Amos 4
KingCommentsAmos 4:1
Sizes, Materials and Decoration
The Man also measures the actual temple, the house (Ezekiel 41:13). The length is a hundred cubits, which is measured from east to west, wall to wall. The width of the house, from north to south, is also a hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:14). Length and width of the house are a hundred cubits, making it perfectly square. The same length of a hundred cubits has the building on the west side (Ezekiel 41:15a).
What Ezekiel passes on here are not just dead numbers. As a priest, he has the deepest interest in the temple as the place of the presence of God. Ezekiel must have felt the same kind of excitement as the apostle Paul when he writes to the Corinthians: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). And a little further on he writes: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We may join Ezekiel in being impressed that God for His earthly house, the temple, gave the measure of everything (in some translations Ezekiel 41:17 ends with “everything had its measure”). For us, it means that we are impressed that in God’s house now, the church, every member is in the right place and can function there as He determines. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). To exercise the gift in the right place, time and manner, each member grace is “given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
Any violation of God’s order causes disorder. We see this in church history. Many human institutions that have been introduced into the church – sometimes with the best of intentions – have pushed God’s order aside. It is not any longer God Who has the say in His house, but man who wants to regulate and govern things himself. But God never gives up His rights to His house. He still makes clear in His Word today how we are to conduct ourselves in His house, “which is the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
With Ezekiel 41:15b, a new section begins. It points out the material of the interior of the temple, the porches of the court, the threshold, the latticed windows, and the galleries: everything is “paneled with wood all around” (Ezekiel 41:15b-16). It is further said that against all the wall up to a certain height, that is, “over the entrance”, are panels all around, both inside and outside (Ezekiel 41:16b-17). This means that the walls of the three sections of the temple building – the holy place, the most holy place, and the porch – are inside paneled with wood.
Height measurements are not given here. On the one hand, the temple is on earth, an earthly building. On the other hand, the temple is in direct connection with heaven, it is as if it reaches into heaven, to a height that cannot be expressed in numbers. Because the glory of the LORD dwells there, a height measure falls away. Because of His presence on earth, heaven and earth are connected. It is striking that silver and gold are not mentioned either. Could that be because the glory of the LORD makes the temple radiant, so that even gold pales in comparison?
The inner and outer walls are decorated with cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18). Of the cherubim it says that they have two faces. One face is “a man’s face”, the other “a young lion’s face”. Each of the two faces looks to one side, that is, one face looks to the left and the other to the right. Since there is a palm tree between two cherubim each time, both the man’s face and the young lion’s face are looking at a palm tree (Ezekiel 41:19). These cherubim and palm trees are on “the wall of the nave”, that is in the holy of holies (Ezekiel 41:20). We also see them in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29; 32; 35; 1 Kings 7:36).
The cherubim recall the holiness of God (Genesis 3:24). The human face recalls the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man to Whom the Father has given “authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). The young lion’s face brings to mind the dignity and majesty of the Lord Jesus as the Ruler in the realm of peace. He is “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The palm trees are a picture of peace and victory and its fruit obtained through Christ’s work on the cross. They also speak of the coming victory in the end time and the subsequent peace with its enjoyment after the great tribulation.
The doorposts of the temple – that is, the entire doorway with its side posts, lintel, and threshold – are square (Ezekiel 41:21). When Ezekiel looks at the entrance to the holy of holies (the sanctuary), it looks the same as the front of the temple. It indicates that both access to the church on earth (the temple, the house) and access to the sanctuary in heaven (the most holy place) is based on the Lord Jesus as “the door”. Faith in Him gives access to the one and to the other.
Amos 4:2
Sizes, Materials and Decoration
The Man also measures the actual temple, the house (Ezekiel 41:13). The length is a hundred cubits, which is measured from east to west, wall to wall. The width of the house, from north to south, is also a hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:14). Length and width of the house are a hundred cubits, making it perfectly square. The same length of a hundred cubits has the building on the west side (Ezekiel 41:15a).
