Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 40:1. It’s a really interesting and symbolic verse! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse describes a significant moment of God’s intervention for a Jewish exile (a group of Jews who were forced to leave their homeland). It’s about God’s comfort and protection during a difficult time. Let’s break it down word by word: “Ezekiel 40:1” : This tells us we're talking about a specific part of the Book of Ezekiel, which is a prophetic book written by Ezekiel, a priest in Jerusalem. It’s essentially a vision or message from God. “In the five and twentieth year of our captivity…” : "Captivity" means being exiled – like Jews were during the time of Babylon (a Persian empire). This verse refers to a period where they were forced to leave their homeland for a time. “Five and twentieth” is a way of counting years – it’s about 20 years, which was a significant amount of time. “In the beginning of the year…” : This sets the scene – it's happening in the very start of the year. “…in the tenth [day] of the month…” : This is where it gets really symbolic. “The tenth day of the month” refers to the tenth day of the year. It’s a specific date that’s important. “…in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten…” : This is the core of the verse. "The city was smitten" means the city of Jerusalem was devastated or destroyed. It was a major event – perhaps a significant battle, a huge disaster, or something else that caused great harm. “In the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.” : This is the most important part. “The hand of the Lord” means God! This verse says that that very same day , while God was actively working in the future, God directly intervened to bring Ezekiel (and everyone else) to a specific place – this place. The word "thither" means “here” or “to this place.” So, Putting It All Together: Ezekiel 40:1 describes a time when God was actively working in the future for a group of Jews who were exiled. A significant event happened on the tenth day of that year – the city of Jerusalem was destroyed. But, immediately after this devastation, God directly intervened, bringing Ezekiel (and everyone else) to a specific place – this is a symbolic representation of being healed and restored. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a promise of God’s care for His people throughout history. It's a reminder that even during times of hardship and exile, God is actively involved in their lives and offers them hope and protection. It speaks to the idea that God's presence is always with us, even when we are separated from our homes. Resources if you want to dig deeper: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Ezekiel%2040:1) - This website has a detailed explanation and translation of the verse. [Wikipedia - Ezekiel 40:1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_40:1) – Provides a more comprehensive overview of the context and meaning. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps explore its theological significance? For example, are you curious about: The symbolism behind the "city being smitten"? What does it mean for God to “bring” someone to a specific place?

Definition: And the little chambers of the gate eastward [were] three on this side, and three on that side; they three [were] of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:10. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a massive, incredibly complex system of tunnels and chambers built by God. Let's unpack the details: “The little chambers of the gate eastward [were] three on this side, and three on that side…” This refers to the gate – which is the opening to the heavens. Ezekiel was describing a massive, hidden structure built by God. “…they three [were] of one measure:” This is key. It means these chambers were designed to be perfectly synchronized and work together as a single unit. They weren’t just separate spaces; they were interconnected. “and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.” This describes the structure of these chambers – imagine them being built with consistent, uniform lines and dimensions. So, what does it all mean? The Bible uses this imagery to describe a hidden, powerful, and organized system created by God. It’s like a gigantic, intricately designed network that was used to: Prepare for the coming of Jesus: Ezekiel was essentially describing a preparation for a significant event – the arrival of Jesus Christ. This “gate” represents the way God will bring about a new era or transformation. Show God's power and plan: It’s a visual representation of God’s complete control and design over everything, showing that He is working in a very deliberate and organized way. It's a poetic description, not a literal one. The imagery doesn't mean a physical tunnel system like we might think of today. It’s symbolic – a complex arrangement designed for a specific purpose. In short, this verse describes a colossal, coordinated system built by God to prepare for a monumental event in the future. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 40? Discuss the significance of this image more deeply?

Definition: And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; [and] the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Ezekiel 40:11. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here's what it means in plain language: “And he measured the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; [and] the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.” “He measured…” : This is key. God is actively looking at something – a gate. “…the breadth of the entry of the gate…” : Think of “breadth” as how wide the gate is. God is observing the width of the gate itself. “…ten cubits” : A cubit was an ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to 6 inches. So, God is measuring the width of the gate across. “…and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits.” : This is the length of the gate – how far it goes. It's measured at 13 cubits long. Putting it all together: God is saying, "I’m looking closely at this gate and I've determined its width to be ten cubits, and its length to be thirteen cubits." It’s like he’s establishing a specific, defined size for the gate. What does it mean? This verse is often interpreted as: God’s Sovereignty & Control: It shows that God has complete control over everything, and he's actively overseeing a particular event or situation. A Clear Boundary/Establishment: The measured gate symbolizes a clear boundary – a defined space where something important is happening. Divine Order: The verse highlights God’s deliberate order and design in the world. Important Note: It's a really poetic and symbolic passage, and different interpretations exist. It’s not meant to be taken literally but rather as a visual representation of God’s watchful presence and the establishment of boundaries. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or concept from the Bible?

