Ezekiel 42:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is noteworthy that, in comparison to the east and north winds, the sequence of south and west winds is reversed in the Septuagint, presenting the west first, then the south, while the Jewish tradition cites the south before the west.

The scripture states that upon finishing the measurements of the inner sanctuary, he brought me out through the east-facing gate, indicating that all previously mentioned details about both the outer and inner sections of the temple, especially the Holy of Holies, pertain to the temple's structure itself. Consequently, the fact that he led me out through the gate facing east and took measurements around it suggests that it is not merely the physical building that is being assessed, but rather a representation of the house, confirming our current understanding—like looking into a mirror, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:12. When the perfect arrives, that which is partial will be put away (1 Cor. 13:10).

Therefore, both Moses in constructing the tabernacle and Solomon in building the temple did not erect the true heavenly tabernacle but instead created imitations to help us comprehend the realities of the spiritual realm. The guide who brought the prophet did so not through the outer courtyard but through the eastern gate, measuring first on the northern side, then continuing clockwise through the north, south, and west, totaling five hundred cubits for each side, resulting in a collective count of two thousand cubits. Given that one cubit equals six cubits and one sixth of a cubit, the overall measurement rounds up to two thousand cubits, translating into twelve thousand three hundred thirty-three and one-third cubits.

An astute reader can refer to the book of Jesaja for insight on how this measurement is applied near the cities. Notably, the number chosen by the legion of demons during the swine’s demise (Luke 8) emphasizes that one appointed for divine service, according to the Lord's command, may serve not only for the sanctification of the faithful but also as a warning against a life of sin and impurity.

The extensive external wall, remarkably vast on all sides, symbolizes the number of the apostles, totaling twelve thousand, assigning a thousand to each apostle, underscoring that one cannot truly attain the completeness found in Christ (Eph. 4:13) without incorporating the additional three hundred thirty-three and one-third cubits—which symbolize the sacred mystery of the Holy Trinity, enveloping and safeguarding all things, ensuring the inhabitants of this divine temple remain secure. The dimensions of Noah's ark, which measured three hundred cubits long and thirty cubits high with an additional cubit at the top (Gen. 5), reflects this same divine order; the fifty cubits in width represent the principle of forgiveness.

This also correlates with the Lord’s age of thirty years during His baptism, as noted by the prophet who commences his writings by marking the thirtieth year. Hence, the figure of three hundred and thirty is completed by the addition of three and one-third. In both the Septuagint and our texts, the phrase regarding measuring the wall around all sides—five hundred cubits in length and width—is not recorded in the Hebrew; rather, it emphasizes the measure in canes in accordance with the earlier references of five hundred cubits on each of the four sides: east, north, south, and west. The significance of the five hundred, adjacent to the fiftieth, harkens back to the doctrine of total absolution as detailed in Leviticus 25, resonating with the Lord’s declaration about the two debtors: one owing five hundred denarii, the other five hundred and fifty (Luke 7:41). This wall clearly delineates the sanctuary from the area reserved for the people, demonstrating that the entire temple structure detailed above was designed for the priests' service, emphasizing the great expanse and the fundamental separation it created between the sacred and the common.