What Ezekiel passes on here are not just dead numbers. As a priest, he has the deepest interest in the temple as the place of the presence of God. Ezekiel must have felt the same kind of excitement as the apostle Paul when he writes to the Corinthians: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). And a little further on he writes: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We may join Ezekiel in being impressed that God for His earthly house, the temple, gave the measure of everything (in some translations Ezekiel 41:17 ends with “everything had its measure”). For us, it means that we are impressed that in God’s house now, the church, every member is in the right place and can function there as He determines. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). To exercise the gift in the right place, time and manner, each member grace is “given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
Any violation of God’s order causes disorder. We see this in church history. Many human institutions that have been introduced into the church – sometimes with the best of intentions – have pushed God’s order aside. It is not any longer God Who has the say in His house, but man who wants to regulate and govern things himself. But God never gives up His rights to His house. He still makes clear in His Word today how we are to conduct ourselves in His house, “which is the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
With Ezekiel 41:15b, a new section begins. It points out the material of the interior of the temple, the porches of the court, the threshold, the latticed windows, and the galleries: everything is “paneled with wood all around” (Ezekiel 41:15b-16). It is further said that against all the wall up to a certain height, that is, “over the entrance”, are panels all around, both inside and outside (Ezekiel 41:16b-17). This means that the walls of the three sections of the temple building – the holy place, the most holy place, and the porch – are inside paneled with wood.
Height measurements are not given here. On the one hand, the temple is on earth, an earthly building. On the other hand, the temple is in direct connection with heaven, it is as if it reaches into heaven, to a height that cannot be expressed in numbers. Because the glory of the LORD dwells there, a height measure falls away. Because of His presence on earth, heaven and earth are connected. It is striking that silver and gold are not mentioned either. Could that be because the glory of the LORD makes the temple radiant, so that even gold pales in comparison?
The inner and outer walls are decorated with cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18). Of the cherubim it says that they have two faces. One face is “a man’s face”, the other “a young lion’s face”. Each of the two faces looks to one side, that is, one face looks to the left and the other to the right. Since there is a palm tree between two cherubim each time, both the man’s face and the young lion’s face are looking at a palm tree (Ezekiel 41:19). These cherubim and palm trees are on “the wall of the nave”, that is in the holy of holies (Ezekiel 41:20). We also see them in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29; 32; 35; 1 Kings 7:36).
The cherubim recall the holiness of God (Genesis 3:24). The human face recalls the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man to Whom the Father has given “authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). The young lion’s face brings to mind the dignity and majesty of the Lord Jesus as the Ruler in the realm of peace. He is “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The palm trees are a picture of peace and victory and its fruit obtained through Christ’s work on the cross. They also speak of the coming victory in the end time and the subsequent peace with its enjoyment after the great tribulation.
The doorposts of the temple – that is, the entire doorway with its side posts, lintel, and threshold – are square (Ezekiel 41:21). When Ezekiel looks at the entrance to the holy of holies (the sanctuary), it looks the same as the front of the temple. It indicates that both access to the church on earth (the temple, the house) and access to the sanctuary in heaven (the most holy place) is based on the Lord Jesus as “the door”. Faith in Him gives access to the one and to the other.
Amos 4:3
Sizes, Materials and Decoration
The Man also measures the actual temple, the house (Ezekiel 41:13). The length is a hundred cubits, which is measured from east to west, wall to wall. The width of the house, from north to south, is also a hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:14). Length and width of the house are a hundred cubits, making it perfectly square. The same length of a hundred cubits has the building on the west side (Ezekiel 41:15a).
What Ezekiel passes on here are not just dead numbers. As a priest, he has the deepest interest in the temple as the place of the presence of God. Ezekiel must have felt the same kind of excitement as the apostle Paul when he writes to the Corinthians: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). And a little further on he writes: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We may join Ezekiel in being impressed that God for His earthly house, the temple, gave the measure of everything (in some translations Ezekiel 41:17 ends with “everything had its measure”). For us, it means that we are impressed that in God’s house now, the church, every member is in the right place and can function there as He determines. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). To exercise the gift in the right place, time and manner, each member grace is “given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
Any violation of God’s order causes disorder. We see this in church history. Many human institutions that have been introduced into the church – sometimes with the best of intentions – have pushed God’s order aside. It is not any longer God Who has the say in His house, but man who wants to regulate and govern things himself. But God never gives up His rights to His house. He still makes clear in His Word today how we are to conduct ourselves in His house, “which is the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
With Ezekiel 41:15b, a new section begins. It points out the material of the interior of the temple, the porches of the court, the threshold, the latticed windows, and the galleries: everything is “paneled with wood all around” (Ezekiel 41:15b-16). It is further said that against all the wall up to a certain height, that is, “over the entrance”, are panels all around, both inside and outside (Ezekiel 41:16b-17). This means that the walls of the three sections of the temple building – the holy place, the most holy place, and the porch – are inside paneled with wood.
