Sabbath, March 8 – Ezekiel 42, 43

1. From what direction did the glory of God come? Ezekiel 43:1, 2

2. What did Ezekiel see filling the temple? Ezekiel 43:5

3. Where did the Lord say His throne would be? Ezekiel 43:6, 7

Ezekiel 42 describes the chambers designated for the priests within the temple complex. These chambers served as sacred places where priests could eat from the offerings and store their holy garments. The priests were not allowed to bring their ministerial clothing into the outer court, as the sanctity of the temple required separation between the holy and the common.

The outer courtyard had barriers to ensure that only the pure could enter. Jewish historian Josephus mentions a three-cubit-high wall with inscriptions warning foreigners and the unclean not to enter under penalty of death. This symbolized the exclusivity of God’s sanctuary, which, according to Ephesians 2:14, was later abolished in Christ, breaking the separation between Jews and Gentiles.

The chapter also describes the exact dimensions of the temple, which some believe refer to a future literal temple. However, many scholars view these measurements symbolically, representing the establishment of God’s spiritual kingdom rather than a physical structure. The grand size of the temple serves as a metaphor for the expansion of God’s reign under the Messiah.

Ezekiel 43 presents the glorious return of God’s presence to His temple. The prophet describes God’s glory entering from the east, the same direction from which it departed earlier in Ezekiel’s vision. This return is conditional upon the people’s repentance and their willingness to abandon the sins that led to God’s departure.

The chapter details the structure of the altar and the offerings required for its consecration. In verse 8, God expresses His displeasure that Israel had placed idols and even royal tombs near His temple, defiling the sacred space. The Lord demands purity in worship, emphasizing that once all defilement is removed, He will dwell among His people again.

God’s purpose in showing Ezekiel the temple’s blueprint was not just to reveal a future structure but to convict the people of their past sins. The temple vision served as a call to holiness, reminding Israel of their responsibility to uphold God’s covenant.

Ezekiel’s vision emphasizes God’s order and detail-oriented nature, showcasing His role as the God of second chances. If Israel had repented after the exile, they could have seen the fulfillment of this vision. However, their continued spiritual struggles prevented this.

Instead, this prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His church. The book of Revelation draws on Ezekiel’s imagery to describe the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell eternally with His people. In Revelation 21:22, John declares, “But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”

The restoration described in Ezekiel mirrors the greater spiritual restoration found in Christ. The dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles has been removed, and God’s people, regardless of nationality, are now part of His spiritual kingdom.

Ezekiel’s temple vision offers both a historical message to Israel and a prophetic glimpse of God’s ultimate plan. The vision underscores the importance of holiness, repentance, and faithfulness to God’s commands.

God’s invitation remains open: those who recognize their sin and turn to Him will be restored. His desire is to dwell among His people, and through Christ, this promise is fulfilled.

Are you ready to be part of His restored kingdom?