In Today's Email:
Ezekiel 41 Notes
In this chapter we continue the measurements of the End Times Temple.
vs. 1-2 – The measurements of the posts and door of the End Times Temple.
vs. 3-14 – The measurements of the Temple itself. The Holy Place is is 40 cubits by 20 cubits (60 ft. by 30 ft.). The Most Holy Place is 20 cubits (30 feet) squared. We note in vs. 3 that it is carefully recorded that Ezekiel did not enter the Most Holy Place himself. There are many chambers built around these along the outer walls.
vs. 15-26 – The interior of the Temple itself is described. It is ornate, with carvings of cherubim and palm trees on the walls. Wood is the primary material. There are doors and not a curtain that separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The only furniture that is mentioned is one altar, corresponding to the Golden Altar of Incense.
Ezekiel 42 Notes
In this chapter we continue the measurements of the End Times Temple.
vs. 1-14 – The various buildings and structures that surround the Temple in the Inner Court are described.
vs. 15-20 – This measurement goes beyond the Temple complex as described. It is a larger area that is considered sacred that surrounds It is said to be 500 reeds square. A reed is six cubits, and cubits are 18 inches. Therefore, this is an area 4,500 feet square.
Ezekiel 43 Notes
In this chapter God’s glory returns to the Temple.
vs. 1-9 – Ezekiel sees in his vision the return of the Shekinah glory of God into the Temple. He had seen it leave in Ezekiel 10:18, but now it returns. This is similar to what occurred when Solomon dedicated the Temple in II Chronicles 7:1. The event described here is in the Millennial Kingdom.
vs. 10-12 – The picture of the perfection and beauty of the coming Temple with God’s indwelling glory is given to the children of Israel to spur them to repentance.
vs. 13-17 – The altar for burnt offerings in the End Times Temple is described.
vs. 18-27 – The sacrifices of cleansing and consecration for the End Times Temple are described. It may be surprising to see the return of blood sacrifices in the Millennial Kingdom. They serve as an object lesson to remind what Christ had done for mankind.
Closing Thoughts
The measurements of the End Times Temple are truly astounding. It dwarfs the original Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple. When the Jews under Zerubbabel built the second Temple it was nowhere near as grand as Solomon’s. Herod the Great vastly expanded the Temple and the area around it, but still Ezekiel’s Temple is multiple times larger. It is a message in metrics. The best is yet to come for Jews. Their future will be their brightest days. The same can be said for the entire world. The glory of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom overwhelming. We have much to look forward to seeing!
Hymn for Today
Our hymn today is “Thee We Adore, Eternal Lord”, written by Thomas Cotterill in 1754. Its outpouring of praise fits well the scene of God’s glory filling the Temple.
Thee we adore, eternal Lord!
We praise Thy Name with one accord.
Thy saints, who here Thy goodness see,
Through all the world do worship Thee.
To Thee aloud all angels cry,
The heavens and all the powers on high:
Thee, holy, holy, holy King,
Lord God of hosts, they ever sing.
The apostles join the glorious throng;
The prophets swell the immortal song;
The martyrs' noble army raise
Eternal anthems to Thy praise.
From day to day, O Lord, do we
Highly exalt and honor Thee!
Thy Name we worship and adore,
World without end, for evermore!
Vouchsafe, O Lord, we humbly pray,
To keep us safe from sin this day;
Have mercy, Lord! we trust in Thee;
Oh, let us ne'er confounded be!