Definition: The space also before the little chambers [was] one cubit [on this side], and the space [was] one cubit on that side: and the little chambers [were] six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:12. It's a really interesting and somewhat surprising passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, God is creating a huge, incredibly spacious area – like a giant, perfectly formed room – specifically for the Israelites. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The space also before the little chambers…” - This refers to a large, open space that existed before the Israelites were established in their land. Think of it as a blank slate, a starting point. “…was one cubit [on this side], and the space [was] one cubit on that side:” – "Cubit" is an ancient measurement unit used by the Babylonians and Egyptians. It’s roughly equivalent to 3 feet (91 centimeters). So, this means God created a rectangular area of about 3 feet wide and 3 feet long before the Israelites were there. “and the little chambers [were] six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.” – This is the really surprising part! God then creates six individual spaces within that large room (the “little chambers”). Each of these six spaces is roughly 3 feet wide and 3 feet long. So, what’s the big picture? This verse describes a divine plan to provide an enormous, comfortable space for God's people – specifically, the Israelites – to dwell in. It’s like a giant, perfectly-sized sanctuary where they can worship freely and feel safe. Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as a sign of God's immense love and care for his chosen people. It shows that even though they were initially dispersed across the land, God intends to give them a place to call their own – a place where they can live in peace and worship with ease. Do you want me to: Explain any of these terms further? (like "cubit") Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context of the Bible?

Definition: He measured then the gate from the roof of [one] little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth [was] five and twenty cubits, door against door.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 40:13. It’s a really interesting and symbolic verse! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a HUGE, incredibly precise measurement of a gate. Here's a breakdown of the parts: “He measured then…” : This tells us that Ezekiel was observing something very carefully. “…the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another.” : This is the key part! He wasn’t just looking at a regular gate; he was examining it very closely. He was comparing two different sized gates – like, imagine a small, narrow gate and a much larger one. “the breadth [was] five and twenty cubits…” : This means the width of the gate was 5 and 20 (which is approximately 52 cubits). A cubit was a unit of measurement back then – roughly equivalent to 6 inches or about 16 centimeters. “door against door.” : This is crucial! He’s comparing the width of two doors side-by-side. So, what does this all tell us? Ezekiel was describing a massive and incredibly detailed measurement of a gate. It's like a huge, precise blueprint or record. The Significance (and why it’s important): This verse is often interpreted as a promise of divine judgment against the nations of Israel. Here’s the general idea: The Gate as a Symbol: In Jewish tradition, a gate is a symbol of entry and exit – a boundary between worlds. The Measurement Represents Judgment: Ezekiel’s meticulous measurement signifies that God is intensely focused on punishing those who have disobeyed him. It’s a clear and unambiguous message of judgment. Important Note: It's important to remember this is a symbolic description. It doesn’t mean the gates were physically large in the way we understand them today. It was a very, very precise measurement meant to show God's absolute control and judgment. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context (when was this verse written)? Discuss what it might symbolize in a broader biblical sense?

Definition: He made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the court round about the gate.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:14. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, it describes a massive wall or barrier being built around Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He made also posts of threescore cubits…” – This is where it gets a bit more figurative. "Cubits" are ancient units of measurement for walls and fortifications. “Posts of threescore cubits” means the wall was built with three cubits wide . “…even unto the post of the court round about the gate.” - This is the key part. “The post of the court” refers to the gate of Jerusalem, which was a very important and strategically significant point for defense. So, it means the wall extended all around the gate, creating a massive protective barrier. So, what’s the big picture? Ezekiel 40:14 describes God building a huge wall or defensive structure around Jerusalem as a sign of His judgment and a way to protect his people. It's like a powerful symbol of divine protection and separation. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, which ultimately led to its destruction. It’s a dramatic image of God’s power and his commitment to defend His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Or would you like me to provide a more detailed explanation of its symbolism?

