EZEKIEL

EZEKIEL 1

EZEKIEL’S VISION OF GOD’S GLORY

Ezekiel the priest is shown a vivid vision from God. Suddenly, clouds and fire appear with a great wind. Ezekiel sees four distinct creatures, each with wings and four faces, one of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. These four beings match the description of cherubim, which guarded the Garden of Eden and the Tabernacle (Genesis 3, Exodus 25). Cherubim are usually described as angelic creatures worthy of protecting holy places. Above the creatures, Ezekiel sees a great expanse with a throne-like sapphire structure.

Ezekiel describes the vision as the appearance of the glory of the Lord. Similar to the depiction of God’s presence with the Israelites in the wilderness, the vision contains God’s glory in the form of cloud and fire. Ezekiel also records a rainbow in his vision, the image God provided Noah as a promise to never flood the world again (Ezekiel 1:28, Genesis 9:16). In a tumultuous time of great destruction, God still reminds Ezekiel of His faithful promises.

EZEKIEL 2

EZEKIEL CALLED TO SHARE GOD’S MESSAGE

In Ezekiel’s vision, God’s spirit enters him, and he is set upon his feet. During this time God dwelled among His people, but not typically within His people because God had not yet sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within believers (Acts 2). Because this occurred long before the life of Jesus, this distinction shows Ezekiel’s calling is both unique and divine.

God sends Ezekiel to speak to the people of Israel, many of whom were already taken captive by the Babylonians. God refers to them as a nation of rebels because of their continual disobedience. Ezekiel is instructed to speak God’s word to the Israelites despite their stubbornness and dismissive attitude towards prophets.

Ezekiel is given a scroll with writing on both sides, containing words of warning and lamentation. God warns Ezekiel that this task will not come easily. Instead, he will feel as though he is among scorpions, briars, and thorns.

EZEKIEL 3

EZEKIEL COMMISSIONED AS ISRAEL’S WATCHMAN

Continuing Ezekiel’s vision, God tells Ezekiel to eat the scroll he has been handed. Ezekiel describes the scroll as filling to his stomach and sweet like honey. Because this is described as a vision, it is unknown whether this is a literal depiction or a symbolic representation of Ezekiel consuming God’s message.

God commissions Ezekiel to speak to the Israelites, but warns that Israel is hardheaded and stubborn. Because the people of Israel have not listened to God, it is not likely that they will listen to Ezekiel. This serves as a reminder that Ezekiel's obedience is not determined by the outcome, but instead by his willingness to trust and follow God.

God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman over Israel, making him responsible for warning and correcting the Israelites. Those who know better and choose to do wrong will die, but those who correct their actions in response to Ezekiel’s warning will live. God instructs Ezekiel to not go out and speak to the people until the time is right.

EZEKIEL 4

EZEKIEL STAGES THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM

God instructs Ezekiel to create a staged scene of the siege of Jerusalem by building a model of Jerusalem out of bricks and iron. Ezekiel is told to lay on one side, facing the staged siege, for 390 days and then turn to his other side to face the model siege for another forty days. While demonstrating the years of captivity that awaited Israel and Judah, Ezekiel was to ration his water and only eat defiled food cooked over animal feces.

This exhibit was a strange and severe way of warning Judah what awaits their future: captivity, scarcity, and desperation.

EZEKIEL 5

GOD WILL BRING JUDGMENT ON JERUSALEM

God instructs Ezekiel to use a sword as a razor, shaving the hair from his beard and his head. In obedience to God’s request, Ezekiel burns one third of the hair in the fire, chops one third with the sword, and throws one third into the wind. These actions symbolized the future of Jerusalem, who will die by famine, plague, or sword, scattered among the nations.

Ezekiel is told to keep a small portion of the hair tucked into his robes, symbolizing the small number of Israelites who will return to Jerusalem as the remnant.

Although God has been extremely patient and merciful with the Israelites, their continued disobedience has caused God to be against them and bring His judgment upon them.

EZEKIEL 6

GOD WILL MAKE HIS NAME KNOWN AMONG THE PEOPLE

God is angered by the idolatry of the Israelites as they continue to create altars for false Gods. Ezekiel prophesizes against the high places of false worship and tells of their destruction. God rebukes Israel and threatens to replace their idols with their own dead bodies.

