Ezekiel 42:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It should be noted that the Septuagint presents a different order concerning the five hundred reeds, placing the west before the south, calculating from the sea; the Jewish tradition, however, lists the south first, followed by the west. The statement that, upon finishing the measurements of the inner sanctuary, he led me out through the east gate indicates that all earlier references to both the outer and inner features pertain to the temple's structure, including the Most Holy Place. Thus, it follows: he brought me out through the east gate and measured the surrounding spaces akin to a house. This signifies that the entity scrutinized is not the actual house, but a representation akin to it, for we presently see as one gazes into a mirror dimly (1 Cor 13:12); when the perfect arrives, that which is partial shall be set aside (1 Cor 13:10). Therefore, both Moses with the tabernacle and Solomon with the temple did not construct the true tabernacle, but rather a likeness, enabling us to comprehend heavenly realities through earthly representations. The individual who escorted the prophet did not lead him into the outer court but guided him through the east gate, first measuring the northern side, then the southern, and finally the western side, encompassing the walls on all four sides, which collectively measured two thousand cubits. If the cane measured six cubits and one sixth of a cubit, it is evident that the outer wall measured two thousand canes in total, translating to twelve thousand three hundred and thirty-three and a third of two thousand cubits. The discerning reader of the book of Jesus will discover how these measurements are observed in the region surrounding the cities. Furthermore, the demon’s legion selected this same number during the swine's destruction (Luke 8), to delineate those who are set apart for divine service from those who dwell in impurity. The outer wall, expansive and vast on all sides, encapsulates the number of the apostles, summing to twelve thousand, assigning each apostle a representation of one thousand. One does not achieve the fullness of Christ and become a mature individual (Eph 4:13), unless one includes the aforementioned one hundred and thirty-three cubits and one third of a cubit, symbolizing the mystery of the holy and revered Trinity, which surrounds and safeguards the inhabitants of its temple. Hence, the dimensions of Noah’s ark indicate three hundred cubits in length and thirty cubits in height, culminating in one cubit (Gen 5). The additional fifty cubits in width signify, as has been discussed, the ordinance of absolution. Also, the Lord, at thirty years of age, approached baptism, reflecting the commencement of this prophetic narrative. This triad of three hundred and thirty is finalized with an addition of three and one-third. The description stating that he measured the wall on all sides to a length of five hundred cubits and a width of five hundred is not present in the Hebrew text; instead, it simply notes the length and breadth of five hundred, suggesting an implication of cubits, as previously noted with the measuring cane for each side—east, north, south, and west, measuring five hundred cubits. The five hundred, nearly reaching the fiftieth, relates to the forgiveness of sins, as evidenced in the Old Testament (Lev 25) and echoed in the Savior's words about two debtors (Luke 7:41). The wall effectively separated the sacred space from the area intended for the congregation. Thus, we recognize that the entire temple structure described serves the priests, with this wall, encompassing a substantial area, delineating the sanctuary from the gathering place of the people.