About Ezekiel

Ezekiel proclaimed God's judgment from Babylon, using dramatic visions and symbolic acts, while promising future restoration.

Author: EzekielWritten: c. 593-571 BCReading time: ~3 minVerses: 26
Glory of GodJudgmentRestorationNew HeartSovereigntyTemple

King James Version

Ezekiel 41

26 verses with commentary

The Inner Temple

Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

Ezekiel's temple vision resumes (chapters 40-48) with entrance to the holy place ('temple'). The measurements of doorposts (six cubits broad) emphasize perfect order and divine precision in God's dwelling place. This idealized temple represents God's future restored presence among His people, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (John 2:19-21) and the church (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**XLI.** This chapter gives the measurements and describes the ornaments of the Temple itself and its various appurtenances. (1) **Six cubits broad.—**These *posts,* as in other cases, are the parts of the wall at the sides of the entrance. There is an apparent discrepancy between this and the following verse, where “the sides of the door” are said to be “five cubits,” and the latter agrees with t...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. Dig--**as Zedekiah was to escape like one digging through a wall, furtively to effect an escape (Eze 12:12). **carry out--**namely, "thy stuff" (Eze 12:4). **thereby--**by the opening in the wall. Zedekiah escaped "by the gate betwixt the two walls" (Jr 39:4).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And the breadth of the door was ten cubits; and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and he measured the length thereof, forty cubits: and the breadth, twenty cubits. door: or, entrance

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The door's dimensions—ten cubits wide with five-cubit sides—create a grand entrance to the Holy Place. The temple proper measures forty cubits long and twenty cubits broad, exactly double the tabernacle's dimensions (Exodus 26:15-25), signifying expansion and fulfillment. This doubling suggests amplification of God's presence and purposes. The ten-cubit door symbolizes completeness (ten = fullness...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **The length thereof, forty cubits.—**These are exactly the dimensions of the Holy Place in Solomon’s Temple. The Holy of Holies is not included, being measured by itself in Ezekiel 41:4.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. in ... twilight--**rather, "in the dark." So in Ge 15:17, "it" refers to "thy stuff." **cover thy face--**as one who muffles his face, afraid of being recognized by anyone meeting him. So the Jews and Zedekiah should make their exit stealthily and afraid to look around, so hurried should be their fight [Calvin]. **sign--**rather, "a portent," namely, for evil.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

Then went he inward, and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The guide 'went... inward' to the Most Holy Place—the innermost sanctum where God's glory dwelt. The decreasing door dimensions (six cubits) and narrowing breadth (seven cubits) as one progresses inward teach that access to God's immediate presence is most restricted. Only the high priest entered once yearly (Leviticus 16), and here even the guide hesitates—Ezekiel himself doesn't enter. This reve...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Went he inward.—**There is here a noticeable change in the usual expression; in all other cases the angel had brought the prophet to the places to be measured, but as he is here entering the Holy of Holies, into which, under the law, Ezekiel might not enter, the angel goes in alone. The prophetic vision was not yet sufficiently clear to speak of the way into the true Holy of Holies as at len...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

So he measured the length thereof, twenty cubits; and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and he said unto me, This is the most holy place.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) measured twenty cubits square—a perfect cube, symbolizing completeness and perfection. This is where God's glory would dwell. The perfect symmetry reveals divine perfection and holiness. New Jerusalem shares this cubic design (Revelation 21:16), showing continuity between temple and eternal state.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Before the temple.—***Temple* is here, as in Ezekiel 41:1, used of the Holy Place, and *before,* or west of this, was the Holy of Holies, an exact cube, of the same size as in Solomon’s Temple. The thickness of the dividing wall between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies is nowhere mentioned, nor is it taken into account in the measurements. It was merely a division, either a vail, or per...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The temple wall's thickness—'six cubits'—and side chambers' width—'four cubits round about'—demonstrate substantial construction. The Hebrew קִיר (qir, 'wall') of six cubits (approximately 10.5 feet thick) provided massive structural support and symbolized impenetrable protection. This wasn't flimsy construction but fortress-strength walls guarding God's holiness. The four-cubit side chambers (app...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **The wall of the house, six cubits.—**The thickness of the wall is the same with that of the wall of the outer court (Ezekiel 40:5), about ten feet. Great massiveness is characteristic of Oriental architecture, but is carried to excess in this vision, to set forth the firmness and security of the things symbolised. **Every side chamber.—***Every* is not in the original, and is unnecessary. He...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. What doest thou?--**They ask not in a docile spirit, but making a jest of his proceedings.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And the side chambers were three, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which was of the house for the side chambers round about, that they might have hold, but they had not hold in the wall of the house. one: Heb. side chamber over side chamber thirty: or, three and thirty times, or, foot have hold: Heb. be holden