Soon, the rebellious people will finally realize that they are experiencing God’s judgment. God desires to be known among the people and will bring His wrath to punish the idolatry in Jerusalem and make Himself known.

EZEKIEL 7

DISASTER IS COMING UPON JERUSALEM

Disaster after disaster will come upon the nation for their sin and rebellion, causing mass execution by plague, famine, and sword. During this time of calamity, God’s temple will be plundered and dishonored.

God’s desire is to be known by the Israelites, despite the rebellion and idolatry. These consequences are in response to the Israelites actions, but will still glorify God by making His name and authority known.

EZEKIEL 8

EZEKIEL'S VISION OF IDOL WORSHIP IN THE TEMPLE

While Ezekiel is among the elders of Judah, God reveals a vision of a man who appears to be made of fire and metal. In the vision, Ezekiel is shown the inner court of the temple. This place, once reserved for worshiping God, has been turned into a place of pagan idol worship. Through this vision, God is revealing to Ezekiel the reason for His wrath upon Judah.

EZEKIEL 9

GOD PROTECTS THOSE WHO GRIEVE OVER JUDAH’S SIN

In continuation of Ezekiel’s vision, Ezekiel is shown seven men, each with an assigned task from God. Six of the men are assigned to slaughter, commissioned to execute the idolaters.

The remaining man, who is dressed in linen, is assigned to mark those who were grieving over the evil abominations committed in Judah. Those who mourn the evil in Judah find mercy from God. They will be marked on the forehead as a sign for their life to be spared, similar to the imagery of the Passover (Exodus 12).

In the vision, the temple courts are filled with the bodies of the slain, illustrating how their idolatry and defamation of the temple has led to their death.

EZEKIEL 10

GOD’S GLORY DEPARTS FROM THE TEMPLE

Ezekiel’s vision, similar to that of Ezekiel 1, consists of four cherubim, angelic creatures with four faces and many eyes. The cherubim carry a sapphire throne, God’s new dwelling place after departing the temple. The cherubim and the chariot are equipped with gyrating wheels that allow them to move seamlessly in any direction

The man clothed in linen, who previously marked those who grieved, is given burning coals to scatter across the city. This image symbolizes the fire of judgment and wrath that will soon overcome Jerusalem.

The glory of the Lord, which once dwelled within the innermost place of the temple, departs the house of the Lord and rests among the chariot of the cherubim.

EZEKIEL 11

GOD WILL REPLACE HEARTS OF STONE WITH HEARTS OF FLESH

Throughout Ezekiel’s visions, Ezekiel describes himself as being lifted up by the spirit. It is unknown whether this implies physically being moved or spiritually being shown another place. Regardless of Ezekiel’s travels or visions, God is revealing important messages to Ezekiel.

In this vision, Ezekiel sees twenty-five leaders of Judah plotting wrongdoing outside of the temple. Ezekiel prophesizes against them, warning that violence and war is headed their way.

Ezekiel shares God’s plans to restore the remnant. Despite the defamation of the temple, God has served as a sanctuary for His people. God promises to restore a remnant of the Israelites and purify them from their sins of idolatry.

In an effort to restore the relationship between God and His people, God will remove the hardened stone hearts of the Israelites and replace them with new hearts of flesh.

Ezekiel 11:19 - And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh . . .

EZEKIEL 12

JUDAH’S CAPTIVITY DEMONSTRATED WITH THE CITY WALL

God instructs Ezekiel to attempt digging through the city walls, prophetically showing how one day Babylon would be taken into exile and their royal leaders would be desperately attempting to escape. During this demonstration of exile, Ezekiel carries baggage and covers his eyes, heading into Babylonian territory.

Although some of God’s prophecies tell of the end times or times yet to occur, God promises Ezekiel that these prophecies of Babylon will be fulfilled soon.

EZEKIEL 13

GOD REBUKES THE FALSE PROPHETS

Ezekiel shares God’s message to condemn the false prophets of Israel who claim that God told them there would be peace in Judah. These false prophets are lying and only saying what the people want to hear. Because they are misleading the people, the false prophets will not enter Israel when Jerusalem is restored. God also warns against the women who place their trust in magic and divination.

God desires to be known as the one true God and wants to put an end to idol worship, magic, and false prophecy.