Definition: And from the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate [were] fifty cubits.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:15. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a massive, incredibly long, and carefully planned construction project. “From the face of the gate of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate…” – Imagine a grand gateway or entrance. The “face” refers to the front of something. This describes a large, monumental structure that’s being built. "Into" means moving towards it. “…were fifty cubits.” - Cubits were units of measurement used in ancient times, particularly by the Israelites. “Fifty cubits” is a very precise number – roughly 6 feet (2.7 meters) long. So, putting it all together: Ezekiel 40:15 says that this massive construction project stretched out for fifty cubits – about 6 feet – in length. It’s a huge, deliberate building – likely a temple or a significant structure – that's being built near the entrance of the city of Jerusalem. What does this tell us? It’s a very powerful image! It suggests: Divine Plan: It shows God actively working to restore and rebuild something important. Order and Purpose: The precise measurement emphasizes that this construction is carefully planned and significant. Focus on Jerusalem: The building is happening near the heart of Jerusalem, highlighting its importance in God’s plan for His people. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story in the Bible about Israel's exile and God's plan to restore his relationship with them. It's a visual representation of God’s intention to bring back His people and establish a renewed covenant. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context surrounding this verse? Discuss its symbolism in more detail?

Definition: And [there were] narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows [were] round about inward: and upon [each] post [were] palm trees.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:16. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here's a simplified explanation: Essentially, it describes a protective system around the “little chambers” of Israel. Here's a breakdown of what each part means: “And [there were] narrow windows to the little chambers…” : This refers to the chambers within the walls of Jerusalem. It’s suggesting a time when there was a sense of vulnerability and perhaps even confinement for the people of Israel. “…and to their posts within the gate round about…” : Imagine a large, circular gate – that's the "gate around about." The “posts” are the walls surrounding it. This part emphasizes that these chambers were protected . “and likewise to the arches: : This refers to the archways (the corners of the buildings) that lined the streets and gateways of Jerusalem. “windows [were] round about inward: : This is the really significant part. The windows are round – meaning they face inwards, like a circle. This suggests a deliberate design to protect people within those chambers from outside threats. “and upon [each] post [were] palm trees.” : Finally, each of these windows is topped with a palm tree! Palm trees are often associated with God’s power and protection – they symbolize the strength and security that God provides. So, what does this all mean? The verse paints a picture of a time when Israel was shielded by divine protection. It suggests a period of relative safety and stability for the people, symbolized by the presence of these protective walls and trees. It’s about God actively safeguarding his people. In short: Ezekiel 40:16 describes a carefully designed system of walls and windows to protect Israel from external threats, using palm trees as a visual representation of God's strength. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism behind this passage in more detail?

Definition: Then brought he me into the outward court, and, lo, [there were] chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about: thirty chambers [were] upon the pavement.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:17. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is creating a HUGE, beautiful space for His people – specifically, the Jewish people – to worship Him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 40:17 Then brought he me into the outward court…” - This refers to a special place where God would meet with his people. “Outward court” means a large, open space outside of Jerusalem – think of it as a grand hall or courtyard. “…and, lo, [there were] chambers, and a pavement made for the court round about:” - This is the key part! "Lo" is a word that means “then” or “indeed.” So, it’s like saying “And, indeed, there were…” This indicates that God is actually building something. “Chambers” suggests private spaces for worship and reflection. “A pavement made for the court round about:” – This means God is creating a circular pathway around this space. It's a big, paved area that goes all the way around, making it a comfortable and secure place to gather. “Thirty chambers [were] upon the pavement.” - This tells us there are thirty distinct spaces within this large courtyard. This is a really significant number – it’s like saying God is creating a very, very comfortable and well-organized space for His people to be in close proximity to Him. So, what's the big picture? The verse suggests that God is preparing a special place specifically for his people - a place where they can feel connected with Him and worship Him more intimately. It’s a visual representation of a dedicated sanctuary for His followers. Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as a promise of a future, glorious reunion between God and his people. It’s a sign that God is actively working to bring about the restoration of Israel and to strengthen his relationship with them. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 40? Discuss the symbolism behind this verse in more detail? Or perhaps explore why this passage is considered important in biblical prophecy?

Definition: And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates [was] the lower pavement.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:18. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a beautiful and peaceful landscape around the gates of Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it part by part: “And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the length of the gates” : This refers to the outer edges of Jerusalem's walls. Imagine a wide, paved pathway extending all the way around the city. “[was] the lower pavement” : This is the key part! The “pavement” isn’t just any pavement; it’s lower than the rest of the area. It’s smoother and more inviting. So, what does this suggest? The Bible uses this imagery to paint a picture of a time when God is setting aside Jerusalem as a place of peace and welcome. It's like saying: "Let's create a beautiful, comfortable space for the people of Jerusalem." Why is it significant? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is preparing to restore Jerusalem after its exile. It’s about creating a welcoming environment for the returning Jewish community. It’s important to note: The exact meaning and symbolism are debated among scholars, but this is the most widely accepted interpretation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss a particular aspect of this passage (like its symbolism)?