting with the outer measurements. The focus now shifts to a specific gateway, the one facing east, which is significant because it's where the glory of the Lord will later enter. The visionary guide begins meticulously measuring its components, including the steps and the thresholds.
Ezekiel is being guided through a visionary temple complex, starting with the outer measurements. The focus now shifts to a specific gateway, the one facing east, which is significant because it's where the glory of the Lord will later enter. The visionary guide begins meticulously measuring its components, including the steps and the thresholds.
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c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed by returning exiles, fulfilling prophecies and marking a return of worship, though different in scale from Solomon's Temple.
"Then he went into the gateway facing east, going up its steps, and measured the threshold of the gate, one reed deep." — The text specifies measuring "the threshold" and "the other threshold," suggesting two distinct measurements. This isn't just about the bottom sill, but also the lintel or upper beam of the doorway,…
