Read & explore together
The North Gate
Ezekiel 40:20–23 describes the gate of the outer court that faces north with careful measurements and repeated features. By comparing this gate with others, the passage helps readers notice order, correspondence, and clear spacing between gates.
Understanding the passage
The setting of this message
These verses continue a measured description by turning to the outer court gate that faces north. The text compares this gate with the first gate and with the gate facing east, then gives the distance to a gate of the inner court that faces it. The focus stays on position, features, and measurement.
Ezekiel 40:20–23Main takeaway
This passage presents the north gate as a carefully measured part of an ordered arrangement within the outer and inner courts.
Explore the message
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01The north-facing gate is measuredThe passage begins by naming the gate of the outer court that faces north and stating that its length and width were measured.
Explanation
The passage begins by naming the gate of the outer court that faces north and stating that its length and width were measured. This gives both direction and precision. The gate is identified by where it faces and by the fact that its dimensions matter in the description.
02Its pattern matches the first gateVerse 21 lists the gate’s lodges, with three on one side and three on the other. Its posts and arches were the same measure as the first gate.
Explanation
Verse 21 lists the gate’s lodges, with three on one side and three on the other. Its posts and arches were the same measure as the first gate. The verse then states the gate’s own dimensions plainly: fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide.
03It also matches the east-facing gateVerse 22 says that its windows, arches, and palm trees were the same as those of the gate facing east.
Explanation
Verse 22 says that its windows, arches, and palm trees were the same as those of the gate facing east. The repeated features show correspondence between gates. The verse also adds that people went up to it by seven steps, with its arches before them.
04The inner court gate faces it at a set distanceVerse 23 explains the position of a gate to the inner court. It faced the other gate on the north and on the east.
Explanation
Verse 23 explains the position of a gate to the inner court. It faced the other gate on the north and on the east. The measured distance from gate to gate was one hundred cubits. The description joins direction and distance to make the arrangement easier to follow.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What details show that the north gate corresponded with other gates?
Notice each place where the passage says features were ‘the same as the measure’ and identify which gates are being compared.
02Which parts of the description are counted or measured?
List the three lodges on each side, the gate’s length and width, the seven steps, and the one hundred cubits from gate to gate.
03How does verse 23 help you picture the relationship between the two courts?
Use the words ‘facing’ and ‘one hundred cubits from gate to gate’ to describe where the inner court gate stood.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Ezekiel 40:20–23
20He measured the length and width of the gate of the outer court which faces toward the north.
21The lodges of it were three on this side and three on that side. Its posts and its arches were the same as the measure of the first gate: its length was fifty cubits, and the width twenty-five cubits.
22Its windows, its arches, and its palm trees were the same as the measure of the gate which faces toward the east. They went up to it by seven steps. Its arches were before them.
23There was a gate to the inner court facing the other gate, on the north and on the east. He measured one hundred cubits from gate to gate.