Ezekiel 40:20
And the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Multiple gates facilitated crowd management during feasts when thousands converged on Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:16). The north gate's measurement matching the east gate demonstrates architectural symmetry and equal access. Ancient Near Eastern temples typically had single entrances emphasizing exclusivity; Israel's multiple gates paradoxically combined restriction (only proper entrances allowed) with generosity (multiple access points provided). Nehemiah's rebuilt walls had numerous gates named for functions: Sheep Gate, Fish Gate, Valley Gate, Dung Gate (Nehemiah 3). Each gate served specific purposes while maintaining defensive integrity. The measuring of all gates comprehensively documents God's complete provision—nothing partial or incomplete in His house.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you recognize that God provides multiple 'gates' (opportunities, methods) for approaching Him while maintaining standards?
- How does comprehensive gate measurement challenge exclusivist assumptions that limit God's grace to narrow parameters?
- What does equal gate dimensioning teach about divine impartiality versus human favoritism?
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Analysis & Commentary
The systematic measuring continues—'the gate of the outward court that looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof'—documenting the northern gate. The comprehensive measurements (all four directional gates) demonstrate completeness—nothing omitted, access provided from all directions. The Hebrew צָפוֹן (tsaphon, 'north') carries theological significance (God's throne direction, Psalm 48:2) while also representing literal geography. The equal measuring of all gates teaches impartiality—God provides access equally regardless of approach direction. Reformed theology sees this as picturing gospel universality: salvation available to 'all nations' (Matthew 28:19), 'whosoever' (John 3:16), 'without respect of persons' (Acts 10:34).