Ezekiel 40:1-49
Q.1. Where was Israel when Ezekiel received this unique vision? What did the prophet foretell? Why was it given to him? – (Ezk.40:1-4)
The visions given to Ezekiel in these final nine chapters of his book were a complete change of focus from the judgments he had delivered. They were delivered – In the 25th year of our exile in Babylon, in the beginning of the year, on the 10th day of the month, in the 14th year after the city of Jerusalem was destroyed, on that same day … (Ezk.40:1). After prophesying about God’s fury to be unleashed against the enemies of Israel in the two previous chapters, Ezekiel was given comprehensive details of a restored Temple for a remnant of His people (Ezk.38:18-23 c.f. Ezk.39:14-23). In keeping with the prophecies of utter destruction of the earth at Armageddon, Ezekiel was shown a very different scene – He brought me into the land of Israel and set me down upon a very high mountain on the south side of it with buildings that looked like a city (Ezk.40:2 c.f. Ezk.43:12). It will be the most prominent mountain in the world, after the devastation of the Great Tribulation (Is.2:1-4; 4:2-6; Mic.4:1; Zech.14:3-9; Rev.16:18-21). A bronze man [I will refer to Him as the ‘Heavenly guide’] instructed him solemnly – Son of man, see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to all that I am showing you …. Declare to the house of Israel all that you see (Ezk.40:4). The Heavenly guide seems to be an angel because Ezekiel later distinguished between him and the Lord (Ezk.43:6-7). God was careful to provide intricate details and measurements of the Temple and its precinct. It must therefore be understood LITERALLY.
Q.2. When was Israel previously given such careful instructions about the Temple? How significant will this Temple be? – (Ezk.40:5-37)
In the Law (i.e. the five books of Moses), the cubit of 18 inches [38 centimetres] was used to measure the Tabernacle. The Heavenly guide used a larger measurement, a cubit of 22 inches [53.34 cms. or over half a metre]. He used a rod of 10 ½ feet [3.15 metres] for larger distances (Ezk.40:3 & 5 c.f. Ezk.42:15-20; 45:1-6; 48:8-21, 30-35). The Heavenly guide took Ezekiel on a guided tour of the Temple that is to be built during the Millennium. He gave the prophet the measurements and architectural features for the walls (Ezk.40:5), the outer court gates (Ezk.40:6), and the guardrooms (Ezk.40:7). He also described the doorways, foyers, courtyards, windows, decorations, and entryways (Ezk.40:5-37). All the rooms are beautifully embossed with palm trees (Ezk.40:16, 22, 26, 31, 34, 37). The outer court of mosaic pavers surround thirty rooms in three storeys (Ezk.40:17-19). There are numerous different measurements provided for all the ancillary structures that enable the priests to access the Temple. Its architectural design, with decorations and staircases leading to higher levels, will draw attention to the magnificent Temple from which King Jesus will rule and teach.
Q.3. Where are the priests to prepare sacrifices? Why were the sons of Zadok chosen? What will they be commissioned to do? – (Ezk.40:38-46)
Ezekiel concluded this chapter by giving details of a separate location for the officiating priests. He was told about a series of tables to prepare the sin, burnt, and guilt offerings for the nation. All the rooms are well set up to prepare and sacrifice the offerings (Ezk.40:38-43). There are convenient quarters with rooms for the priests and singers to serve in the inner court (Ezk.40:44-45). God appointed – the sons of Zadok who are from the sons of Levi, to come near to the Lord to minister to Him (Ezk.40:46 c.f. Jer.33:14-18). Zadok was a descendant of Aaron from the line of Levi, Israel’s first High Priest (1 Chr.6:1-8). Zadok was a descendant of Phinehas to whom God promised – 12 Behold, I give him My covenant of peace; 13 and it shall be for him and his descendants after him a covenant of perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the sons of Israel (Num.25:12-13). Thus, it shall come to pass. The courtyard in front of the temple is a perfect square of 175 feet [53+ metres] – and the altar was in the centre in front of the temple (Ezk.40:47). A staircase leads up through columns to the foyer of the Temple (Ezk.40:49).