Height measurements are not given here. On the one hand, the temple is on earth, an earthly building. On the other hand, the temple is in direct connection with heaven, it is as if it reaches into heaven, to a height that cannot be expressed in numbers. Because the glory of the LORD dwells there, a height measure falls away. Because of His presence on earth, heaven and earth are connected. It is striking that silver and gold are not mentioned either. Could that be because the glory of the LORD makes the temple radiant, so that even gold pales in comparison?
The inner and outer walls are decorated with cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18). Of the cherubim it says that they have two faces. One face is “a man’s face”, the other “a young lion’s face”. Each of the two faces looks to one side, that is, one face looks to the left and the other to the right. Since there is a palm tree between two cherubim each time, both the man’s face and the young lion’s face are looking at a palm tree (Ezekiel 41:19). These cherubim and palm trees are on “the wall of the nave”, that is in the holy of holies (Ezekiel 41:20). We also see them in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29; 32; 35; 1 Kings 7:36).
The cherubim recall the holiness of God (Genesis 3:24). The human face recalls the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man to Whom the Father has given “authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). The young lion’s face brings to mind the dignity and majesty of the Lord Jesus as the Ruler in the realm of peace. He is “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The palm trees are a picture of peace and victory and its fruit obtained through Christ’s work on the cross. They also speak of the coming victory in the end time and the subsequent peace with its enjoyment after the great tribulation.
The doorposts of the temple – that is, the entire doorway with its side posts, lintel, and threshold – are square (Ezekiel 41:21). When Ezekiel looks at the entrance to the holy of holies (the sanctuary), it looks the same as the front of the temple. It indicates that both access to the church on earth (the temple, the house) and access to the sanctuary in heaven (the most holy place) is based on the Lord Jesus as “the door”. Faith in Him gives access to the one and to the other.
Amos 4:4
Sizes, Materials and Decoration
The Man also measures the actual temple, the house (Ezekiel 41:13). The length is a hundred cubits, which is measured from east to west, wall to wall. The width of the house, from north to south, is also a hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:14). Length and width of the house are a hundred cubits, making it perfectly square. The same length of a hundred cubits has the building on the west side (Ezekiel 41:15a).
What Ezekiel passes on here are not just dead numbers. As a priest, he has the deepest interest in the temple as the place of the presence of God. Ezekiel must have felt the same kind of excitement as the apostle Paul when he writes to the Corinthians: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). And a little further on he writes: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We may join Ezekiel in being impressed that God for His earthly house, the temple, gave the measure of everything (in some translations Ezekiel 41:17 ends with “everything had its measure”). For us, it means that we are impressed that in God’s house now, the church, every member is in the right place and can function there as He determines. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). To exercise the gift in the right place, time and manner, each member grace is “given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
Any violation of God’s order causes disorder. We see this in church history. Many human institutions that have been introduced into the church – sometimes with the best of intentions – have pushed God’s order aside. It is not any longer God Who has the say in His house, but man who wants to regulate and govern things himself. But God never gives up His rights to His house. He still makes clear in His Word today how we are to conduct ourselves in His house, “which is the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
With Ezekiel 41:15b, a new section begins. It points out the material of the interior of the temple, the porches of the court, the threshold, the latticed windows, and the galleries: everything is “paneled with wood all around” (Ezekiel 41:15b-16). It is further said that against all the wall up to a certain height, that is, “over the entrance”, are panels all around, both inside and outside (Ezekiel 41:16b-17). This means that the walls of the three sections of the temple building – the holy place, the most holy place, and the porch – are inside paneled with wood.
Height measurements are not given here. On the one hand, the temple is on earth, an earthly building. On the other hand, the temple is in direct connection with heaven, it is as if it reaches into heaven, to a height that cannot be expressed in numbers. Because the glory of the LORD dwells there, a height measure falls away. Because of His presence on earth, heaven and earth are connected. It is striking that silver and gold are not mentioned either. Could that be because the glory of the LORD makes the temple radiant, so that even gold pales in comparison?
The inner and outer walls are decorated with cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18). Of the cherubim it says that they have two faces. One face is “a man’s face”, the other “a young lion’s face”. Each of the two faces looks to one side, that is, one face looks to the left and the other to the right. Since there is a palm tree between two cherubim each time, both the man’s face and the young lion’s face are looking at a palm tree (Ezekiel 41:19). These cherubim and palm trees are on “the wall of the nave”, that is in the holy of holies (Ezekiel 41:20). We also see them in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29; 32; 35; 1 Kings 7:36).
