Sunday: The Outer and Inner Courts: Ezekiel 40:1-49
After Ezekiel introduces us to the situation and setting of this magnificent vision (Ezekiel 40:1-4), his “tour” of the new temple begins with the outer and inner courts in Ezekiel 40. The outer court will comprise nearly 400,000 sq. feet! It will have no “court of the Gentiles” with a separating wall (Ephesians 2:14), nor will there be a separate court for the women. God will fulfill the vision that His house would be a house of prayer for men and women of all nations! The altar in the inner court is much larger than in the tabernacle or temple—about 20 ft. tall, with four tapering tiers!
Monday: The Sanctuary: Ezekiel 41:1-43:12
Because Messiah is present with His people there’s no need for a veil between the holy place and the holy of holies. His glory will be revealed to everyone. Nothing is written about the Ark of the Covenant or the Mercy Seat where the High Priest sprinkled the sacrificial blood. Since the Lord is present continuously, there is no need for the Altar of Incense symbolizing the people’s prayers, nor for the Lampstand symbolizing God’s glory.
Tuesday: The Sacrifices: Ezekiel 43:13-27; 45:13-46:24
Many have been perplexed about the need for sacrifices if this temple is built after the return of Christ. Wasn’t He sacrificed once and for all time? All of the offerings mentioned by Ezekiel pointed to Christ and His own sacrifice for our sins. We must remember that the sacrifices themselves never removed sin, but God’s forgiveness was realized only if the sacrifices were made by faith and trust in the Lord. The use of animal sacrifices in this temple no more minimizes or negates the finished work of Christ than they did before Jesus died. They’ll be offered in a memorial sense, a celebration of what God has done!
Wednesday: The Priests: Ezekiel 44:1-31
God will be particular about the way the sanctuary is used (Ezekiel 44:5-9). The priests must teach the people the difference between clean and unclean (Ezekiel 44:23). Outsiders are not permitted into the temple. (Other regulations are found in Ezekiel 44:10-3) God will also be exact about what they wear (Ezekiel 44:17-19), grooming themselves (Ezekiel 44:20), and many others (Ezekiel 44:21-31).
Thursday: Land for the Lord and Prince: Ezekiel 45:1-46:24
Between the areas assigned to Judah and Benjamin, there will be a section of land reserved for the Lord and prince. The Lord’s portion is divided into three parts: a sacred area for the temple and priests; a portion for the Levites; and a portion for the city of God. The prince will be a married man who has sons (Ezekiel 46:16-18). His land will be on either side of the central sacred area. His duties are also discussed in these chapters.
Friday: The River of Life: Ezekiel 47:1-12
Jerusalem was the only great city of the ancient world that wasn’t located on a river. In the east, a dependable water supply is essential. In the new temple age, Jerusalem will have a river such as no other nation ever had! This river is an extension of the lifegiving work of God.
Saturday: New Apportionments: Ezekiel 47:13-48:35
The allotments of land for each tribe will cut straight across the holy land. All of the tribes will have access to the Mediterranean Sea except Zebulun and Gad. The royal tribe, Judah, will be adjacent to the temple area from where Jesus will reign. The amount of land each tribe has isn’t mentioned, only the order. A portion for the city is also set aside. The most important aspect of the entire vision is that God will be ever present!