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Ezekiel 40:1

KJV

In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.

Read it in context The Man with a Measuring Rod
Start reading at Ezekiel 40:1 (Ezekiel 40:1 to Ezekiel 40:4). An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.

This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final vision describes the temple, worship, life-giving waters, and the land. Its interpretation should be distinguished from what the vision itself depicts.

  1. 40:1 In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten, in the selfsame day the hand of the LORD was upon me, and brought me thither.
  2. 40:2 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south.
  3. 40:3 And he brought me thither, and, behold, there was a man, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.
  4. 40:4 And the man said unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: Ezekiel 40:1, Ezekiel 40:4, Ezekiel 34:11, Ezekiel 34:23, John 10:11

Who wrote it, and how we know

Ezekiel the prophet Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book is written in the first person by Ezekiel the priest. Ezekiel 1:1Ezekiel 1:3
Early traditionTradition names Ezekiel.
What is debatedSome scholars propose later editing.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

Macro-Structure of Ezekiel

Ezekiel locates his ministry among the exiles and dates many visions by years of captivity. Symbolic acts and visions require attention to their stated explanations; a modern identification is not supplied merely by the presence of a symbol.

Ezekiel 1:1 Ezekiel 1:2 Ezekiel 1:3

The vision and commission
Ezekiel 1:1–3:27

FocusGlory, the scroll, and responsibility

Connection to the wholeThe opening vision and commission establish Ezekiel's task among the exiles and his responsibility to speak the LORD's words.
interpretation
Judgment on Jerusalem
Ezekiel 4:1–24:27

FocusSigns, visions, and covenant unfaithfulness

Connection to the wholeA sustained sequence of signs and messages exposes Jerusalem's sin and announces the coming disaster.
interpretation
Oracles against the nations
Ezekiel 25:1–32:32

FocusThe surrounding powers judged

Connection to the wholeThe messages address neighboring peoples and powerful kingdoms, showing that judgment is not confined to Jerusalem.
interpretation
After the fall: responsibility and restoration
Ezekiel 33:1–39:29

FocusShepherding, cleansing, and renewed life

Connection to the wholeThe messages turn toward restoration while preserving individual responsibility and the LORD's judgment against hostile powers.
interpretation
The vision of temple and land
Ezekiel 40:1–48:35 You are here · 40:1

FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence

Connection to the wholeThe final vision describes the temple, worship, life-giving waters, and the land. Its interpretation should be distinguished from what the vision itself depicts.
interpretation

Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.

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