The cherubim recall the holiness of God (Genesis 3:24). The human face recalls the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man to Whom the Father has given “authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). The young lion’s face brings to mind the dignity and majesty of the Lord Jesus as the Ruler in the realm of peace. He is “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The palm trees are a picture of peace and victory and its fruit obtained through Christ’s work on the cross. They also speak of the coming victory in the end time and the subsequent peace with its enjoyment after the great tribulation.
The doorposts of the temple – that is, the entire doorway with its side posts, lintel, and threshold – are square (Ezekiel 41:21). When Ezekiel looks at the entrance to the holy of holies (the sanctuary), it looks the same as the front of the temple. It indicates that both access to the church on earth (the temple, the house) and access to the sanctuary in heaven (the most holy place) is based on the Lord Jesus as “the door”. Faith in Him gives access to the one and to the other.
Amos 4:5
Sizes, Materials and Decoration
The Man also measures the actual temple, the house (Ezekiel 41:13). The length is a hundred cubits, which is measured from east to west, wall to wall. The width of the house, from north to south, is also a hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:14). Length and width of the house are a hundred cubits, making it perfectly square. The same length of a hundred cubits has the building on the west side (Ezekiel 41:15a).
What Ezekiel passes on here are not just dead numbers. As a priest, he has the deepest interest in the temple as the place of the presence of God. Ezekiel must have felt the same kind of excitement as the apostle Paul when he writes to the Corinthians: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). And a little further on he writes: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We may join Ezekiel in being impressed that God for His earthly house, the temple, gave the measure of everything (in some translations Ezekiel 41:17 ends with “everything had its measure”). For us, it means that we are impressed that in God’s house now, the church, every member is in the right place and can function there as He determines. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). To exercise the gift in the right place, time and manner, each member grace is “given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
Any violation of God’s order causes disorder. We see this in church history. Many human institutions that have been introduced into the church – sometimes with the best of intentions – have pushed God’s order aside. It is not any longer God Who has the say in His house, but man who wants to regulate and govern things himself. But God never gives up His rights to His house. He still makes clear in His Word today how we are to conduct ourselves in His house, “which is the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
With Ezekiel 41:15b, a new section begins. It points out the material of the interior of the temple, the porches of the court, the threshold, the latticed windows, and the galleries: everything is “paneled with wood all around” (Ezekiel 41:15b-16). It is further said that against all the wall up to a certain height, that is, “over the entrance”, are panels all around, both inside and outside (Ezekiel 41:16b-17). This means that the walls of the three sections of the temple building – the holy place, the most holy place, and the porch – are inside paneled with wood.
Height measurements are not given here. On the one hand, the temple is on earth, an earthly building. On the other hand, the temple is in direct connection with heaven, it is as if it reaches into heaven, to a height that cannot be expressed in numbers. Because the glory of the LORD dwells there, a height measure falls away. Because of His presence on earth, heaven and earth are connected. It is striking that silver and gold are not mentioned either. Could that be because the glory of the LORD makes the temple radiant, so that even gold pales in comparison?
The inner and outer walls are decorated with cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18). Of the cherubim it says that they have two faces. One face is “a man’s face”, the other “a young lion’s face”. Each of the two faces looks to one side, that is, one face looks to the left and the other to the right. Since there is a palm tree between two cherubim each time, both the man’s face and the young lion’s face are looking at a palm tree (Ezekiel 41:19). These cherubim and palm trees are on “the wall of the nave”, that is in the holy of holies (Ezekiel 41:20). We also see them in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29; 32; 35; 1 Kings 7:36).
The cherubim recall the holiness of God (Genesis 3:24). The human face recalls the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man to Whom the Father has given “authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). The young lion’s face brings to mind the dignity and majesty of the Lord Jesus as the Ruler in the realm of peace. He is “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The palm trees are a picture of peace and victory and its fruit obtained through Christ’s work on the cross. They also speak of the coming victory in the end time and the subsequent peace with its enjoyment after the great tribulation.
The doorposts of the temple – that is, the entire doorway with its side posts, lintel, and threshold – are square (Ezekiel 41:21). When Ezekiel looks at the entrance to the holy of holies (the sanctuary), it looks the same as the front of the temple. It indicates that both access to the church on earth (the temple, the house) and access to the sanctuary in heaven (the most holy place) is based on the Lord Jesus as “the door”. Faith in Him gives access to the one and to the other.
