Ezekiel 43:14
“From the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser settle even to the greater settle shall be four cubits, and the breadth one cubit.”
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is describing the measurements of a specific area within the future temple. This portion of the book of Ezekiel contains a detailed vision that the prophet received from God regarding the restoration of the temple and its worship practices. To understand this verse better, it is helpful to provide some context.
In the earlier chapters of Ezekiel, the prophet is given a vision of the glory of the Lord departing from the temple due to the disobedience and idolatry of the people of Israel. However, in later chapters, Ezekiel is shown a vision of the restoration of the temple and the return of God’s glory.
Now, let’s break down the verse: “From the bottom upon the ground even to the lower settle shall be two cubits…”
This part of the verse is referring to the foundation or base of an altar. The “bottom upon the ground” signifies the foundation, and the “lower settle” is a raised surface or platform. The measurement given is two cubits, which is approximately three feet or 91 centimeters.
“…and the breadth one cubit…”
The breadth or width of this lower settle is described as one cubit, which is approximately 18 inches or 46 centimeters.
“…and from the lesser settle even to the greater settle shall be four cubits…”
Here, Ezekiel describes another set of measurements. The “lesser settle” is a platform or step that is higher than the previous one mentioned, and the “greater settle” is a higher step or platform. The measurement given is four cubits, which is approximately six feet or 183 centimeters. This indicates an increasing elevation as one moves from the lesser settle to the greater settle.
“…and the breadth one cubit.”
Similar to the previous measurement, the width of both the lesser settle and the greater settle is given as one cubit, which is approximately 18 inches or 46 centimeters.
It is important to note that the details provided in this verse are specific to the vision and instructions given to Ezekiel regarding the temple. These measurements and structures may not directly apply to our modern-day understanding of worship practices or physical temples. They were given to Ezekiel to convey the grandeur and significance of the future temple, and to illustrate the order and reverence that God desired in the worship of His people.
In summary, Ezekiel 43:14 describes the measurements and dimensions of specific elements within the future temple as revealed in the prophet’s vision. These details emphasize the importance of order and reverence in worshiping God. While the verse may not have immediate application to our lives today, it reminds us of God’s desire for His people to approach Him with reverence and in accordance with His instructions.