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The side chambers—'chamber upon chamber, three, thirty in order'—stacked in three stories with thirty chambers per story (ninety total) demonstrate extensive auxiliary facilities. The Hebrew שָׁלֹשׁ (shalosh, 'three') times שְׁלֹשִׁים (sheloshim, 'thirty') provides ample storage and function space. The phrase 'entered into the wall which was of the house for the side chambers round about' explains...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Three, one over another, and thirty in order.**—Literally, *three* (and that) *thirty times*—*i.e.*, there were three storeys of chambers one above the other, and this was repeated thirty times, giving thirty chambers in each storey, or ninety in all. These chambers were exactly like those surrounding Solomon’s Temple, except that they were one cubit narrower, and the description of them is ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. burden--**that is, weighty oracle. **the prince--**The very man Zedekiah, in whom they trust for safety, is to be the chief sufferer. Josephus [Antiquities, 10.7] reports that Ezekiel sent a copy of this prophecy to Zedekiah. As Jeremiah had sent a letter to the captives at the Chebar, which was the means of calling forth at first the agency of Ezekiel, so it was natural for Ezekiel to sen...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst. there: Heb. it was made broader, and went round

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The chambers' expansion—'went still upward' and 'increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst'—created progressively larger space at each level. This engineering provided stability (wider base) while maximizing upper-floor space. The 'midst' (Hebrew מִסַּבַּב, misabbab) suggests circular or surrounding construction. The upward expansion symbolizes spiritual growth—foundation (narr...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **And there** **was an enlarging.—**The description in this verse is difficult to understand, and has called out much variety of opinion. The main facts are clear: that there was an increase in the width of each storey of the side chambers by the distance which the wall receded, as is expressly said in 1Kings 6:6; but whether there was a corresponding recession in the thickness of the outer wa...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. sign--**portent of evil to come (Eze 24:27; Zec 3:8, Margin). Fulfilled (2Ki 25:1-7; Jr 52:1-11).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

I saw also the height of the house round about: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The observation—'I saw also the height of the house round about: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits'—notes substantial foundations. The Hebrew יְסוֹדוֹת (yesodot, 'foundations') provide structural stability. The 'full reed of six great cubits' (approximately 10.5 feet using the royal cubit) indicates massive, permanent construction. Foundation depth determine...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **I saw also the height of the house.—**This does not mean the height of the house itself, which is nowhere stated. The words are, literally, *I saw for the house a height *(*i.e.,* an elevation) *round about,* and the meaning of this is explained in what follows. The Temple, as has been already said (Ezekiel 40:49), was entered by a flight of steps leading up to the porch, and was therefore o...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12. prince ... among them--**literally, "that is in the midst of them," that is, on whom the eyes of all are cast, and "under whose shadow" they hope to live (La 4:20). **shall bear--**namely, his "stuff for removing"; his equipments for his journey. **cover his face, that he see not the ground--**See on Eze 12:6; the symbol in Eze 12:6 is explained in this verse. He shall muffle his face so...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side chambers that were within.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber without, was five cubits</strong>—the Hebrew <em>qir</em> (קִיר, wall) emphasizes structural solidity and separation. The five-cubit thickness (approximately 7.5 feet) denotes substantial strength, suggesting permanence and divine protection surrounding God's dwelling place.<br><br><strong>That which was left was the place of the si...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **That which was left.—**After stating the thickness of the outer wall of the side chambers at five cubits, the prophet speaks of the remaining space left unoccupied by the building. The clause should be translated, *“and so also* (*i.e.,* of the same width) *was that which was left free against the house of side chambers which belonged to the house,” i.e.,* to the Temple. The same width is as...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. My net--**the Chaldean army. He shall be inextricably entangled in it, as in the meshes of a net. It is God's net (Job 19:6). Babylon was God's instrument (Is 10:5). Called "a net" (Ha 1:14-16). **bring him to Babylon ... ; yet shall he not see it--**because he should be deprived of sight before he arrived there (Jr 52:11).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And between the chambers was the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The spatial measurement—'between the chambers was the wideness of twenty cubits round about the house on every side'—defines circulation space. Twenty cubits (approximately 35 feet) provided ample room for movement between chambers. This generous spacing prevents congestion and maintains dignity—God's house shouldn't be cramped or chaotic. The phrase 'on every side' indicates comprehensive plannin...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Between the chambers.—**There was a space of twenty cubits (I) between the foundation on which the chambers and the Temple stood and the wall of the court on all three sides on which the chambers extended.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. all ... about him--**his satellites: his bodyguard. **bands--**literally, "the wings" of an army (Is 8:8). **draw out ... sword after them--**(See on Eze 5:2; Eze 5:12).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left</strong>—the strategic placement of entrances toward the open space (<em>hannitstsav</em>, הַנִּצָּב, that which was left/reserved) allowed access while maintaining temple sanctity. One door north, another south, created symmetrical access without compromising the east-west orientation toward God's glory.<br><br><strong>The...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **The doors of the side chambers.—**These doors opened upon the platform, that for the series on the north side to the north, and for the other to the south. There was but one door on each side, so that the series of chambers must have been entered one from another. We may now sum up the measurements of the Temple with its chambers and surrounding space. The wall, 6 cubits; the chambers, 4; t...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in...
Read full commentary →