EZEKIEL 14

GOD REBUKES IDOLATRY WITHIN THE HEARTS OF ELDERS

While gathering with the elders of Israel, God warns the elders against practicing idolatry privately within themselves. Because of the idolatry in their hearts, they have estranged themselves from God. Ezekiel calls the elders to repentance. This message from God is a reminder that He desires our hearts and affections more than our outward signs of sacrifice or religion.

God will not spare Jerusalem from His judgment and wrath and will leave only a few survivors remaining. God states that if Job, Daniel, and Noah were currently in Jerusalem, they would be delivered for their righteousness. These three men are all examples of faithful people who faced extremely challenging circumstances.

EZEKIEL 15

JERUSALEM IS LIKE A WORTHLESS VINE

In this short chapter, Jerusalem is compared to a worthless branch that has been burned up on both ends. Once it is charred, it becomes useless.

Because of their rebellion, the people of Jerusalem will not escape God’s judgment, and the land will become desolate.

EZEKIEL 16

GOD WILL ESTABLISH A NEW EVERLASTING COVENANT

God raised Jerusalem like a small, abandoned child, making her beautiful and prosperous. From the beginning, God bestowed grace and blessings upon Israel. God covered the nakedness of Israel, washed them clean with water, and anointed them with oil.

Instead of trusting in God and remaining faithful to Him, Jerusalem has become prideful and trusting in their own appearances. Jerusalem becomes like a faithless, adulterous bride. She does evil in God’s eyes, practicing child sacrifice and worshiping idols. Similar to the message of the prophet Hosea, Jerusalem’s idolatry is compared to spiritual infidelity.

Despite Israel's continual disregard to the covenant, God will establish a new everlasting covenant with His people and atone for their sins.

EZEKIEL 17

THE PARABLE OF THE EAGLES + THE VINE

God gives Ezekiel a parable to share, spoken as a riddle. The parable describes two eagles and a vine. An eagle, symbolizing Babylon, carries away a sprout from a cedar. This sprout represents Jerusalem, led by King Jehoiakim, who planted another growing vine. This second vine represents Zedekiah, who King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon appointed over Judah.

Another eagle appears, representative of Egypt, and the vine stretches out, growing towards the second eagle. The parable shows the sprout as representative of Judah, who was uprooted and turned astray. God will replace the sprig and bring forth a noble cedar, the re-established Jerusalem.

For greater context to this parable, visit 2 Kings 23–25 and Jeremiah 37–44.

EZEKIEL 18

GOD JUDGES EVERYONE INDIVIDUALLY

God confronts the idea that children are punished for the sins of their parents. Instead, each person will be judged individually according to their own sin. Although children may be affected by the consequences of their parents’ sin, they are not responsible or found guilty for that sin.

God offers an example of a wicked father and righteous son, as well as a righteous father and a wicked son, to show that the two individuals will be judged separately.

God gives instructions for living in righteousness and following His statutes. God’s mercy is on display through His desire for the wicked to repent. God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone and wants everyone to know and follow His ways.

EZEKIEL 19

EZEKIEL LAMENTS THE DOWNFALL OF ISRAEL

Ezekiel laments the poor leadership of Israel and reflects on Judah’s lost potential. The princes and leaders of Israel were once lion cubs, raised to be mighty beasts. But instead of living free and ruling the land, they have been trapped in cages, symbolizing Israel’s captivity.

God cared for Israel’s ancestors, carefully planting them in the Promised Land and providing their essential needs. But now, like a vine on the ground, Israel has been plucked up and consumed by fire. Ezekiel laments Israel’s lack of strong roots.

EZEKIEL 20

ISRAEL’S REBELLIOUS HISTORY + HOPEFUL FUTURE

Through the words of Ezekiel, God reminds the elders of Israel’s history of rebellion and rejection of God. Despite Israel’s disobedience, God continues to provide for them and protect them from disaster. God will continue to teach every generation of His character through Israel's tumultuous history.

God’s law not only shows His righteousness, but also reveals how far sin has carried humanity away from His goodness and points to Israel’s need for a savior.

God declares His intention to gather the scattered Israelites, bringing the faithful remnant together to restore the nation of Israel. God’s power and authority will lead the Israelites to know that He is the Lord.