Amos 4:6
Sizes, Materials and Decoration
The Man also measures the actual temple, the house (Ezekiel 41:13). The length is a hundred cubits, which is measured from east to west, wall to wall. The width of the house, from north to south, is also a hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:14). Length and width of the house are a hundred cubits, making it perfectly square. The same length of a hundred cubits has the building on the west side (Ezekiel 41:15a).
What Ezekiel passes on here are not just dead numbers. As a priest, he has the deepest interest in the temple as the place of the presence of God. Ezekiel must have felt the same kind of excitement as the apostle Paul when he writes to the Corinthians: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). And a little further on he writes: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We may join Ezekiel in being impressed that God for His earthly house, the temple, gave the measure of everything (in some translations Ezekiel 41:17 ends with “everything had its measure”). For us, it means that we are impressed that in God’s house now, the church, every member is in the right place and can function there as He determines. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). To exercise the gift in the right place, time and manner, each member grace is “given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
Any violation of God’s order causes disorder. We see this in church history. Many human institutions that have been introduced into the church – sometimes with the best of intentions – have pushed God’s order aside. It is not any longer God Who has the say in His house, but man who wants to regulate and govern things himself. But God never gives up His rights to His house. He still makes clear in His Word today how we are to conduct ourselves in His house, “which is the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
With Ezekiel 41:15b, a new section begins. It points out the material of the interior of the temple, the porches of the court, the threshold, the latticed windows, and the galleries: everything is “paneled with wood all around” (Ezekiel 41:15b-16). It is further said that against all the wall up to a certain height, that is, “over the entrance”, are panels all around, both inside and outside (Ezekiel 41:16b-17). This means that the walls of the three sections of the temple building – the holy place, the most holy place, and the porch – are inside paneled with wood.
Height measurements are not given here. On the one hand, the temple is on earth, an earthly building. On the other hand, the temple is in direct connection with heaven, it is as if it reaches into heaven, to a height that cannot be expressed in numbers. Because the glory of the LORD dwells there, a height measure falls away. Because of His presence on earth, heaven and earth are connected. It is striking that silver and gold are not mentioned either. Could that be because the glory of the LORD makes the temple radiant, so that even gold pales in comparison?
The inner and outer walls are decorated with cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18). Of the cherubim it says that they have two faces. One face is “a man’s face”, the other “a young lion’s face”. Each of the two faces looks to one side, that is, one face looks to the left and the other to the right. Since there is a palm tree between two cherubim each time, both the man’s face and the young lion’s face are looking at a palm tree (Ezekiel 41:19). These cherubim and palm trees are on “the wall of the nave”, that is in the holy of holies (Ezekiel 41:20). We also see them in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29; 32; 35; 1 Kings 7:36).
The cherubim recall the holiness of God (Genesis 3:24). The human face recalls the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man to Whom the Father has given “authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). The young lion’s face brings to mind the dignity and majesty of the Lord Jesus as the Ruler in the realm of peace. He is “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The palm trees are a picture of peace and victory and its fruit obtained through Christ’s work on the cross. They also speak of the coming victory in the end time and the subsequent peace with its enjoyment after the great tribulation.
The doorposts of the temple – that is, the entire doorway with its side posts, lintel, and threshold – are square (Ezekiel 41:21). When Ezekiel looks at the entrance to the holy of holies (the sanctuary), it looks the same as the front of the temple. It indicates that both access to the church on earth (the temple, the house) and access to the sanctuary in heaven (the most holy place) is based on the Lord Jesus as “the door”. Faith in Him gives access to the one and to the other.
Amos 4:7
Sizes, Materials and Decoration
The Man also measures the actual temple, the house (Ezekiel 41:13). The length is a hundred cubits, which is measured from east to west, wall to wall. The width of the house, from north to south, is also a hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:14). Length and width of the house are a hundred cubits, making it perfectly square. The same length of a hundred cubits has the building on the west side (Ezekiel 41:15a).
