Ezekiel 41:5
After he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Solomon's temple had side chambers three stories high, expanding at each level (1 Kings 6:5-10), similar to Ezekiel's vision. These chambers stored temple vessels, priestly garments, tithes, and offerings (1 Chronicles 9:26-33, Nehemiah 10:37-39). The six-cubit walls compare to ancient fortress walls designed to withstand siege. Archaeological excavations show Bronze Age Canaanite temple walls averaging 4-6 feet thick; Ezekiel's six cubits (10.5 feet) exceeds typical construction, emphasizing strength. The side chambers' four-cubit width provided functional space while maintaining wall integrity. Ancient architecture balanced functionality (useful space) with stability (structural strength). The temple's substantial construction demonstrated that God's house deserved excellence, not minimal acceptable standards.
Questions for Reflection
- How thick are your spiritual 'walls'—protecting devotion to God from worldly corruption through strong disciplines?
- What 'side chambers' in your life store spiritual resources (Scripture memory, prayer habits, fellowship) for ministry?
- Does your commitment to God's kingdom reflect minimal acceptable effort or excellence that honors His worthiness?
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Analysis & Commentary
The temple wall's thickness—'six cubits'—and side chambers' width—'four cubits round about'—demonstrate substantial construction. The Hebrew קִיר (qir, 'wall') of six cubits (approximately 10.5 feet thick) provided massive structural support and symbolized impenetrable protection. This wasn't flimsy construction but fortress-strength walls guarding God's holiness. The four-cubit side chambers (approximately seven feet wide) housed temple treasuries, priestly storage, and support facilities. The four-sided distribution ('round about') indicates comprehensive provision on all sides. Reformed theology sees thick walls as picturing God's protecting presence—'I will be unto her a wall of fire round about' (Zechariah 2:5). The church, as God's temple, receives His protection against hell's gates (Matthew 16:18).