EZEKIEL 21

BABYLON HEADED TO ATTACK JERUSALEM

God speaks through Ezekiel, warning the people of Jerusalem that God’s judgment is coming. Comparing God’s wrath to a sword, God will cut off all people of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel is given permission to grieve with a broken heart, mourning for the destruction of Israel. God has been extremely patient and merciful towards the Israelites, but the time has come for God’s fury to be satisfied.

Ezekiel is instructed to make a signpost for a divided highway, one path leading to the Ammonites and the other leading to Jerusalem. At this parting in the road, Nebuchadnezzar uses divination and household idols to decide which path to take and heads towards Judah to attack Jerusalem with battering rams.

God explains that the people of Judah will be taken into Babylonian captivity and Jerusalem will be turned to ruins.

EZEKIEL 22

GOD WILL REFINE ISRAEL LIKE SILVER

Because of the intense murder and violence that takes place within Judah, God refers to Jerusalem as the bloody city. Judah has committed abominable sins, and their appointed time of destruction is near. Soon, they will become a mockery among the nations.

God addresses Judah as dross, the impurities of silver separated in the process of melting. God will separate the debris from Israel and refine those who follow His commands.

If there are righteous people in Jerusalem, God will spare them, but there are none to be found.

EZEKIEL 23

THE INFIDELITY OF SAMARIA + JERUSALEM

Through Ezekiel, God shares a story or parable of two sisters named Oholah and Oholibah. Ohalah, the older sister, represents Samaria and Oholibah represents Jerusalem.

These two sisters prostitute themselves and lust after idols. Their promiscuity shows how Samaria and Jerusalem turned away from God and worshiped false idols, leading to their captivity under Assyria and Babylon.

Jerusalem and Samaria’s lust and idolatry is expressed in a way that shows physical or sexual defilement to highlight the spiritual infidelity and impurity they have committed.

EZEKIEL 24

EZEKIEL EXPERIENCES PERSONAL LOSS + SORROW

God warns Jerusalem, referred to as the bloody city, that they will be taken captive by Babylon. Jerusalem is compared to meat cooking in a pot. Similar to the example of refining silver and removing the dross from Ezekiel 22, this example shows how Jerusalem is like rotten meat that must be corroded by heat. God will destroy Jerusalem before refining and restoring the city.

God tells Ezekiel that his wife will soon die, but instructs Ezekiel not to publicly mourn. When Jerusalem is destroyed, the people of Israel are not to mourn of their loss, because their sinfulness, rebellion, and idol worship was the cause of Jerusalem’s destruction.

Ezekiel would serve as a sign to the people, having also lost what was most valuable and delightful to him. Through Ezekiel, God will be made known to the people.

EZEKIEL 25

PROPHECY AGAINST ISRAEL’S ENEMIES

Starting with the Ammonites, Ezekiel prophesizes against Israel’s enemy nations. Because the Ammonites celebrated Israel’s downfall, they will be taken into Babylonian captivity. Because of Moab’s disregard for Judah, the Moabites will also be taken captive by Babylon.

Because Edom and Philistia acted with revenge towards Judah, their kingdoms will be brought to ruin. God brought wrath upon Judah, but His judgment expanded across the nations.

EZEKIEL 26

PROPHECY AGAINST THE CITY OF TYRE

Through Ezekiel, God sends a warning to the city of Tyre that they will also be sieged and taken captive under Babylonia. Because Tyre became prideful and saw Jerusalem’s demise as their benefit, they would be laid to waste.

EZEKIEL 27

LAMENTATION OVER TYRE

Tyre, a city once valued for international trade, will become like rubble. Although they were considered to be like a great boat, they will soon become shipwrecked.

Many of the other nations, including Tarshish, Dedam, Judah, and Damascus will be shocked and appalled at what becomes of Tyre.

EZEKIEL 28

THE PRIDE OF TYRE + SATAN 

Through Ezekiel, God sends a message of warning and prophecy against the leaders of Tyre. Because of the splendor and success of the city of Tyre, the city’s leadership has become prideful and corrupt. God warns that great wealth and wisdom do not give anyone the status of a god, despite what the people of Tyre claim. Because of this, they will be defeated and overthrown.