Now the building that was before the separate place at the end toward the west was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick round about, and the length thereof ninety cubits.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The building that was before the separate place at the end toward the west</strong>—this structure faced the <em>gizrah</em> (גִּזְרָה, separate/restricted place), the holy precinct's western boundary. Its substantial dimensions (seventy cubits broad, ninety cubits long) with five-cubit walls demonstrate both magnitude and sacred separation.<br><br>The western orientation is significant: t...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **The separate place.—**This is the space at the west end of the Temple (20 cubits broad) before coming to another building. Nothing is here said of the purposes of this other building; but it is probably “the appointed place” (Ezekiel 43:21) for the burning of the sin-offering, and also of any remains of other sacrifices which required to be consumed by fire, and of any other refuse from the...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. I will leave a few ... that they may declare ... abominations--**God's purpose in scattering a remnant of Jews among the Gentiles; namely, not only that they themselves should be weaned from idolatry (see Eze 12:15), but that by their own word, as also by their whole state as exiles, they should make God's righteousness manifest among the Gentiles, as vindicated in their punishment for their...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in...
Read full commentary →

So he measured the house, an hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls thereof, an hundred cubits long;

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The house's hundred-cubit measurement emphasizes perfection and completeness. The 'separate place' (Hebrew גִּזְרָה, gizrah) likely refers to a restricted area behind the temple—possibly for priestly functions or maintaining sacred boundaries. The repeated mention of hundred cubits (perfect square when combined with breadth) reflects divine order and symmetry. In Scripture, the number 100 often re...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in...
Read full commentary →

Also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, an hundred cubits.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, an hundred cubits</strong>—the measurement of one hundred cubits (approximately 150 feet) emphasizes the temple's imposing eastern facade facing the rising sun. This orientation signifies anticipation of divine glory, as Ezekiel elsewhere sees God's glory returning from the east (Ezekiel 43:1-4).<br><br>The He...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

18. Symbolical representation of the famine and fear with which they should eat their scanty morsel, in their exile, and especially at the siege.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in...
Read full commentary →

And he measured the length of the building over against the separate place which was behind it, and the galleries thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred cubits, with the inner temple, and the porches of the court; galleries: or, several walks, or, walks with pillars

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The building's galleries (Hebrew אַתִּיקִים, attiqim—possibly terraces or side chambers) on both sides, measuring another hundred cubits, expand the temple complex. The phrase 'with the inner temple, and the porches of the court' indicates comprehensive measurement including all associated structures. This expansiveness contrasts with the cramped, improvised worship spaces exiles knew in Babylon. ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **And he measured.**—The rest of the chapter consists of an enumeration of various details, for the most part not before mentioned, and this is introduced by a summary of the measurements already made. This clause is therefore to be understood as equivalent to “So he measured,” or, “And he had measured.” The dimensions of each of the principal parts is then repeated: the building to the west ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**19. people of the land--**the Jews "in the land" of Chaldea who thought themselves miserable as being exiles and envied the Jews left in Jerusalem as fortunate. **land of Israel--**contrasted with "the people in the land" of Chaldea. So far from being fortunate as the exiles in Chaldea regarded them, the Jews in Jerusalem are truly miserable, for the worst is before them, whereas the exiles ha...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in...
Read full commentary →

The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows were covered; cieled: Heb. cieling of wood and from: or, and the ground unto the windows

