FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Ezekiel 40:1
KJVIn the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final vision describes the temple, worship, life-giving waters, and the land. Its interpretation should be distinguished from what the vision itself depicts.
- 40:1 In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.
- 40:2 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.
- 40:3 And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
- 40:4 And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezekiel son of Buzi, a priest and prophet among the exiles, is the named prophetic voice and traditional author. Biblical references: Ezekiel 1:1; Ezekiel 1:3. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ezekiel 40:1–48:35): Ezekiel is shown a visionary sanctuary, ordered worship, and land arrangements, which he is to declare to the house of Israel. The priestly and tribal groups in the vision are not all physically accompanying him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The house of Israel, with Ezekiel speaking especially among the Judean exiles in Babylonia. Some visions concern people in Jerusalem or other nations rather than people physically present with him. Biblical references: Ezekiel 3:11; Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 24:21. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Man with a Measuring Rod. Read Ezekiel 40:1 through Ezekiel 40:4 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final vision describes the temple, worship, life-giving waters, and the land. Its interpretation should be distinguished from what the vision itself depicts. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book repeatedly dates visions by years of captivity. Events pictured in a vision, the time of receiving it, and the time of later fulfillment should be distinguished. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Ezekiel is among the exiles by the river Chebar. Visions carry him to other scenes, including Jerusalem; visionary location is not automatically ordinary physical travel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Man with a Measuring Rod (Ezekiel 40:1 to Ezekiel 40:4). Start reading at Ezekiel 40:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The shepherd promise can be read alongside Jesus' teaching about the good shepherd. The connection should retain Ezekiel's concern for the scattered flock and the failure of Israel's shepherds. See Ezekiel 34:11, Ezekiel 34:23, John 10:11. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take warnings about personal responsibility and corrupt leadership seriously. When interpreting symbolic acts or visions, begin with the explanations supplied within the book. interpretation
Cited: Ezekiel 40:1, Ezekiel 40:4, Ezekiel 34:11, Ezekiel 34:23, John 10:11
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- In the five Ezek 1:2 Ezek 8:1 Ezek 29:17 Ezek 32:1,17
- after Ezek 33:21 2 Kgs 25:1-30 Jer 39:1-18 Jer 52:1-34
- selfsame Exod 12:41
- hand Ezek 1:3 Ezek 3:14,22 Ezek 11:24 Ezek 37:1 Rev 1:10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ezekiel 40
Ezekiel 1:1 Ezekiel 1:2 Ezekiel 1:3
The East Gate
Ezekiel 40:5–16FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The Outer Court
Ezekiel 40:17–19FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The North Gate
Ezekiel 40:20–23FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The South Gate
Ezekiel 40:24–27FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The Gates of the Inner Court
Ezekiel 40:28–37FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Eight Tables for Sacrifices
Ezekiel 40:38–43FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Chambers for Ministry
Ezekiel 40:44–46FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The Inner Court
Ezekiel 40:47–49FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1:1 Ezekiel 1:2 Ezekiel 1:3
The vision and commission
Ezekiel 1:1–3:27FocusGlory, the scroll, and responsibility
Judgment on Jerusalem
Ezekiel 4:1–24:27FocusSigns, visions, and covenant unfaithfulness
Oracles against the nations
Ezekiel 25:1–32:32FocusThe surrounding powers judged
After the fall: responsibility and restoration
Ezekiel 33:1–39:29FocusShepherding, cleansing, and renewed life
FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.