Ezekiel receives God’s instructions to lament Tyre’s pridefulness and impending downfall. Ezekiel uses vivid imagery and metaphors, including a description of the fall of Satan in Eden, to emphasize the king's downfall. Some interpretations of this passage see Ezekiel’s prophecy as a comparison between Tyre’s leader and Satan, once beautiful and magnificent, but ruined with sin. Others interpret this passage as a prophecy against Satan, saying that he will also be destroyed and brought to ruin. Either way, this chapter shows how God will oppose those who are prideful and elevate themselves.

God plans to gather the Israelites and manifest His holiness in them. They will once again be prosperous and dwell securely. Because of God’s destruction of Israel’s enemies, the Israelites will know that God is their Lord.

EZEKIEL 29

WARNING AGAINST THE PRIDE OF EGYPT

Ezekiel, speaking God’s word, rebukes the Egyptians. Egypt has become prideful over their ownership of the Nile, but God is the only true Creator and Possessor of the river. Egypt is compared to a great sea creature or dragon who will be caught with a hook and cast into the wilderness.

Because Egypt did not provide support to Israel in their time of need, they will be defeated by a sword and the land will become desolate. Egypt will become uninhabitable for forty years and they will never rule over the nations again.

Around 600 BC, Babylon plunders Egypt and carries away their wealth, just as Ezekiel prophesied.

EZEKIEL 30

EGYPT TO BE OVERTHROWN BY BABYLON

Through Ezekiel, God continues His message of warning and prophecy against Egypt and the surrounding areas. A sword will soon come against the nation of Egypt, causing their demise.

Ezekiel laments the future of Egypt, knowing that they will be laid to waste and set on fire. Egypt’s foundations will be torn down, and their wealth will be carried away. God’s word will come to pass and those who support Egypt will also fall.

According to God’s plans for Babylon to overthrow Egypt, Pharoah’s arms will be broken, but Nebuchadnezzar’s will be strengthened. God opposes the proud and brings destruction upon the rebellious.

EZEKIEL 31

EGYPT WILL BE LIKE ASSYRIA, A LARGE CEDAR CUT DOWN

In a prophecy against Egypt, Ezekiel compares Assyria to a giant towering cedar tree. Although Assyria was once the world power, they became prideful, and they were cut down. Egypt, and specifically Pharaoh, will be like the cedar tree, once mighty and beautiful but soon uprooted and destroyed.

In this illustration, God is responsible for both creating the cedar and commanding for it to be taken down, showing His authority and sovereignty over the fate of the nations.

EZEKIEL 32

THE FATE OF EGYPT ALARMS THE NATIONS

Ezekiel laments the destruction of Egypt and Pharaoh. Although Pharoah views himself like a lion, God describes him as a water dragon. Similar to the description in Ezekiel 29, God tells of the water creature being flung onto dry land and dismantled.

When other nations see the fate of Egypt, they will not rejoice but instead respond with fear and trembling. The fall of Egypt will leave many people horrified and appalled, realizing how feeble and fleeting power can be.

Egypt’s reality will be no different than the other proud, unrepentant nations, including Assyria and Edom.

EZEKIEL 33

EZEKIEL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SHARING GOD’S WARNING

Using the imagery of a trumpeter warning the people of danger with the blow of a trumpet, God describes Ezekiel’s role as watchman over Israel. Ezekiel is responsible for sharing God’s word and alerting the people but has no control over their reactions or responses. If Ezekiel does not warn the people, he is the one at fault for their inaction.

God explains that if the righteous become wicked, they are judged as wicked and face condemnation. But if a wicked person turns towards righteousness, they will be forgiven. Israel does not revere God’s justice system and dismisses the idea that God will judge each person according to their own sin.

Ezekiel hears the news that Judah has been overthrown. Because of the horrible sins of Judah, the capital city of Jerusalem has fallen. God tells Ezekiel that His words of warning and prophecy have not influenced the people of Judah to stop their sinful ways and turn towards repentance.

EZEKIEL 34

ISRAEL WILL BE GIVEN A GOOD SHEPHERD

The leaders of Israel are compared to shepherds who have neglected their sheep. Because of their selfishness and inattentiveness, the sheep have been scattered. In response to their mistreatment, God will step in to rescue the sheep Himself. Using language similar to Psalm 23, God tells of the rest and peace He will provide for His restored flock.

God will establish a new shepherd over His people from the line of David (Jesus!) and make a covenant of peace with them. God is a good Shepherd, one who brings beautiful blessings and abundance. In John 10:14, Jesus calls Himself the good Shepherd.

