’the Lord Is There’

by NEELY, E. | Category: Getting To Know God Through Ezekiel | Dec 2007

It is not without significance to point out that Ezekiel's introduction to Millennial restoration is the building of a new house for God. The first temple had been built by Solomon on Mount Moriah on ground purchased by David from Araunah the Jebusite and according to instructions from God given in writing to David's son. This temple was defiled by Israel and subsequently destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar at the fall of Jerusalem. A second somewhat inferior looking structure was erected in the days after the return from exile, encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah and erected under Zerubbabel and Joshua. The temple that was in existence when the Lord was on the earth was built by Herod with Jewish permission. It was destroyed by the Romans under Titus in A.D.70 according to the prophecy of Daniel (9:26). While its stones were not left one upon another, as prophesied by Christ (Mat.24:2), the foundation built by Solomon still exists. Before Antichrist can set up his abomination of desolation (Mat.24:15; 2 Thes.2:4; Rev.11:1) another temple, a fourth, will be set up on this site. None of these has been or will be built according to the dimensions and blueprints of Ezekiel’s prophecy. They await a fifth temple, in which, says Isaiah 66:23: ‘“‘And it shall be from new moon to new moon and from sabbath to sabbath, all mankind will come to bow down before Me,’ says the LORD.”’ It would seem that this temple will not be built on the former site, but on top of the mountains in the middle of the priests' part of the holy oblation, a 25,000 reed (about 5 miles) square area (Ez.40:1-5). The sanctuary will be somewhat north of the city. The area where Solomon's temple had been built had been defiled with the graves of the kings of Judah (43:7,8). (Details apart, we repeat that it is not without significance that the house is mentioned first, for worship in the house has always been foremost in the mind of God! Those who returned from the exile had learned this also (Ezra 3:7ff)). How blessed to be part of it in a spiritual sense today! But even this temple of Ezekiel with its sacrifices will eventually be done away. 2 Peter 3:7 tells us that both heavens and earth will disappear in a burning maelstrom. With Peter, we look for a new heavens and a new earth wherein righteousness dwells. Peter's admonition (2 Pet.3:11) is of significance here as we consider such things! In that new creation, the eternal state, there will be no physical temple, but the tabernacle of God will be among men; He will dwell among His people (Rev.21:3). Ezekiel 40-48 show that temporary state, the Millennium, that 'preparation' for Israel for that which will surely follow. The construction is very detailed, without the gold and sparkle of previous dwelling places. That won't be needed to show God's glory, for the Christ of God will be there. It is only when the house is ready that the glory of God is again seen approaching and entering the house (43:1-7). The present eastern gate of the city is not the one that the glory of the Lord will enter (43:4). New structures and new topography will have replaced present situations before that time. There seems no doubt whatever that actual animal sacrifices will once again be offered for Israel (43:18-27). The best suggestion as to why this should be reinstated (with some variation from Leviticus) during the thousand years is that they might be a memorial only to bring Israel again to a full knowledge of the Lord, and somehow an appreciation of the fulfillment of these types in the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary.

In the new service of worship outlined in chapter 44, some have considered the prince to be Messiah Himself, but this is impossible. He is described in 45:22 as having to offer a sin offering for himself and the people. Messiah has never had to, and shall never have to offer sin offering on His own behalf! Also Ezekiel 46:16 speaks of his having sons. He is perhaps a special representative of Messiah in the kingdom, possibly David himself. Those of the tribe of Levi who had served idols in their lifetime will not be given the right to serve in the Millennial priesthood in the temple, but will appear as overseers in the gate according to the mercy of God. Again we meet the truth that what we do down here in life will have an effect on the nearness that we enjoy to God and Christ after this life is over. A solemn warning to present-day servants of the Lord! The sons of Zadok who were faithful in times of apostasy will comprise the officiating priesthood. One of the solemn duties of the priesthood then will be to teach the people the difference between the holy and profane, the clean and the unclean. The responsibility to do the same applies today as well! God’s millennial house will be protected by a surrounding area about eight miles square and an area for the priests that extends another eight miles east and west. Two walls also separate the house from that which is outside, even in the Millennium. There is a lesson here about the separation of the house! Again the law of the house (43:12) in that day should give us reflection on the sanctity of His house today! Special mention of ample support for those who serve should also motivate the generosity of saints today towards those who so willingly dispense their energies in the service of God's house. The very complete detail concerning the house, its furniture, its feasts and its priesthood, displays the fact that the concern of God that was given to minute detail in the tabernacle and Solomon's temple hasn't changed; the detail of the house today is likewise very important. We disregard it at our peril.

Topographical changes in the land of Israel also take place as millennial glory floods the scene. Among other things, a river proceeds from the threshold of the house of God and flows eastward (Ez.47:1). (Zechariah further reports that it will flow westward to the Mediterranean also (Zech.14:8)). Beginning as a trickle (v.2), it gains strength and depth, and within a few thousand cubits (about 2 miles) it becomes waters in which one could swim. Detail is not given in vain in Scripture: as we walk through the purifying blessing that ever flows from God's presence we will find our ankles and walk affected, our knees and prayer life affected, our loins and spiritual propagation affected, and soon we will experience such blessings that we are able to completely submerge ourselves in them. These waters of Ezekiel 47 will bring life to the Dead Sea and fruitfulness to arid plains of the Arabah, bringing health and healing to the nations, and fish in abundance wherever the river flows (vv.7-9). It's interesting that the river flows in the land of what had been Judah rather than northward to the rest of Israel. There is a similarity purposed in the blessing that flows from the house of God today (Eph.4:12), however poorly we enter into God's purpose through us. These prophecies were given as encouragement to the exiled captives of Babylonia.

Land allotments for the various tribes will run from west to east across the land with Dan in the north, followed by Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim and Reuben. Then the territory for the sanctuary, priests, city and prince, is followed by Judah, Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun and Gad. The arrangement is different from what is recorded in Joshua chapters 13-17, or yet from their position in the march towards the Promised Land. While no reason is given for this, we remark again that what happens down here now will affect what takes place hereafter. Then, at last, the territory promised to Abraham will be fully occupied. The land of Israel will be much larger than it ever has been, and will be topographically different also (Zech.14). The city that stands in the midst will have 12 gates, three on each side. The tribe of Levi will be represented here, Joseph's gate taking the place of those named for Ephraim and Manasseh (48:31,32). This city is not to be confused with the New Jerusalem which shall descend as a bride adorned for her husband in the eternal state (Rev.21:2), nor is the river of Ezekiel 47 to be confused with the river of Revelation 22, however similar they may seem to be. The name of the Millennial city will be "Yahweh shammah" - "The LORD is there". The presence of the LORD will bring the promised majestic glory to Israel. How sad that they had to spend millennia without it!

NEELY, E. | Dec 2007
Getting To Know God Through Ezekiel