What Ezekiel passes on here are not just dead numbers. As a priest, he has the deepest interest in the temple as the place of the presence of God. Ezekiel must have felt the same kind of excitement as the apostle Paul when he writes to the Corinthians: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). And a little further on he writes: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We may join Ezekiel in being impressed that God for His earthly house, the temple, gave the measure of everything (in some translations Ezekiel 41:17 ends with “everything had its measure”). For us, it means that we are impressed that in God’s house now, the church, every member is in the right place and can function there as He determines. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). To exercise the gift in the right place, time and manner, each member grace is “given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
Any violation of God’s order causes disorder. We see this in church history. Many human institutions that have been introduced into the church – sometimes with the best of intentions – have pushed God’s order aside. It is not any longer God Who has the say in His house, but man who wants to regulate and govern things himself. But God never gives up His rights to His house. He still makes clear in His Word today how we are to conduct ourselves in His house, “which is the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
With Ezekiel 41:15b, a new section begins. It points out the material of the interior of the temple, the porches of the court, the threshold, the latticed windows, and the galleries: everything is “paneled with wood all around” (Ezekiel 41:15b-16). It is further said that against all the wall up to a certain height, that is, “over the entrance”, are panels all around, both inside and outside (Ezekiel 41:16b-17). This means that the walls of the three sections of the temple building – the holy place, the most holy place, and the porch – are inside paneled with wood.
Height measurements are not given here. On the one hand, the temple is on earth, an earthly building. On the other hand, the temple is in direct connection with heaven, it is as if it reaches into heaven, to a height that cannot be expressed in numbers. Because the glory of the LORD dwells there, a height measure falls away. Because of His presence on earth, heaven and earth are connected. It is striking that silver and gold are not mentioned either. Could that be because the glory of the LORD makes the temple radiant, so that even gold pales in comparison?
The inner and outer walls are decorated with cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18). Of the cherubim it says that they have two faces. One face is “a man’s face”, the other “a young lion’s face”. Each of the two faces looks to one side, that is, one face looks to the left and the other to the right. Since there is a palm tree between two cherubim each time, both the man’s face and the young lion’s face are looking at a palm tree (Ezekiel 41:19). These cherubim and palm trees are on “the wall of the nave”, that is in the holy of holies (Ezekiel 41:20). We also see them in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29; 32; 35; 1 Kings 7:36).
The cherubim recall the holiness of God (Genesis 3:24). The human face recalls the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man to Whom the Father has given “authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). The young lion’s face brings to mind the dignity and majesty of the Lord Jesus as the Ruler in the realm of peace. He is “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The palm trees are a picture of peace and victory and its fruit obtained through Christ’s work on the cross. They also speak of the coming victory in the end time and the subsequent peace with its enjoyment after the great tribulation.
The doorposts of the temple – that is, the entire doorway with its side posts, lintel, and threshold – are square (Ezekiel 41:21). When Ezekiel looks at the entrance to the holy of holies (the sanctuary), it looks the same as the front of the temple. It indicates that both access to the church on earth (the temple, the house) and access to the sanctuary in heaven (the most holy place) is based on the Lord Jesus as “the door”. Faith in Him gives access to the one and to the other.
Amos 4:8
Sizes, Materials and Decoration
The Man also measures the actual temple, the house (Ezekiel 41:13). The length is a hundred cubits, which is measured from east to west, wall to wall. The width of the house, from north to south, is also a hundred cubits (Ezekiel 41:14). Length and width of the house are a hundred cubits, making it perfectly square. The same length of a hundred cubits has the building on the west side (Ezekiel 41:15a).
What Ezekiel passes on here are not just dead numbers. As a priest, he has the deepest interest in the temple as the place of the presence of God. Ezekiel must have felt the same kind of excitement as the apostle Paul when he writes to the Corinthians: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). And a little further on he writes: “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
We may join Ezekiel in being impressed that God for His earthly house, the temple, gave the measure of everything (in some translations Ezekiel 41:17 ends with “everything had its measure”). For us, it means that we are impressed that in God’s house now, the church, every member is in the right place and can function there as He determines. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). To exercise the gift in the right place, time and manner, each member grace is “given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
Any violation of God’s order causes disorder. We see this in church history. Many human institutions that have been introduced into the church – sometimes with the best of intentions – have pushed God’s order aside. It is not any longer God Who has the say in His house, but man who wants to regulate and govern things himself. But God never gives up His rights to His house. He still makes clear in His Word today how we are to conduct ourselves in His house, “which is the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
With Ezekiel 41:15b, a new section begins. It points out the material of the interior of the temple, the porches of the court, the threshold, the latticed windows, and the galleries: everything is “paneled with wood all around” (Ezekiel 41:15b-16). It is further said that against all the wall up to a certain height, that is, “over the entrance”, are panels all around, both inside and outside (Ezekiel 41:16b-17). This means that the walls of the three sections of the temple building – the holy place, the most holy place, and the porch – are inside paneled with wood.
