Wschodnia brama zewnętrzna (Ez 40,6-16; 44,1-3)

Abstract

Ezekiel is one of Israel’s greatest prophets and theologians. The central event of Ezekiel’s ministry and the starting point of his theology was the fall of Jerusalem. The main aim of chapters 40-48 is to present an ideal picture of Jerusalem, the temple and the land of Israel in which Yahweh lives in harmony with his people. In Ez 40:6-16 we are told what was to be expected in view of man’s position at the gate, namely the measurement of the gate structure by which access was to be gained to the temple area. After the total measuring of the gate, Ezekiel provides two further details concerning the lighting and the decoration of the interior of the gate. In Ez 44:1-3, the prophet continues the temple tour from the preceding chapters (Ez 40-43). Ezekiel is impressed by the sight of the closed east gate. He declares, because Yahweh has passed through this gate, that it is henceforth barred to all human traffic. Yahweh will reside among the descendants of Israel forever. No enemy, either human or divine, will ever crash his sacred residence or remove him from his throne. Only Yahweh may enter from the outside.