EZEKIEL 35

GOD REBUKES THE EDOMITES

Through Ezekiel, God rebukes the nation of Edom, also referred to as Mount Seir. Edom will become a desolate wasteland because of their constant enmity and hostility towards Israel.

Because the Edomites are tolerant of bloodshed, they will soon experience death by sword. The Edomites continually oppose God’s people and magnify themselves above God, but their destruction will point to God as Lord.

EZEKIEL 36

GOD WILL REDEEM ISRAEL FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE

The mountains of Israel have been destroyed by enemy nations, but God promises that Israel will grow new branches and become fruitful once again. God will restore the nation, making them no longer a disgrace.

Through their idol worship and sinfulness, the Israelites profaned God’s name. God’s rehabilitation of Israel to their land will bring honor to God’s holy name once again.

God plans to gather, cleanse, purify, and redeem the Israelites before reinstating them the land given to their ancestors. Replacing their hearts of stone with hearts of flesh, God desires to be known and worshiped by the Israelites. God does all of this for His glory and His name's sake!

Ezekiel 36:8 - But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they will soon come home.

EZEKIEL 37

EZEKIEL’S VISION OF THE VALLEY OF DRY BONES

Ezekiel has a vision of a valley filled with dried bones. Through Ezekiel, God commands the bones to come alive. God’s spirit appears upon the bones, breathing life into them, and restoring them completely! Instead of dry bones, Ezekiel now stands before a great army, full of life and strength.

The valley of dry bones shows the immense death amongst Israel, both literally and spiritually. God plans to breathe new life and spirit into His people, restoring them and strengthening them. Just as God created man from dirt with His breath in Genesis 2, God will begin a new act of creation among the Israelites.

God instructs Ezekiel to take two sticks, one representative of Judah and the other of Israel. Ezekiel is to join the sticks, making them one in his hand. This vision represents the twelve tribes of Israel reuniting as one unified nation.

God promises that one day Jerusalem will become the dwelling place for the Israelites and God’s Spirit. They will be united under an everlasting covenant and led by a Shepherd from the line of David.

EZEKIEL 38

GOD OPPOSES WICKED LEADERSHIP AMONG ISRAEL’S ENEMIES

God gives Ezekiel a message prophesying against the evil leader Gog. It is possible that instead of an individual person, Gog is an archetype of rebellious leaders and sin among the nations. God pronounces judgment on Gog, who plans to attack unsuspecting villages and the nation of Israel.

God’s wrath and fury upon Gog will appear in the form of fire, earthquakes, and plagues. These fierce acts show the Israelites’ God’s authority and triumph over evil.

EZEKIEL 39

GOD CONTINUES HIS PROPHECY AGAINST THE EVIL RULER GOG

Through Ezekiel, God continues to speak against Gog, the archetype of rebellious and sinful nations. God tells of a time when Gog will fall and become nothing but carcasses devoured by wild animals.

After his downfall, Gog’s weapons will be burned and used as fuel by the Israelites. What was once intended for evil, God uses for provision for His people! After sin and evil is eradicated from the nations, God’s glory will be on display and the people will acknowledge Him as Lord. God plans to restore the Israelites and pour out His spirit upon them.

EZEKIEL 40

EZEKIEL’S VISION OF MEASURING THE NEW TEMPLE

Twenty-five years into the exile, God reveals to Ezekiel a vision on the day of Passover. This vision consisted of a man with a bronze appearance carrying a linen cord and measuring reed. Throughout the vision, the man uses the tools to measure the gates of the temple area as well as the inner and outer court.

The vision continues with Ezekiel being shown the area designated for sacrifices and the chamber for the priests. Ezekiel is instructed to share what he has seen with the people of Israel, offering them a message of hope for God’s plans to rebuild the temple.

EZEKIEL 41

EZEKIEL’S VISION OF THE INNERMOST PART OF THE TEMPLE

Ezekiel’s vision proceeds as the man measures the inner sanctuary of the temple and the most holy place. Ezekiel does not go inside the holy of holies, honoring the space and showing reverence to the place of God’s presence. Within the innermost part of the temple, the walls are decorated with lavish carvings of palm leaves and cherubim.

