MPV Commentary

The Remaining Chapters, the Fortieth through Forty-eighth,

The arrangements for the land and temple in these chapters differ significantly from those before the captivity. Some details are physically improbable, making a purely literal interpretation impossible. However, the general truth remains that Israel will serve God in the person of Messiah, just as they served him when he acknowledged them (Isa 60:12; Zec 14:17-19). The ideal temple described here exhibits the essential character of worship under Messiah's sway in Jerusalem and beyond.

The vision is not a literal description but an ideal representation of the worship of Messiah among his people, the Jews, and eventually the world. This is evident from the fact that it is a vision (Eze 40:2), not a physical reality. The measurements used are also symbolic, taken from human proportions to convey spiritual truths.

The temple's boundary wall was to be perfect, with no imperfections or corruptions as seen in Solomon's temple (2Ki 23:11-12). The gates and doorways were designed to exclude everything defiled, reflecting the idea of separation from sin (Re 21:27). The east gate, where God's glory departed (Eze 11:23), was to be especially sacred as it would also be the entrance for God's return (Eze 43:1-2).

The inner court and its gates were designed according to the same measures as the outer gate. This symmetry reflects the harmony between the outer and inner aspects of worship. The chambers attached to the gates served various purposes, including storage and musical instruments.

The temple's design was intended to be holy and free from human corruptions. The fine pavement implied that only clean feet would tread on it (Isa 35:8). The different approaches to the gates corresponded in plan, with each gate having a unique feature. The inner court, connected with those who had charge of the altar and music, was one hundred cubits square.

The measurements used throughout these chapters are based on human proportions, such as the greater cubit (from elbow to middle finger) and the palm (full breadth of the hand). These measurements were used to convey spiritual truths and emphasize the importance of precision in worship.