Bible Study: Ezekiel

This section follows the theology that informed the Tabernacle and Solomonic temple. Most relevant texts are Ex 26:1–31:11; 36:8–39:43; and 1 Ki 6:1-38; 7:13-51. Ezekiel’s variations and omissions intensify the structures’ purpose and correct the abuses that had crept in under apostate and syncretistic kings and priests. The decorative features (cherubim, palms, etc.) suggest a “paradise restored” ambiance. Because it was God’s earthly “house” and “dwelling place,” it was the focal point of His redemptive activity until that goal was realized in Christ and then in the eschaton (Rev 21–22). It is the heart of the Gospel that in Christ that goal was reached when “the Word became flesh and tabernacles among us” (Jn 1:14), and by His life, death, and resurrection opened the gates of paradise (Mt 28:20).

Because of the people’s sin, they forfeited “the land of Israel” during exile, but chapters 40-48 focus on an eschatological restoration. The locale is a “very high mountain,” recalling the descriptions of Sinai (Ex 19:11) or Zion (Is 4:5). The picture here is applied metaphorically and eschatologically to a place suitable for receiving a transcendent vision. Thus, the mount of Transfiguration was “a high mountain” (Mt 17:1; Mk9:2; Lk 9:28), and it was upon “a great and high mountain” that the apostle John was shown the eschatological new Jerusalem (Rev 21:10; see also Is 2:2-4; Micah 4:1-3). 

Ezekiel’s vision is fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus, the new temple (Ezek 37:26-28; Jn 2:19-22). The temple is the central figure that prefigures the Messiah. Also, the spiritual guide who leads Ezekiel through the vision is the Son of David, the “Prince” (34:24; 37:25). The divine “Glory” who takes up residence in the new temple (43:1-12) is the same manifest in the Word made flesh (Jn 1:14). Thus, chapters 40-48 are relevant for the ongoing liturgical and sacramental worship of the corporate church, the body of Christ. It is through God’s Word and Sacraments that Christ is present with His people already now, and through these means of the Spirit, God fashions Christians into His holy temple (1 Cor 3:16-17). And the ultimate fulfillment of Ezekiel’s vision is in the new heavens and new earth, inaugurated at the second coming of Christ and the bodily resurrection of all believers to eternal life (Isaiah 11 and 65; 2 Pet 3:1-13; Revelation 21–22). 

Ezekiel’s prophecy will be fulfilled when Christ has defeated all the human and demonic powers of evil, and His redeemed people are radiant with the holiness of God (Rev 21:1-11). At the first advent of Christ, the heathen Gentiles, together with unbelieving Israelites, conspired to attack God’s Anointed but were defeated by His atoning death … Read more