Ezekiel 42:20 - Exposition

To make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane. In these words the prophet indicates the purpose designed to be served by this particular wall; and although it may be said the outer court divided between the "sanctuary," or that which was holy , and the "profane," or that which was common, yet a more decided separation would assuredly be made by extending in the way described the precincts of the house. The objections usually offered to the view which regards the present measurements as those of a larger quadrangle encompassing the outer court, are not sufficient to make that view impossible.

See drawing, The Temple and Its Precincts

Legend for the Temple and Its Precincts

C, temple court, 500 cubits square

P, the temple precincts, 3000 cubits square.

See drawing, The Ground Plan of the Temple

Legend for the Ground Plan of the Temple

N. G etc; gateways.

O, outer court.

P, pavement.

K, cooking-chambers for the priests.

B, boiling-houses for the people.

c, chambers on the pavement.

G, the gizrah.

C, priests' chambers.

F, fence.

I, inner court.

E. G N. G S. G gates.

A, altar of sacrifice.

W, watchers' chambers.

HP and H, the house.