Topical Bible: Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of

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Ezekiel's vision of the temple is a significant prophetic revelation found in the book of Ezekiel, chapters 40 through 48. This vision, given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, presents a detailed and elaborate description of a future temple, its measurements, ordinances, and the restoration of Israel. The vision is dated to the 25th year of the exile, in the 14th year after the city of Jerusalem was struck down (Ezekiel 40:1).

The Structure and Measurements

Ezekiel's vision begins with a detailed tour of the temple complex, guided by a man whose appearance was like bronze, holding a linen cord and a measuring rod (Ezekiel 40:3). The temple is described with precise measurements, emphasizing its grandeur and symmetry. The outer court, inner court, gates, chambers, and the temple itself are meticulously detailed, reflecting a divine order and holiness.

The outer court features three gates, each with steps and guardrooms, leading to the inner court, which also has three gates. The inner court contains the altar of burnt offering, and the temple building itself is described with its vestibule, nave, and the Most Holy Place (Ezekiel 40:5-47).

The Glory of the LORD

A pivotal moment in Ezekiel's vision is the return of the glory of the LORD to the temple. In Ezekiel 43:1-5, the prophet witnesses the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east, filling the temple with His presence. This event signifies the restoration of God's dwelling among His people, a reversal of the earlier departure of His glory due to Israel's sin (Ezekiel 10:18-19).

The Role of the Prince and the Priests

Ezekiel's vision includes instructions for the prince, who is to offer sacrifices and lead the people in worship (Ezekiel 44:1-3, 45:16-17). The prince is a significant figure, yet distinct from the Messiah, serving as a leader under God's authority.

The vision also outlines the roles and duties of the Levitical priests, specifically the sons of Zadok, who are entrusted with ministering before the LORD due to their faithfulness (Ezekiel 44:15-16). The priests are given specific instructions regarding their conduct, attire, and responsibilities in the temple service (Ezekiel 44:17-31).

The River of Life

In Ezekiel 47:1-12, the prophet sees a river flowing from the threshold of the temple, bringing life and healing wherever it goes. This river symbolizes the life-giving presence of God, transforming the barren land and nourishing the trees whose leaves are for healing. The imagery of the river echoes themes of restoration and abundance, pointing to the ultimate renewal of creation.

The Allotment of the Land

The vision concludes with a detailed description of the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel (Ezekiel 47:13-48:29). The land is apportioned equitably, with specific portions designated for the sanctuary, the city, and the prince. This allocation underscores the restoration of Israel as a nation under God's covenant.

Significance and Interpretation

Ezekiel's vision of the temple has been the subject of various interpretations, ranging from a literal future temple to a symbolic representation of God's eternal kingdom. The vision emphasizes themes of holiness, divine order, and the restoration of God's presence among His people. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope of ultimate redemption and restoration for Israel and all creation.

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Ezekiel 37:26,28
Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the middle of them for ever more.
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Ezekiel 40:48
And he brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.
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Library

Ezekiel's vision (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, June 16 ...
... All that we discover is, a vision of huge ... Ezekiel seems to discover afterwards that
these are the ... the ark in Moses' tabernacle and Solomon's temple"only of a ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ix ezekiels vision preached.htm

The River of Life
... and refresh the thirsty land, must come from below the Temple threshold. ... has grown
for these nineteen centuries corresponds with Ezekiel's vision"which is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the river of life.htm

A Message from the Crowned Christ
... There's a striking companion bit to this in Ezekiel's vision.[66] That ... the Chebar
had first of all the vision of God ... idols were set up in the very temple of God ...
/.../iv a message from the crowned.htm

A Sight of the Crowned Christ
... Tabernacle and Temple with the glory-presence, Carmel's fire descending, Elijah's
"still small voice," Isaiah's vision of glory and the voice, Ezekiel's man of ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/iii a sight of the crowned.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... closer to Jerusalem, it would have been used for the Temple; also Bethsaida ... of the
Merkabah, or the mystical doctrines connected with Ezekiel's vision of the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Ezekiel
... enters, xliii.1-12, by the gate from which Ezekiel had in vision seen Him leave
almost nineteen years before, x.19. The sanctity of the temple where Jehovah is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezekiel.htm

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
... immediate presence of God,[100] and with His presence-chamber, in the tabernacle,[
101] in the temple,[102] and in Ezekiel's vision of a new temple,[103] and in ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/v an advance step in the.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... The meaning of Ezekiel's vision of a New Jerusalem, with its temple and
altar, comes more properly under the head of prophecy. Some ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... that is, seen only in vision; like Ezekiel's prophecy upon the dry bones,
chap.37:1-10, and his measurements of the New Jerusalem with its temple, porches, ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

Jesus is God Wooing Man.
... saw His glory that memorable day in the temple. ... He who rode upon the storm before
Ezekiel's wondering eyes ... reveals to Daniel's opened ears the vision of his ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/jesus is god wooing man.htm