Ezekiel's Temple

Features of the temple are described in detail in the book of Ezekiel,[1] in the form of a vision given to the prophet.

Physical characteristics of the multi-level wood-panelled structure such as gateways, outer and inner courts, side chambers and vestibules, archways, doors, windows, sanctuary and altar are described.

Details of decoration are given, for example cherubim and palm trees carved on the doors and walls.

Maimonides called it "the temple that will be built" and qualified these chapters of Ezekiel as complex for the common reader and even for the seasoned scholar.

Bible commentators who have ventured into explaining the design detail directly from the Hebrew Bible text include Rashi, David Kimhi, Yom-Tov Lipmann Heller, and Meir Leibush ben Yehiel Michal, who all produced slightly varying sketches of the temple envisioned by Ezekiel.

Schematic of Ezekiel's Temple drawn by Dutch architect Bartelmeüs Reinders, Sr. (1893–1979)
Temple floor sketch based on Rabbi Meir Leibush ben Yehiel Michal 's commentary to the Hebrew text of Ezekiel
Gateways of Ezekiel's Temple, as described in the Book of Ezekiel, drawn by the Dutch architect Bartelmeüs Reinders (1893–1979)