Ezekiel 42:1-43:12
Dear RTB’ers,
Certainly there’s no way that we can fully understand all the verbal diagrams and measurements in Ezekiel 40-42. The online sketches are helpful, but still confusing. For us I think the bigger question is what it means for us. Today I have two responses for that.
First, I asked yesterday about those animal sacrifices. I have come to the conclusion that these recent chapters are not “eternal”, but rather that they refer to that thousand-year period where Jesus reigns on Earth (the “millennium”). Then the temple in these recent chapters refer to His “home” while he is again on Earth. There will still be that final war between Jesus and Satan after that millennium; only then will “eternity” begin. As for those animal sacrifices, an online commentary suggested that they are not for sin, as were animal sacrifices in the Old Testament. Rather, they are reminders (looking backward) of Jesus’ sacrifice, much like the bread and wine which we offer and consume each Sunday reminds us today of His Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Second response, the main verses in Ezekiel… And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. … and the earth shone with His glory. … As the glory of the LORD entered the temple by the gate facing east, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple. (vv. 43:2, 4-5) Recall that the glory of the Lord had departed the temple by the east gate (Ezekiel 10). Now He returns by the east gate of this Millennium Temple, there to reign for that thousand-year period.
My thoughts… Your comments…??
Blessings.
See also: August 14 (2023) / Ezekiel 40-42 (again).