Sunday, March 9 – Ezekiel 44, 45, 46
1. What temple is the prophet Ezekiel speaking about in these chapters?
2. Was this temple ever built? If not, why was there a vision about it?
3. What was Israel’s spiritual condition that warranted God’s reproach?
Ezekiel 40-48 details a vision of a temple that represented God’s dream for His people. Just as the message given to Moses to build a tabernacle was delivered on a high mountain (Exodus 24:17), Ezekiel’s vision of this new temple was also given from a high mountain (Ezekiel 40:2). Likewise, the apocalyptic vision in which John saw the holy Jerusalem—the city where the temple will be God Himself—was also given from a high mountain (Revelation 21:10).
According to Ezekiel 45:1-6, the measurements of this temple were extraordinary, and its entire structure and design were worthy of great admiration. However, this temple was never built. The vision remained just that—a vision—but God’s dream of seeing His nation strengthened spiritually did not fade.
“If God knew that His temple would never be built, why would He take pains to provide such an itemized pattern of the future state? The answer is: God left no method untried to induce Israel to accept the high destiny originally planned for them. Up to this point their history had been one of repeated failures. God was now offering them another opportunity to begin again. The past would be forgotten and never again held against them. Israel nationally, and her people personally, were invited to take hold of the glorious provision.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Ezekiel 40:1
God’s purpose for this vision was closely related to the people’s spiritual condition. He announced through His prophet: “Now say to the rebellious house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “O house of Israel, let Us have no more of all your abominations!”’” (Ezekiel 44:6).
God’s concern and reproach were directed at the people and those called to officiate in sacred matters. Ezekiel 45:9,10 declares: “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Enough, O princes of Israel! Remove violence and plundering, execute justice and righteousness… You shall have honest scales, an honest ephah, and an honest bath.’” To the Levites, He said: “And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” (Ezekiel 44:23).
These statements from God reveal the unfortunate state of the people chosen to reflect His character on earth.
It is beneficial to apply the vision of a new temple to our days. Today, just as in Ezekiel’s time, God desires to draw near to us, and He wants such closeness to transform our lives. God’s dream remains. This dream is expressed in Ezekiel 46:3: “Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the entrance to this gateway before the LORD on the Sabbaths and the New Moons.” We can understand the vision as a call to draw near God, change our direction, and seek the Lord, who desires His children to worship Him with complete loyalty and obedience.
Let us seek God and be faithful to Him every day.
May God grant you a blessed day.