Ezekiel 46:23
And there was a row of building round about in them, round about them four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows round about.
Original Language Analysis
סָבִֽיב׃
in them round about
H5439
סָבִֽיב׃
in them round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
2 of 10
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
סָבִֽיב׃
in them round about
H5439
סָבִֽיב׃
in them round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
4 of 10
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
עָשׂ֔וּי
and it was made
H6213
עָשׂ֔וּי
and it was made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִתַּ֥חַת
H8478
מִתַּ֥חַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
8 of 10
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
Historical Context
Ancient temple complexes included kitchens for preparing sacrificial meals—archaeological evidence from multiple sites. Priests ate portions of offerings (Leviticus 6-7); worshipers ate peace offerings (Leviticus 7:15-18). These meals required cooking facilities. Ezekiel's detailed description shows that even mundane activities (cooking) within temple service are holy. This sanctifies ordinary work when done unto the Lord.
Questions for Reflection
- What does including cooking facilities in sacred space teach about work's sacredness?
- How does practical service (kitchens) support worship (altars)?
- How can ordinary labor become sacred service?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And there was a row of building round about in them, round about them four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows round about—The corner courts had טוּר (ṭûr, 'a row') of structures סָבִיב (sābîb, 'round about') with מְבַשְּׁלוֹת (mĕbashshĕlôt, 'boiling places') built in.
These were kitchen facilities for preparing sacrificial meals. Practical infrastructure enables worship: cooking areas for processing offerings. This demonstrates that sacred service requires mundane logistics. God concerns Himself with both altar and kitchen, worship and work. New Testament parallel: deacons serving tables (Acts 6:1-6) freed apostles for prayer and teaching—both ministries essential. Practical service is sacred when done for God's glory (Colossians 3:23-24).