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories</strong>—the architectural elements combine function and beauty. The <em>challonot atumot</em> (חַלּוֹנוֹת אֲטֻמוֹת, narrow/recessed windows) provided light while maintaining privacy and security, allowing illumination without exposure to profane gaze.<br><br><strong>Cieled with wood round about, a...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **The door posts.—**This is the same word as in Ezekiel 40:6-7, &c., and means *thresholds.* The various particulars mentioned—the thresholds, the windows, and the galleries—are all to be taken in connection with the “he measured” of Ezekiel 41:15, and are details of the three buildings there spoken of, yet they did not all of them necessarily belong to each building. **Narrow windows.—**Rath...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. the cities--**left in Judea after the destruction of Jerusalem.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in...
Read full commentary →

To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure. measure: Heb. measures

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure</strong>—the phrase <em>bemiddot</em> (בְּמִדּוֹת, by measure) appears repeatedly in Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing that every element of God's dwelling follows divine specification. Nothing is random or arbitrary; all serves God's holy purpose.<br><br>This comprehe...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **To that above the door.—**Better, (*The space*) *over above the door, both to the inner house and without* . . . (*was*)* by measure.* The verse is an emphatic repetition of the fact that everything was by measure.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in...
Read full commentary →

And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The walls were decorated with carved cherubim and palm trees alternating in pattern. Cherubim guard God's holiness (Genesis 3:24), while palms symbolize righteousness and flourishing life (Psalm 92:12). The decoration reveals that God's presence brings both protection and blessing—holiness and life coexist in His dwelling.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **With cherubims and palm trees.**—Ezekiel 41:18-21 describe the interior ornamentation of the Temple, which was like that of the Temple of Solomon (1Kings 6:29-30). It may be assumed that here, as there, these figures were carved upon the woodwork. The “s” at the end of “cherubims” is quite unnecessary, “cherubim” itself being plural. **Every cherub had two faces.—**In Ezekiel 1, 10 the cher...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. proverb--**The infidel scoff, that the threatened judgment was so long in coming, it would not come at all, had by frequent repetition come to be a "proverb" with them. This skeptical habit contemporary prophets testify to (Jr 17:15; 20:7; Zep 1:12). Ezekiel, at the Chebar, thus sympathizes with Jeremiah and strengthens his testimony at Jerusalem. The tendency to the same scoff showed itself...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-18** The success of villany must be short, and none can prosper who harden their hearts against God. And those justly lose comfort in real fears, who excuse themselves in sin by pretended fears. The removal of a prudent and peaceable ruler, and the succession of another who is rash and ambitious, affects the welfare of many. Only those are happy and steady who fear the Lord and walk in...
Read full commentary →

So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side</strong>—this carved imagery combines human intelligence, leonine strength, and palm tree vitality. The <em>kephir</em> (כְּפִיר, young lion) represents royal power, while <em>tamar</em> (תָּמָר, palm tree) symbolizes righteous flourishing (Psalm 92:12).<br><br><s...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23. effect--**literally, "the word," namely, fulfilled; that is, the effective fulfilment of whatever the prophets have spoken is at hand.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The cherubim and palm trees carved 'from the ground unto above the door' and 'on the wall of the temple' indicate comprehensive decoration covering entire surfaces. The Hebrew מִקַּרְקַע (miqqarqa, 'from the ground') to 'above the door' means floor-to-ceiling ornamentation—nothing plain or barren. This lavish decoration reflects God's beauty and glory. Cherubim represent divine presence and throne...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Unto above the** **door.**—The height of the door is nowhere mentioned, and therefore there is nothing to determine how high up the carving was carried; but as it is said that it was also “upon the wall of the Temple,” we may assume that the whole interior wall was ceiled with carved wood as in Solomon’s Temple.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**24. no more ... vain vision ... flattering divination--**All those false prophets (La 2:14), who "flattered" the people with promises of peace and safety, shall be detected and confounded by the event itself.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other. posts: Heb. post

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The temple entrance had 'posts were squared'—straight, perpendicular, perfectly ordered. The phrase 'the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other' emphasizes symmetry and order. God's dwelling reflects His character—orderly, not chaotic. Creation order, moral order, and architectural order all reflect the Creator's nature.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **The** **posts of** **the temple.—***Posts* is a different word from that hitherto used, and always means the framework in which the doors were hung. *Temple* is, as before, the Holy Place, in distinction from the *sanctuary,* or Holy of Holies. The door-frames of both were square and just alike.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**25. word ... shall come to pass--**in opposition to their scoff "the vision faileth" (Eze 12:22). The repetition, "I will speak ... speak," &amp;c. (or as Fairbairn, "For I, Jehovah, will speak whatever word I shall speak, and it shall be done") implies that whenever God speaks, the effect must follow; for God, who speaks, is not divided in Himself (Eze 12:28; Is 55:11; Da 9:12; Lu 21:33). **n...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

The altar of wood was three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, were of wood: and he said unto me, This is the table that is before the LORD.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The wooden altar before the LORD was 'the table that is before the LORD.' This combines altar (sacrifice) and table (fellowship meal) imagery. It represents both atonement and communion with God—access through sacrifice, relationship through fellowship. Christ fulfills both: He is our sacrifice and our fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:7-8, Revelation 19:9).

