THEOSISJerome of Stridon
And after he completed the measurements of the inner sanctuary, he guided me out through the gate that faces east and took measurements around it on every side. He measured against the eastern wind, using a measuring rod that was five hundred cubits in circumference. He also measured against the northern wind, again using the measuring rod, with a length of five hundred reeds. To the south, he measured five hundred reeds with the same rod, and finally, he measured five hundred reeds to the west. Thus, he measured the wall on all four sides, each measuring five hundred cubits in both length and width, which separates the holy place from the common area.
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It is noteworthy that while the Septuagint displays a different order for the winds, placing west before south, the Hebrew tradition cites south first followed by west. When the Scripture states that he led me out through the gate facing east, it indicates how both external and internal details regarding the temple pertain specifically to the sacred structure itself.
He brought me out through the eastern gate and took measurements all around, signifying that what is being examined is not merely the house but its representation. Just as we see in a mirror dimly, as referenced in 1 Corinthians 13:12, when completeness comes, the partial will cease to be. Therefore, neither Moses with the tabernacle nor Solomon with the temple constructed the true heavenly sanctuary; rather, they created representations that allow us to grasp the divine realities beyond this earthly realm. The one who guided the prophet did so not by taking him into the outer courtyard but through the eastern gate, taking the first measurement against the east, and subsequently from the north, south, and then west, thus measuring the surrounding walls, ultimately yielding a total of two thousand cubits.
If a cubit measures six cubits plus one small portion (the sixth part of a cubit), it is evident that the external wall measures two thousand cubits in total—this equates to twelve thousand three hundred and thirty-three cubits when brought into perspective. The astute reader will discover that this measurement aligns with what is prescribed in the vicinity of several cities as stated in the Gospel. Notably, the demons chose this number when they were cast into the swine, indicating that those who are appointed for God’s service might face destruction if they lead lives of moral impurity.
Furthermore, the external wall, vast in all dimensions, encapsulates a number corresponding to the apostles—twelve thousand in total, so that each apostle represents one thousand. To attain perfect unity in Christ as mentioned in Ephesians 4:13, it is necessary to include the additional number, which is three hundred and thirty-three cubits along with one-third of a cubit, symbolizing the mysterious nature of the Holy Trinity, which envelops and safeguards all creation. The dimensions of Noah’s Ark, lengthened to three hundred cubits and with a height of thirty cubits, culminating in an additional cubit, reflects this divine design. The fifty cubits in width symbolize the concept of absolution. Additionally, the Lord begins His earthly ministry at the age of thirty, which is underscored by the prophet at the inception of his book. The three hundred and thirtieth total is fulfilled with the inclusion of three and one-third cubits.
The phrase regarding the measurements of the wall—noted as being five hundred cubits in length and width—does not appear in the Hebrew texts but suggests a measurement of five hundred in length and five hundred in breadth, indicating cubits. This aligns with earlier measurements noted, where the one measuring assessed the walls on the east, north, south, and west, each measuring five hundred cubits. The significance of the five hundred, closely related to the concept of the fiftieth, relates to the forgiveness of sins as established in Leviticus 25 and reiterated by Jesus in the parable of the debtors in Luke 7:41. This wall distinguishes the sanctuary set aside for priests from the area designated for the common people.