Definition: He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall round about, five hundred [reeds] long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 42:20. It's a really interesting and symbolic description of how God was setting up a boundary for His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is creating a protective wall around His sanctuary (a place of holiness and worship). Here’s a more detailed explanation: “He measured it…” : God is carefully surveying and assessing this space. “…by the four sides…” : This refers to all four corners of the area he's establishing. “…it had a wall round about…” : He’s building a solid, protective barrier around the space. “…five hundred [reeds] long, and five hundred broad…” : This is where it gets really interesting. “Reeds” are like large bundles of straw or reeds – think of them as long, wide pieces of wood. So, we're talking about a massive, incredibly long and wide wall made of these reeds. “…to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.” : This is the most important part. “Profane place” refers to anything that’s not holy or consecrated – things that are dirty, wicked, or outside of God's presence. God is creating a clear boundary between His sacred space (the sanctuary) and areas he deems unclean. What does this verse tell us about God? It suggests: Divine Protection: God is actively safeguarding His people and His sacred space from harm or corruption. Order and Separation: It’s a deliberate act of establishing order, boundaries, and separation – a way to keep things in their proper place. Focus on Holiness: It emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in God's creation. Important Note: This is a very symbolic description. It wasn’t meant to be taken literally in terms of building walls or fences. It's a powerful metaphor for God's unwavering commitment to protect His people and his sacred realm. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story?