Height measurements are not given here. On the one hand, the temple is on earth, an earthly building. On the other hand, the temple is in direct connection with heaven, it is as if it reaches into heaven, to a height that cannot be expressed in numbers. Because the glory of the LORD dwells there, a height measure falls away. Because of His presence on earth, heaven and earth are connected. It is striking that silver and gold are not mentioned either. Could that be because the glory of the LORD makes the temple radiant, so that even gold pales in comparison?
The inner and outer walls are decorated with cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18). Of the cherubim it says that they have two faces. One face is “a man’s face”, the other “a young lion’s face”. Each of the two faces looks to one side, that is, one face looks to the left and the other to the right. Since there is a palm tree between two cherubim each time, both the man’s face and the young lion’s face are looking at a palm tree (Ezekiel 41:19). These cherubim and palm trees are on “the wall of the nave”, that is in the holy of holies (Ezekiel 41:20). We also see them in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:29; 32; 35; 1 Kings 7:36).
The cherubim recall the holiness of God (Genesis 3:24). The human face recalls the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man to Whom the Father has given “authority to execute judgment, because He is [the] Son of Man” (John 5:27). The young lion’s face brings to mind the dignity and majesty of the Lord Jesus as the Ruler in the realm of peace. He is “the Lion from the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The palm trees are a picture of peace and victory and its fruit obtained through Christ’s work on the cross. They also speak of the coming victory in the end time and the subsequent peace with its enjoyment after the great tribulation.
The doorposts of the temple – that is, the entire doorway with its side posts, lintel, and threshold – are square (Ezekiel 41:21). When Ezekiel looks at the entrance to the holy of holies (the sanctuary), it looks the same as the front of the temple. It indicates that both access to the church on earth (the temple, the house) and access to the sanctuary in heaven (the most holy place) is based on the Lord Jesus as “the door”. Faith in Him gives access to the one and to the other.
Amos 4:9
The Altar in the Temple
Then attention is turned to the only object that seems to be in the temple, “the altar of wood”. It is a different altar than the altar of burnt offering, for that is in the court (Ezekiel 43:13-17). These two altars are the only objects in the entire temple building that are explicitly mentioned: an altar in the sanctuary and an altar in the inner court.
This altar has a position where in the tabernacle and in Solomon’s temple the golden altar of incense stood (Exodus 30:1-2; 1 Kings 7:48). Only this altar is larger and made only of wood. Additional emphasis is placed on the material by pointing out again in its description that its corners, length, and sides are “of wood”.
There is no mention of gold in the description of this altar, which is the case with the altar of incense in the tabernacle and in the temple, for they are both overlaid with it (Exodus 30:3; 1 Kings 6:20). This is not to say, however, that it will not be used. The prophet Haggai says that the latter glory of the house – by which he refers to the temple described here – will be greater than the former glory of the house. By this he is referring to the temple of Solomon (Haggai 2:9). From this it can be concluded that it is not inconceivable that precious metals will be used in the actual construction.
The entire room is empty except for this small altar. It is the only object in the holy place. In the most holy place there is no ark, but there the glory of the LORD dwells. In the holy place of the tabernacle and the temple there are also the table of showbread and the lampstand. Those are missing here. Here there is only mention of the altar. Here the Man interrupts the silence for the third time by noting that this altar “is the table that is before the LORD”.
From what He says about the altar, it is clear that it is about fellowship with God. A table is a picture of fellowship. Of the table He says that it “is before the LORD”, emphasizing that it is about fellowship with God, fellowship in His presence. It is mainly about what the altar represents, its symbolism, and that indicates drawing near to God to have fellowship with Him.
It is noteworthy that this altar is called “table”. This is also how the altar of burnt offering is called (Ezekiel 44:16; cf. Malachi 1:7; 12). As mentioned, a table speaks of fellowship. It is therefore not surprising that Paul uses this picture in connection with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, speaking of “the table of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 10:21). There, in contrast to the table (wooden altar) in the temple in the realm of peace, is a people who come together and have fellowship with one another and with God and with the Lord Jesus.
What is striking about this wooden altar is that we do not read about priests serving at this altar. We may wonder why that altar, that table, is there. The general idea with an ‘altar’ is ‘sacrifice’ and with a ‘table’ it is ‘fellowship’. This ‘altar-table’ is there to offer sacrifices to God and to express fellowship with Him. But the priests do not come there. It seems as if God is indicating in this temple that no matter how privileged the priests who belong to Zadok’s family are in the realm of peace, there is something that is not given to these earthly priests.
