Sefer Yechezekel ספר יחזקאל Book of Ezekiel Study Lesson 21 (ch. 40-41)

1. What is significant of the dates given in vs 1; explain them and put it into context on the “very day” that Ezekiel was given this vision; and what is the vision about/concerning?

2. Explain – what is a cubit, and how many cubits is the measuring rod in the “man’s hand”?

3. Explain the gate that faced east, what was unique about it and what was similar about it compared to the 2nd Temple in the past?

4. Explain the symbolic meaning of the Pillars, what do they have to do with terebinths and oak, and why?

5. What is problematic with the translation of vs. 15, and how is the gate size compared with the 2nd Temple previously?

6. What is the meaning of “shuttered windows” in the gate, in vs. 16, what were they used for and why is their description strange?


7. In vs. 19, we are told that the width of the outer courtyard to the exterior of the gate of the Inner was 100 cubits – how does this compare with the 2nd Temple previously?


8. Why are the porches “all around” and why do they face each other?


9. How many steps were there on each porch, 7 or 8?


10. Vs. 10 shows 8 steps on this stairway – what also does this have to do with the Psalms sung by the Levites?


11. What is significant about the placement of the North Gate chambers and the 8 tables?  What was this area used for, and why placed at this location?


12. What was the purpose of the chamber that faces towards the south, what was it used for, and how was it different than in the 2nd Temple?


13. What is the “inner room” for, what is it called by name, what happens there, and how did it differ from both Solomon’s Temple as well as the 2nd?


14. What are vs. 5-15 describing (what part of the Temple Mt); and what are the challenges with understanding this section of the chapter for us?


15. Explain the symbolism and meaning of the cheruvim and palm trees on the panels and where they are placed?