The porticos at the gateway

The porticos at the gateway

Scripture: "Then he measured the porch of the gate facing inward, one rod. He measured the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and its side pillars, two cubits. And the porch of the gate was faced inward." Ezekiel 40:8-10

Observation: The porches, or the porticos at the gateway of each gate of Ezekiel’s temple had three important features – it was covered, it was supported by pillars on each side, and it faced inward. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggest that this porches were built to shelter those who attended there from rain or shine.

Hence for those approaching the temple from the gateway, the shelter from the porticos remind them that God is their shelter, their refuge. In the Psalms, the Psalmists often refer to God as their great shelter, their great refuge. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty” is indeed a wonderful and favorite verse for many.

When Abraham set out to Canaan in obedience to the Lord, he was led to settle under the great trees of Mamre. The shade of the tree indeed wonderfully gives us a picture of God’s favor and protection sheltering us.

The fact that the porticos face inward remind us, that it is in continuing to look towards the Lord and hope in Him that we enjoy His favor and protection. Jesus said “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” Just as the Israelites who looked up to Moses’ serpent were saved, so too we who look up to Jesus, and continue to hope in Him will be saved.

Application: Remember and declare that God is our Great Shelter, and we hide under the shadow of His wings. Turn our faces towards Jesus as our Great Savior and hope in Him as our Great Protector and Shepherd.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your abundant grace and favor, for bringing Your wonderful shade to cover me and give me protection and rest. Let my eyes always be fixed on You, Lord Jesus, for it is only You who are My true Shepherd and Protector. In Jesus name, Amen.