There is an inner sanctuary with a symbolic altar that indicates that in the inner sanctuary there is a company that has fellowship with God on the basis of the sacrifice of Christ, around the Lord Jesus. It is the table that stands before His face. This is the privilege of the church. This may already be a reality when the church comes together.
Amos 4:10
The Doors
The two rooms of the temple, the holy place and the most holy place, have a door each (Ezekiel 41:23). The doors are described in their form and operation (Ezekiel 41:24). At the doors, as on the walls, cherubim and palm trees are made (Ezekiel 41:25). The doors in God’s house are a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is “the door” (John 10:7; 9). Only through Him is it possible to come to the Father (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:18). The cherubim on the doors symbolize the holiness of God. The palm trees symbolize victory and fruit.
On the front of the porch, above the door, there is also “canopy of wood” [as “threshold” also can be translated], a kind of awning. Its purpose will be to protect priests who want to enter, but have to wait a while, from the sun or the rain. God makes sure that the entrance into His house is shielded from influences that are a hindrance to entering it.
On both sides of the porch are latticed windows and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:26). These are also on the side chambers and the canopies. God’s house is a place where there are windows that let in light, but where because of the latticework nothing can come in that doesn’t belong there. This applies to the house and the chambers connected to it.
Amos 4:11
The Doors
The two rooms of the temple, the holy place and the most holy place, have a door each (Ezekiel 41:23). The doors are described in their form and operation (Ezekiel 41:24). At the doors, as on the walls, cherubim and palm trees are made (Ezekiel 41:25). The doors in God’s house are a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is “the door” (John 10:7; 9). Only through Him is it possible to come to the Father (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:18). The cherubim on the doors symbolize the holiness of God. The palm trees symbolize victory and fruit.
On the front of the porch, above the door, there is also “canopy of wood” [as “threshold” also can be translated], a kind of awning. Its purpose will be to protect priests who want to enter, but have to wait a while, from the sun or the rain. God makes sure that the entrance into His house is shielded from influences that are a hindrance to entering it.
On both sides of the porch are latticed windows and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:26). These are also on the side chambers and the canopies. God’s house is a place where there are windows that let in light, but where because of the latticework nothing can come in that doesn’t belong there. This applies to the house and the chambers connected to it.
Amos 4:12
The Doors
The two rooms of the temple, the holy place and the most holy place, have a door each (Ezekiel 41:23). The doors are described in their form and operation (Ezekiel 41:24). At the doors, as on the walls, cherubim and palm trees are made (Ezekiel 41:25). The doors in God’s house are a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is “the door” (John 10:7; 9). Only through Him is it possible to come to the Father (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:18). The cherubim on the doors symbolize the holiness of God. The palm trees symbolize victory and fruit.
On the front of the porch, above the door, there is also “canopy of wood” [as “threshold” also can be translated], a kind of awning. Its purpose will be to protect priests who want to enter, but have to wait a while, from the sun or the rain. God makes sure that the entrance into His house is shielded from influences that are a hindrance to entering it.
On both sides of the porch are latticed windows and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:26). These are also on the side chambers and the canopies. God’s house is a place where there are windows that let in light, but where because of the latticework nothing can come in that doesn’t belong there. This applies to the house and the chambers connected to it.
Amos 4:13
The Doors
The two rooms of the temple, the holy place and the most holy place, have a door each (Ezekiel 41:23). The doors are described in their form and operation (Ezekiel 41:24). At the doors, as on the walls, cherubim and palm trees are made (Ezekiel 41:25). The doors in God’s house are a picture of the Lord Jesus. He is “the door” (John 10:7; 9). Only through Him is it possible to come to the Father (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:18). The cherubim on the doors symbolize the holiness of God. The palm trees symbolize victory and fruit.
On the front of the porch, above the door, there is also “canopy of wood” [as “threshold” also can be translated], a kind of awning. Its purpose will be to protect priests who want to enter, but have to wait a while, from the sun or the rain. God makes sure that the entrance into His house is shielded from influences that are a hindrance to entering it.
On both sides of the porch are latticed windows and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:26). These are also on the side chambers and the canopies. God’s house is a place where there are windows that let in light, but where because of the latticework nothing can come in that doesn’t belong there. This applies to the house and the chambers connected to it.