Scripture Text: Ezekiel 40:1-48:35
Memory Verse: “And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.” Ezekiel 43:2
Introduction:
The ultimate symbol of restoration to Israel is the holy temple. Ezekiel has spoken of the return from exile, the cleansing of the nation, and the beautiful restoration of the land to productivity and security—but the picture is not complete without the beloved temple and the restoration of God’s presence in their midst.
The final vision of Ezekiel, a description of the dimensions of a new temple and the regulations for what kinds of sacrifices the prince can offer may seem rather boring. However, this portion of Ezekiel is actually the pinnacle climax of the entire book. The prophet is “taken up” to a high mountain in the land of Israel (Ezekiel 40:2). Here he will be shown a heavenly sanctuary and receive instructions concerning the requirements for its worship. Ezekiel surveys the promise God gives, just as Moses did without entering Canaan, though he himself will never enter it.
On the mountaintop, Ezekiel is met by an angel who will act as a tour guide around the temple. In Ezekiel 8, the prophet had taken a similar guided tour through the defiled temple—but this vision will be capped by a return of God’s presence!
Since this temple has not yet been built, devout Bible students have struggled for centuries to interpret the vision of the temple described in these chapters. By no means have they reached any agreement. Four primary views have been taken from these studies: 1) Ezekiel was describing “ideal worship” for God’s people; 2) Ezekiel gave the plans for the post-captivity temple; 3) Ezekiel’s vision anticipated John’s vision in Revelation 21; 4) Ezekiel described a temple to be used during the millennial reign of Christ.
Unfortunately, there is insufficient space provided in this study book to give fair treatment to the historical or spiritual interpretation of these views, nor to promote one view over another. We encourage you to do a deeper personal study.
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- Why is it significant that the outer court has no separating wall between Jews and Gentiles, and there is no separate court for the women? (Ezekiel 40:5-27; Mark. 11:17; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11)
- Why is it significant that there is no separating veil, altar of incense, or golden lampstand in the new temple’s sanctuary? (skim and review Ezekiel 41:1-43:12)
- What sacrifices will be offered in Ezekiel’s temple, and why would they be offered if Christ has already died once and for all? (review Ezekiel 43:13-27, and 45:13-46:24)
- List the ordinances of God concerning the priests in the new temple. (Ezekiel 44:1-31)
- Why are special parcels of land set aside for the Lord and the prince? (review Ezekiel 45-46)
- What would indicate that the prince is not the Messiah? (Ezekiel 46:16-18; 44:3 and 45:22)
- Discuss the beautiful, life-giving aspects of the river flowing through the city of God? (Ezekiel 47:1-12)
- What will be different about the land allotments for each tribe? (Ezekiel 47:13-48:35)
[Writer’s note: There are many details written about Ezekiel’s vision of the new temple, and all are in some way important, even if not openly realized. But there are also major messages in the overall subject of the new temple. These include: (1) separation from sin—a responsibility of the priests to teach the people the difference between the holy and unholy, and the clean and unclean (Ezekiel 44:23); (2) Worship—although the temple is a place for worship, the heart of the worshiper is much more important than the gifts he brings; (3) Fulfillment—God will fulfill His promises to His people completely, as their sins are far removed from them, as the entire region is restored to an Eden-like garden condition; (4) God’s glory and name—all will know God’s glory, and bow reverently to His name; and (5) the sovereign rule of God—the primary subject that permeates the entire Bible!]