EZEKIEL 42

EZEKIEL’S VISION OF THE TEMPLE CHAMBERS

Continuing Ezekiel’s vision, he now sees into the temple chambers. These chambers, intended for the priests, highlight the importance of ritual purity and order in the temple. One of the purification practices involves the priests leaving their holy garments inside the temple before entering the outer court.

From size descriptions listed, this temple will be far larger than the original temple that was destroyed in Jerusalem. Some theologians believe that Ezekiel’s vision was a literal depiction or blueprint of the temple for the new kingdom, while others believe that it is a symbolic message of hope that God’s presence will dwell among the people once again in an even greater way.

EZEKIEL 43

GOD GIVES EZEKIEL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHARING HIS VISION

Similar to Ezekiel’s first vision, God’s presence returns to fill the temple. In Ezekiel 10, God’s presence left the temple, and in this vision, the presence of God comes back in the same manner it left. Ezekiel falls on his face in awe of the sight of God’s presence!

God tells Ezekiel to record the dimensions and details of the new temple, letting the Israelites know that God has plans for the future. Ezekiel is also instructed to record God’s law and encourage the Israelites to follow God’s commands and worship God alone. God gives specific instructions for sacrifices upon the new temple altar.

This chapter highlights the theme of divine presence and the importance of obedience to God's commands in the context of the vision of the future temple.

EZEKIEL 44

GOD EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LAW + RULES FOR PRIESTS

In his vision, Ezekiel is met by God on the temple mount where God gives him laws for the people. God does not desire false religiosity from His people, but instead wants them to have heart change and admiration for Him.

God outlines specific laws for priests including who they could marry and what they should wear. Many of these laws will sound familiar to the laws recorded in Leviticus. Although these rules may appear legalistic or strict, they are designed to maintain ritual cleanliness and maintain the priestly line.

EZEKIEL 45

GOD GIVES DIRECTION FOR LAND ALLOCATION + SACRIFICES

Continuing Ezekiel’s vision, the land surrounding the new temple is allotted. In Leviticus, it is recorded that the Levites will not receive any land inheritance, but this chapter shows God’s generosity in allowing the Levites a designated place among the land.

In continuation of God’s procedures and practices in the vision, God explains the expectations for land and the requirements for sacrifice from the prince. This vision captures God’s promise to His people that He will restore them to the land He has provided for them.

EZEKIEL 46

GOD PROVIDES EZEKIEL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SABBATH + FESTIVALS

In Ezekiel’s vision, God shares His desire for the gate of the inner court to be shut on the sixth day and reopened on the Sabbath, underlining the importance of observing the Sabbath.

God commands that no one shall return by the gate they entered, meaning if they entered through the south they must leave through the north. This imagery highlights the idea of transformative life change that occurs from encountering God’s presence.

Emphasizing the importance of the festivals, God tells Ezekiel the requirements for offerings in regards to these celebrations.

EZEKIEL 47

GOD’S RIVER WILL FLOW FROM THE TEMPLE + BRING LIFE

Ezekiel is shown a magnificent vision of water flowing out of the temple towards the east. The rushing waters lead towards the Dead Sea, a desolate place where life does not exist. Because of this fresh water from the temple, everywhere along the river will become a living reservoir that is fruitful and abundant. Wherever the river goes, there will be bountiful life!

Similar to Joshua 13, when the Israelites entered the Promised Land of Canaan, God allocated the land and divided it up among the tribes. This new division of the land, including all the twelve tribes, gives hope to the Israelites that they will be collected from across the nations and restored to their unified nation.

EZEKIEL 48

GOD WILL BE PRESENT IN THE NEW REDEEMED CITY

In Ezekiel’s vision, God gives detailed instructions of the temple measurements and dimensions. Many years later, when God brings the Israelites out of exile, a second temple is built. (See Ezra + Zechariah + Haggai for more on this!)

Once the second temple is built, it is not made to fit the magnificent description of Ezekiel’s vision. Some theologians believe that Ezekiel’s vision was a literal depiction or blueprint of the temple for the new kingdom, still to be built in the future. Others believe that it is a symbolic message of hope, filled with symbolism and meaning, showing that God’s presence will dwell among the people once again.

Whatever view you lean towards, it is important to focus on God’s pursuit of His people and His desire to redeem and restore those who love Him. This idea is summarized in the last verse of the book, saying that the name of the new city will be “the Lord is there,” emphasizing how God’s presence will be with His people forever!