Topical Bible: Vision of Ezekiel of the City and Temple

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The Vision of Ezekiel concerning the City and Temple is a profound and detailed 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 future restoration of Israel, focusing on a new temple, a redefined land, and a renewed city of Jerusalem. The vision is significant for its intricate descriptions and its theological implications regarding worship, holiness, and the presence of God among His people.

Context and Setting

Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, received this vision in the twenty-fifth year of the exile, fourteen years after the fall of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40:1). The vision begins with Ezekiel being transported, in the Spirit, to the land of Israel, where he is set upon a high mountain. There, he sees a structure resembling a city (Ezekiel 40:2). This vision is given during a time of despair and displacement for the Israelites, offering hope and a future promise of restoration.

The Temple Vision

The vision of the temple is meticulously detailed, with specific measurements and architectural features described throughout chapters 40 to 42. Ezekiel is guided by a man whose appearance is like bronze, holding a measuring rod (Ezekiel 40:3). The temple complex includes gates, courts, chambers, and the inner sanctuary, all described with precision. The emphasis on measurements underscores the order and holiness of the divine plan.

The temple's design reflects a return to purity and proper worship, with the glory of the LORD filling the temple, reminiscent of the glory that filled Solomon's temple (Ezekiel 43:4-5). The presence of God is central, signifying His dwelling among His people once more. The temple serves as a focal point for worship and the reestablishment of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

The Altar and Sacrifices

In Ezekiel 43:13-27, the altar is described, along with the regulations for offerings and sacrifices. The altar's consecration and the offerings signify a renewed covenant and the restoration of proper worship practices. The sacrificial system, while reminiscent of the Mosaic Law, points to a future where worship is purified and centered on God's holiness.

The Division of the Land

Chapters 47 and 48 outline the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. A river flows from the temple, bringing life and healing to the land (Ezekiel 47:1-12). This river symbolizes the life-giving presence of God and the restoration of creation. The land is apportioned with equity, reflecting God's justice and faithfulness to His promises.

The City of Jerusalem

The vision concludes with a description of the city of Jerusalem, named "The LORD Is There" (Ezekiel 48:35). This name encapsulates the essence of the vision: God's enduring presence with His people. The city is depicted as a place of holiness and divine habitation, where the tribes of Israel are united and the covenant is fulfilled.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel's vision of the city and temple is rich with theological themes. It emphasizes God's sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness. The detailed instructions for the temple and the land highlight the importance of order and obedience in worship. The vision also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through the Messiah, who embodies the presence of God among His people.

The vision serves as a source of hope and encouragement, assuring the exiled Israelites of God's plan for restoration and His unwavering commitment to His covenant. Through this vision, Ezekiel communicates a future where God's glory is fully realized, and His people dwell in peace and righteousness.

Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ezekiel
... Ezekiel's imaginative power perhaps reaches its climax in his vision of the ... and the
angel departing with glowing coals to set fire to the guilty city, ix ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezekiel.htm

The Parts of the City. Sion. The Upper City: which was on the ...
... prophet Ezekiel takes a prospect of the new Jerusalem in a vision,"he saith ... near
which was, as it were, the building of a city on the south," Ezekiel 40:2 ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 22 the parts of.htm

Further Proofs, from Ezekiel. Summary of the Prophetic Argument ...
... is for these deserts of yours that Ezekiel announces your ... 1372] Go ye after him into
the city, and cut ... the reason withal why Daniel said, "Vision and prophet ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter xi further proofs from ezekiel.htm

The Sixth vision "In Heaven"
... The Great City. ... and understand why it should be heaven's theme at this particular
juncture in this Sixth Vision in heaven ... Compare Ezekiel 28:13 and Daniel 10:6. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision in heaven.htm

The Meaning
... in the history of the Beast, in a vision of a ... is given up to the Gentiles, and the
holy city shall they ... v.9.) the great court, and by Ezekiel, more than twelve ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning 2.htm

The Second vision "In Heaven"
... of the angel.] We have here a Vision of events ... earthquake.] We have a similar scene
in Ezekiel 10:2 ... under the throne, and scattered over the city of Jerusalem ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision in heaven.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... xvi." The Sixth Vision "on Earth." The Seven Vials. ... great earthquake spoken of by
the prophets (Ezekiel 38:20 ... And the great city became divided (or split) into ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

Babylon.
... The pride of the city was the Temple of Bel ... Ezekiel had promised the Chaldeans that
the toils of Tyre ... for one hour ere he explained the vision, which bore that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xi babylon.htm

Ezekiel and Daniel.
... Analysis. I. Ezekiel's Call, Chs.1-3. 1. Preliminary vision, Ch.1. 2. The call,
Chs.2-3. II. ... 1. The siege and certain judgment of the city, Chs.4-7,. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xvii ezekiel and daniel.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... In Ezekiel 40:3, etc., the object was for the ... Had expositors noticed that this was
the second Vision of what ... The "court" of the Temple and the city is given ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm