16 He measured the east side [1] with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. 17 He measured the north side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. 18 He measured the south side, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed. 19 He turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed. 20 He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall round about, five hundred reeds long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.
16 He measured the east side with the measuring rod; it was five hundred cubits.
16 He measured the east side with the measuring reed, 500 cubits by the measuring reed all around. 17 He measured the north side, 500 cubits by the measuring reed all around. 18 He measured the south side, 500 cubits by the measuring reed. 19 Then he turned to the west side and measured, 500 cubits by the measuring reed. 20 He measured it on the four sides. It had a wall around it, cubits long and cubits broad, to make a separation between the holy and the common.
16 Using his measuring stick, he measured the east side: eight hundred seventy-five feet. 17 He measured the north side: eight hundred seventy-five feet. 18 He measured the south side: eight hundred seventy-five feet. 19 Last of all he went to the west side and measured it: eight hundred seventy-five feet. 20 He measured the wall on all four sides. Each wall was eight hundred seventy-five feet. The walls separated the holy from the ordinary.
16 He measured the east side with the measuring rod, five hundred rods by the measuring rod all around. 17 He measured the north side, five hundred rods by the measuring rod all around. 18 He measured the south side, five hundred rods by the measuring rod. 19 He came around to the west side and measured five hundred rods by the measuring rod. 20 He measured it on the four sides; it had a wall all around, five hundred cubits long and five hundred wide, to separate the holy areas from the common.
16 He measured the east side with his measuring rod, and it was 875Â feet long. 17 Then he measured the north side, and it was also 875Â feet. 18 The south side was also 875Â feet, 19 and the west side was also 875Â feet. 20 So the area was 875Â feet on each side with a wall all around it to separate what was holy from what was common.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 42:16-29
Chapter Summary
In this chapter are described the priests' chambers, their use, and the dimensions of the holy mount on which the temple stood. These chambers were many. Jesus said, In my Father's house are many mansions: in his house on earth there are many; multitudes, by faith, are lodging in his sanctuary, and yet there is room. These chambers, though private, were near the temple. Our religious services in our chambers, must prepare for public devotions, and further us in improving them, as our opportunities are.