Definition: And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured [each] post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate [was] three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:48. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is setting up a special, fortified entrance or "porch" for the people of Israel. He’s carefully designing it to protect them from enemies. Let's look at the details: “And he brought me to the porch of the house…” : This establishes that God is deliberately positioning himself in a specific location – a “house” or a place of comfort and safety for Israel. “…and measured [each] post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side:” This is where it gets more symbolic. "Cubits" are ancient units of measurement used in Ancient Near Eastern times. “Five cubits” means God is setting up a specific and precise line – like a wall or fence – around the entrance. “…and the breadth of the gate [was] three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.” This tells us about the size of the gate itself. “Breadth” means width. It’s saying the gate is slightly wider than it should be – it's designed to be strong and secure. Overall Meaning - A Protective Barrier: The entire verse describes God establishing a protective barrier around Israel. It’s not just about building walls; it’s about creating a fortified space where God will protect his people from harm. Why is this important? This passage is often interpreted as a sign of God's care and protection for his people, especially during times of great threat. It suggests that God is actively working to defend Israel and ensure their safety and prosperity. Important Note: This is a complex verse with a lot of layers of meaning. It’s not always easy to fully understand the significance without deeper study of the surrounding text in Ezekiel. --- Do you want me to: Explain any particular part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories or themes in the Bible?