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **The altar of wood.—**This is what was known in the tabernacle (Exodus 30:1-3) as the altar of incense, and in the Temple as the altar of gold (1Kings 7:48), although here its dimensions are enlarged. **The corners thereof.—**This doubtless includes the “horns,” or projecting pieces at the corners, which were always an important part of the symbolism of the altar. The expression “length” in ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The 'two doors' for both temple (Holy Place) and sanctuary (Most Holy Place) indicate progressive access and double security. Doors serve both welcoming and restrictive functions—they allow entry but also bar unauthorized access. In Scripture, doors often symbolize opportunity (Revelation 3:8, 20), authority (Isaiah 22:22), and transition between realms. The dual doors for each space may represent...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

27. Not a mere repetition of the scoff (Eze 12:22); there the scoffers asserted that the evil was so often threatened and postponed, it must have no reality; here formalists do not go so far as to deny that a day of evil is coming, but assert it is still far off (Am 6:3). The transition is easy from this carnal security to the gross infidelity of the former class.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves; two leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other door</strong>—the Hebrew <em>delatayim</em> (דְּלָתַיִם, double doors) emphasizes folding or turning leaves (<em>mesubbot</em>, מְסֻבּוֹת, turning/folding). These double doors were both functional (allowing wide access when opened) and symbolic (representing the dual nature of ent...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Two turning leaves.—**The doors both of the Holy Place and of the Holy of Holies are more fully described in 1Kings 6:31-35. It is to be understood that each of them was made in two parts, and each part again in two leaves folding back, so that there were in all four leaves in each door.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

The cherubim and palm trees carved on the temple doors echo Eden's imagery—cherubim guarded Eden's entrance (Genesis 3:24), and palms symbolize paradise, righteousness, and victory (Psalm 92:12, Revelation 7:9). The temple thus represents restored Eden—where God dwells with humanity in perfect fellowship. The cherubim on the veil (Exodus 26:31) and throughout the temple (1 Kings 6:29) reminded wor...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Thick planks.—**After stating that the doors just described were ornamented like the walls, the prophet speaks of something that was on the outer front of the porch. What this was, is extremely doubtful, as the word is elsewhere used only in 1Kings 7:6, of something in front of Solomon’s cloisters or “porch of pillars.” Perhaps the best suggestion is that it may have been a moulding of wood...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch, and upon the side chambers of the house, and thick planks.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch</strong>—Ezekiel's temple vision (chapters 40-48) includes architectural details. חַלּוֹנִים אֲטֻמוֹת (ḥallônîm ʾăṭumôt, 'closed/narrow windows') and תִּמֹרִים (timōrîm, 'palm trees') decorated אֵלָם (ʾēlām, 'the porch/portico').<br><br>Palm trees symbolized victory and righteousne...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **Windows and palm trees.—**These have already been mentioned in connection with the gateways (Ezekiel 40:16), and are now further described as in the “side chambers of the temple.” The last word, translated “thick planks,” is very obscure. If it be the plural of the word used in Ezekiel 41:25, it would mean that the mouldings in front of the porches were also carved with palm trees. It is to...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 13 Eze 13:1-23. Denunciation of False Prophets and Prophetesses; Their False Teachings, and God's Consequent Judgments. 1. As the twelfth chapter denounced the false expectations of the people, so this denounces the false leaders who fed those expectations. As an independent witness, Ezekiel confirms at the Chebar the testimony of Jeremiah (Jr 29:21, 31) in his letter from Jerusalem to th...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 41 Ishmael murders Gedaliah. (Jr 41:1-10) Johanan recovers the captives, and purposes to retire to Egypt. (Jr 41:11-18) **Verses 1-10** Those who hate the worshippers of God, often put on the appearance of piety, that they may the easier hurt them. As death often meets men where they least expect it, we should continually search whether we are in such a state and frame of mind, as we...
Read full commentary →

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study