Ezekiel Chapter 40 Analysis

Ezekiel chapter 40 begins with the prophet Ezekiel being taken in the spirit from Babylon to the land of Israel. He was set on top of a very high mountain and saw with his eyes, heard with his ears and set his heart upon all that was shown unto him (Eze 40:1-4 KJV). Ezekiel records the precise time this vision was given, 572 BC, which was 14 years after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC (Bailey, “Ezekiel” 305). Ezekiel was shown a Temple that will be built upon earth after the 2nd Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ which will be the center of worship during the 1000 year reign of Christ (Bailey, “Ezekiel” 311). He was shown the details including directional layout, gates, steps, chambers, tables, windows, as well as being given precise measurements. This is reminiscent of the pattern of the Tabernacle being given to Moses upon Mount Sinai, who was faithful to build according to the pattern given.

This measuring reed was 6 cubits long “and an handbreadth” (Eze 40:5), although according to Ezekiel 41:8, a full reed was measured at 6 great cubits. Dr. Brian Bailey calls this a “royal cubit”, which is confirmed because according to Oregon Rule Co., the "Royal Cubit" was always one handbreadth longer than the common cubit (Bailey, “Ezekiel” 314; Cubit History). The royal cubit standard of measure is significant because Jesus Christ, the King of kings will reign in this Temple during the Millennium, and those who enter will be kings and priests, having qualified to rule and reign with Him during this 1000 years on earth. The Bible is clear that those who have a part in the First Resurrection will be blessed and holy and will be priests of God and shall reign with Him 1000 years (Bailey, “Dwellings” 190; Rev 20:6). Therefore in order to have a part in the Millennium, one must understand the truths associated with these measurements (Bailey, “Ezekiel”