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Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 42 - Verse 20

42:20
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.

Meaning

The verse describes the detailed measurements of a wall that surrounds the sanctuary, separating it from the profane place. The wall is five hundred reeds long and five hundred reeds broad, emphasizing the importance of the boundaries and the distinction between the sacred and the secular. This separation highlights the holiness of the sanctuary, emphasizing its significance and purity. The measurements serve as a symbolic representation of the divine order and separation between the holy and the ordinary. They reinforce the idea of sanctity and the need for reverence in approaching the sacred. Overall, this verse underscores the importance of respecting the boundaries set by God and recognizing the sanctity of the sacred space.

Theological Overview

One interesting aspect of this verse is the measurement provided for the separation between the sanctuary and the profane place. The use of measurements, such as five hundred reeds long and five hundred reeds broad, suggests a specific and deliberate design for the implementation of this boundary. The theological interpretation of this separation could be seen as emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between sacred and secular spaces. This separation echoes the concept of holiness found throughout the Bible, where certain spaces are designated as sacred and set apart for worship and communion with God. By having a measured boundary between the sanctuary and the profane place, it emphasizes the need for reverence and respect for the sacred while also acknowledging the existence of the profane. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and upholding the sacredness of spaces dedicated to the worship of God.

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