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Ezekiel 40:42

KJV

And the four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.

Read it in context Eight Tables for Sacrifices
Start reading at Ezekiel 40:38 (Ezekiel 40:38 to Ezekiel 40:43). 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.

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. 40:38 And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.
  2. 40:39 And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.
  3. 40:40 And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of the north gate, were two tables; and on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables.
  4. 40:41 Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they slew their sacrifices.
  5. 40:42 And the four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad, and one cubit high: whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice.
  6. 40:43 And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering.

Who

What

When

Where

How

Cited: Ezekiel 40:38, Ezekiel 40:43, 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.

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 · 40:42

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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