What does Ezekiel 43:17 mean?
"And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east." - Ezekiel 43:17
Ezekiel 43:17 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east."
This verse comes from the book of Ezekiel, which is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet. He lived during the time of the Babylonian exile, and his prophecies are characterized by vivid, symbolic imagery. The book of Ezekiel contains a series of visions that the prophet had, and these visions contain messages from God for the people of Israel.
In the immediate context of Ezekiel 43:17, the prophet Ezekiel is describing a vision he had of a new temple, which is understood to be a representation of the restoration and renewal of God's relationship with his people. In this particular verse, Ezekiel is providing detailed measurements for a settle in the temple. The settle is a piece of furniture that would be used for various purposes, such as seating or for ceremonial functions.
The specific measurements given in this verse, such as the fourteen cubits length and breadth of the settle, and the half cubit border around it, are meant to convey a sense of precision and order in the construction of the temple. This attention to detail reflects the importance of honoring God with excellence and reverence in every aspect of worship and service.
Symbolically, the measurements and design of the settle are also meant to reflect the holiness and perfection of God. The number fourteen is often associated with double perfection and is derived from the symbolically significant number seven. The symmetry and precision of the measurements convey an image of balance and harmony, which are reflective of the divine order and perfection of God's design for his temple and his people.
The fact that the stairs of the settle are to face toward the east is also significant. In ancient Jewish and Christian traditions, the east was associated with the rising sun and with the coming of the Messiah. In this context, the eastward facing stairs can be seen as a symbol of spiritual ascent and the journey toward God. This imagery ties into the broader theme of spiritual renewal and restoration that is present throughout the book of Ezekiel.
Overall, Ezekiel 43:17 is a verse that speaks to the importance of honoring God with excellence and precision in worship and service. The precise measurements and design of the settle convey a sense of order and holiness, reflecting the divine perfection of God. The eastward facing stairs further symbolize the spiritual journey toward God and the hope of restoration that is at the heart of Ezekiel's message.
In a broader sense, this verse is part of a larger vision of the new temple, which serves as a symbol of the renewed relationship between God and his people. Through the detailed descriptions and symbolic imagery, Ezekiel conveys a message of hope and restoration, emphasizing the importance of honoring God with reverence and excellence. This vision ultimately points to the redemptive work of God and the promise of a new covenant that will bring about spiritual renewal and reconciliation for his people.
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Ezekiel 43:17 Artwork
Ezekiel 43:17 - "And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east."
"And the settle shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom thereof shall be a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east." - Ezekiel 43:17
Ezekiel 43:1 - "Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:"
Ezekiel 43:4 - "And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east."
Ezekiel 43:16 - "And the altar shall be twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof."
Ezekiel 43:15 - "So the altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar and upward shall be four horns."
Ezekiel 43:6 - "And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me."
Genesis 43:17 - "And the man did as Joseph bade; and the man brought the men into Joseph's house."
Ezekiel 23:43 - "Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them?"
Ezekiel 40:43 - "And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering."
Ezekiel 43:5 - "So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house."
Ezekiel 43:21 - "Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary."
Ezekiel 43:10 - "¶ Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern."
Ezekiel 43:22 - "And on the second day thou shalt offer a kid of the goats without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bullock."
Ezekiel 43:12 - "This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house."
Ezekiel 43:26 - "Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves." The image should not depict explicit or offensive content but be symbolic.
Ezekiel 43:9 - "Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever."
Ezekiel 43:2 - "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."
Ezekiel 43:23 - "When thou hast made an end of cleansing it, thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish."
Ezekiel 43:24 - "And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the LORD."
"Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves." - Ezekiel 43:26
Isaiah 43:17 - "Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow."
"And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory." - Ezekiel 43:2
Ezekiel 43:25 - "Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish."
Ezekiel 43:20 - "And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it."
Ezekiel 3:17
1 Samuel 17:43 - "And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods."
"Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:" - Ezekiel 43:1
Ezekiel 43:19 - "And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering."
"And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east." - Ezekiel 43:4