Ezekiel 40 44

Ezekiel 40:44 kjv

And without the inner gate were the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south: one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.

Ezekiel 40:44 nkjv

Outside the inner gate were the chambers for the singers in the inner court, one facing south at the side of the northern gateway, and the other facing north at the side of the southern gateway.

Ezekiel 40:44 niv

Outside the inner gate, within the inner court, were two rooms, one at the side of the north gate and facing south, and another at the side of the south gate and facing north.

Ezekiel 40:44 esv

On the outside of the inner gateway there were two chambers in the inner court, one at the side of the north gate facing south, the other at the side of the south gate facing north.

Ezekiel 40:44 nlt

Inside the inner courtyard were two rooms, one beside the north gateway, facing south, and the other beside the south gateway, facing north.

Ezekiel 40 verses

Ezekiel 40 44 Meaning

This verse describes a specific location within the visionary temple: the chambers for the singers on the north side. It designates the space north of the gateway, specifically within the inner court, as the area reserved for those who perform the music in worship.

Ezekiel 40 44 Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of a new temple, given to him during the Babylonian exile. The vision's purpose was to provide hope and a blueprint for a future restoration. Chapter 40 describes the immense, meticulously detailed measurements and specifications of this visionary temple complex, starting with the outer structures and moving inward. The specific placement of chambers for singers in the inner court highlights the continued importance of musical worship in God's dwelling place. This vision contrasts sharply with the ruined state of the Jerusalem temple at the time, offering a glimpse of future divine presence and perfected worship.

Ezekiel 40 44 Word Analysis

• "and" (Hebrew: וְ, wə): A conjunction, linking this verse to previous descriptions, indicating continuation.

• "within" (Hebrew: וּבַ, ūḇa): Combination of the conjunction 'wə' and the preposition 'b' (in/at/with).

• "the inner court" (Hebrew: הֶחָצֵר הַפְּנִימִית, haḥāṣer hapənīmît): Refers to the most sacred area within the temple precincts, accessible only to priests. It signifies proximity to God's presence.

• "were" (Hebrew: הָיוּ, hāyû): The imperfect verb indicating existence or state.

• "chambers" (Hebrew: לְשָׁכֹת, ləšākōt): Plural of šākîn, meaning dwelling, resting place, or chamber. Implies rooms or apartments.

• "for the singers" (Hebrew: לַמְשֹׁרְרִים, laməšōrərîm): Preposition 'l' (for/to) + definite article 'ha' + mešōrēr, meaning singer or musician. Directly points to the function of the chambers.

• "the sons of Asaph" (Hebrew: לִבְנֵי אָסָף, liḇnê ’Âsāp): Refers to a specific Levitical family group designated for temple music by King David (1 Chronicles 25:1-7). This links the new temple's structure to established practices of worship.

• "northward" (Hebrew: צָפֹנָה, ṣāpōnâ): Indicating the direction. In temple symbolism, the north can sometimes have varied meanings, but here it designates a specific location within the temple layout.

• Words Group Analysis:

  • "chambers for the singers the sons of Asaph": This grouping specifies both the function and the designated personnel for these rooms. It underscores that even in the ideal, divinely ordained worship space, there is a dedicated structure for the organized practice and performance of music by a recognized lineage of worship leaders.
  • "on the north side of the gate": This location is precise within the larger structure of the inner court, further detailing the arrangement of sacred space. The precise placement suggests intentionality in the design, perhaps related to access or the flow of worship activities.

Ezekiel 40 44 Bonus Section

The sons of Asaph were chief musicians established by David, signifying an ancient lineage of worship leadership entrusted with leading praise. Their inclusion in the vision for the new temple suggests that continuity and appointed roles are valued even in eschatological worship. This is important because, for the exiled Israelites, remembering and performing the temple rituals, including music, was a way to maintain their identity and hope for restoration. The detailed specifications in Ezekiel’s vision go beyond mere architectural plans; they represent a re-establishment of order, holiness, and the active presence of God. The location "northward" might allude to heavenly worship, or simply a specific layout necessity in the vast design. The precision serves to emphasize that in God's perfect dwelling, everything is ordered for His glory and the edification of His people.

Ezekiel 40 44 Commentary

The presence of dedicated chambers for the singers, specifically linked to the sons of Asaph, within the inner court of Ezekiel's visionary temple, reaffirms the integral role of music and praise in corporate worship. This is not an incidental feature but a structurally appointed space. It echoes the Levitical system where designated families were responsible for the musical portions of worship (1 Chronicles 25). The vision provides a restorative image for a people exiled, many of whom would have yearned for the sounds of temple worship. This concept is powerfully fulfilled in the New Testament understanding of believers as living stones and temples of the Holy Spirit, where praise arises through them continually (Hebrews 13:15). The "sons of Asaph" point to the continuity of divinely appointed service, fulfilled in Christ and the universal priesthood of believers.