The Veil of the Millennial Kingdom’s Temple (Ezekiel 41-42)

Other Details of the Temple (Ezekiel 41:6-26)

Ezekiel observed that there were side rooms three stories high, with 30 rooms on each floor (Ezekiel 41:6). A winding staircase connected the floors, extending from the ground floor to the upper floors (Ezekiel 41:7). The Temple’s foundation was elevated and stood 10.5 feet high (Ezekiel 41:8). There was also a separate building at the west end of the Temple, the purpose of which was not identified (Ezekiel 41:12). The Temple measured 175 feet square (Ezekiel 41:13-15).

The Décor of the Temple (Ezekiel 41:16-21)

The Temple’s walls, floor, and ceiling were covered with wood, as were the long, narrow windows (Ezekiel 41:16-17). The walls of the Temple were paneled with wood (Ezekiel 41:17) and carved with an alternating pattern of cherubim and palm trees (Ezekiel 41:18-20).

Before proceeding with our study, let’s pause to consider the missing veil of the millennial kingdom. From the Tabernacle through the Temple era, two veils separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Their purpose was to keep people from seeing or entering God’s presence, lest they die (Exodus 26:31-35). Yet the Gospels reveal that when Jesus Christ died on the Cross, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom. Why? Because Christ’s sacrifice removed the barrier between God, who is Holy, and sinners (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45; Romans 5:1-2; 1 Peter 3:18). The author of the Book of Hebrews explained that believers might now “enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…through the veil, that is to say, [Christ’s] flesh” who is our “High Priest over the house of God” (Hebrews 10:19-21).

The Furniture of the Temple (Ezekiel 41:21-26)

The inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle and of prior Temples (except Herod’s Temple) housed the Ark of the Covenant. Upon the Ark’s Mercy Seat were two cherubim facing one another (all gold-plated, Exodus 25:10; Exodus 37:1-9). This was the place of God’s presence on earth. (There is much debate about the Ark and its contents after the destruction of the Second Temple, and there is no indication that it was present in Herod’s Temple.)

Only a wooden altar was found in the most holy place of the Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 41:22). It may have been used for burning incense, and it measured 3.5 feet square and stood 5.25 feet tall. The veil of the earlier Temples was replaced by doors that served as a panel between the outer and inner sanctuary (Ezekiel 41:23-24). Carved cherubim and palm trees decorated the doors. Carved wood panels with palm trees covered the narrow windows (Ezekiel 41:25-26).

Ezekiel 42

Buildings for the Priests (Ezekiel 42:1-12; note Ezekiel 40:44-46)

Buildings designated for priests were located in the outer court of the Temple, adjacent to the inner court wall. These structures were three stories high, and their dimensions were recorded (Ezekiel 42:2-3b). The upper floors of these edifices were narrower, creating walkways on the second and third levels for the priests (Ezekiel 42:4-6). A separating wall distinguished the priests’ buildings from the outer court (Ezekiel 42:7-9). On the southern side of the Temple, there was a second building for the priests, identical in dimensions (Ezekiel 42:10-12).

The Purpose of the Priests’ Buildings (Ezekiel 42:13-20)

The structures designated for the priests served as facilities for their preparation for Temple duties. Referred to as “holy chambers” (Ezekiel 42:13), these chambers were utilized by the priests to ready themselves for ministry before the LORD. Furthermore, food offerings were stored and consumed within these “holy chambers” (Ezekiel 42:13). 

In addition, the priests used the “holy chambers” as changing rooms. There, we read, the priests were to change out of the “garments wherein they minister; for they are holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to those things which are for the people” (Ezekiel 42:14). The priests were not to wear their priestly robes outside the Temple complex. They were also not to wear their secular clothing when ministering for the LORD in His holy Temple.

Our Scripture reading concludes with Ezekiel following the angelic messenger out of the east gate, where the angel measured the wall surrounding the Temple area. The wall was perfectly squared, with the north, south, east, and west walls each 5,250 feet long (Ezekiel 42:15-20). The outer wall of the Temple complex separated the world from the LORD and His holy Temple.

Closing thoughts –

The Temple veil served as a barrier between sinners and God, who is holy and cannot be approached without a sacrificial offering. The veil remained in the Temple until Christ Himself, through His death, burial, and resurrection, became the veil through which humanity might pass into God’s Holy sanctuary (Hebrews 10:19-21).

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; ²¹And having an high priest [Jesus Christ] over the house of God; ²²Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19–22).