Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryEzekiel 42

The Vision of the TempleIn this section, Ezekiel is shown the chambers around the temple. These rooms have special purposes and teach us about the balance between public worship and private devotion. The chambers are many, showing that God’s house has room for all who want to draw near to him. They are close to the temple, reminding us that private worship should support and prepare us for public worship. There are also wide walkways for fellowship, showing that God’s people should encourage and help each other in their faith.v. 1-4: Ezekiel is brought back to the outer court to see the chambers in that area. These chambers are arranged in three stories. Even though the upper rooms are smaller, they are still useful for private devotion. The chambers are near the temple, showing that private and public worship are connected. In front of the chambers are wide walkways where people can meet and encourage each other (Ezekiel 42:1-4 ).

v. 5-6: The higher stories of the chambers are not as large as the lower ones, but they still provide space for those who want to spend time with God. There are many rooms, so there is space for everyone who wants to be close to God, just like Anna the prophetess who stayed in the temple day and night (Ezekiel 42:5-6; Luke 2:37 ).

v. 7-12: The chambers are described in more detail, including their measurements and arrangement. They are close to the temple, showing that private devotion should always be connected to God’s house and his people (Ezekiel 42:7-12 ).

v. 13-14: God explains the use of these chambers. They are for the priests who serve in the temple, so they can be near their work. The priests keep the most holy offerings there and eat them in a holy way. They also store their special garments in these rooms, changing out of them when their service is done. This teaches us that those who serve God need time alone with him to prepare for their work, and that everything related to God’s service should be kept clean and holy (Ezekiel 42:13-14 ).

The Vision of the TempleThis part of Ezekiel’s vision shows how large and special the area around the temple is. The angel measures not only the temple but also the land around it. This teaches us that God’s house is meant to be open and welcoming to many people, especially in the time of the gospel when people from all nations are invited. At the same time, there must be a clear difference between what is holy and what is common, showing respect for God’s presence.v. 15-19: After finishing the measurements inside the temple, the angel leads Ezekiel out and measures the area around the temple. Each side is 500 reeds long, which is very large—about a mile each way. This shows that God’s church is meant to include people from all over the world, just as the prophets said that the nations would come to worship God (Ezekiel 42:15-19; Isaiah 49:18 ; Isaiah 60:4 ).

v. 20: The whole area is surrounded by a wall. This wall separates the holy place from what is common or unclean. God wants his people to know the difference between sacred and ordinary things. We should treat God’s house, his name, and his worship with respect and keep them special (Ezekiel 42:20 ).