Ezekiel 40-44 July 11, 2010

We had 5 for Wordlisteners. Another church meeting was scheduled, and it overlapped our time. We discussed Ezekiel 40- 44. These are difficult chapters to reconcile with various beliefs. It has occured to us that like a lot of prophecy in the Bible these chapters have parts that have been fulfilled, some that may have been or may yet be (or both), and some that clearly has not been fulfilled. Since God sees without time, He had it recorded this way, whereas we like to see things along a time line. Its also clear that we don't have all the answers, but we worship the One who does.

We didn't make a decision about next weeks meeting. It seems another gathering has been planned that will overlap with our normal time. I am planning to be there in case some show up.

The week after will be Bible school, the week after that praise and worship. Realistically our next meeting might be August 8.


Notes
Ezekiel 40

The same day Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians, God brought Ezekiel there and gave him a vision. The vision turns out to be of the future (hasn't happened yet), but He wants us to live His Kingdom now or presently. Always waiting can make a person miserable- enjoy God now – walk with Him now.
A structure like a city and told to proclaim it to Israel, declare what he sees. We have to put forth the vision of the Kingdom of God -now – with justice and righteousness. Is that walking with God like Enoch? The structure like a “city”, but is the measurements of the Temple. An awesome building not yet built, but plans given the day of the destruction of the old Temple, so when Israel gets where they need to be they will be ready. As part of this provisions are made for burnt offerings, sin offerings and guilt offerings. Sacrifices were to be slaughtered on tables.
Jesus was the perfect offering for our redemption (redemption of man) and our atonement. A right standing with God. There will be sacrifices to God in the millennial reign, worship is a sacrifice to God. People acknowledging who God is will bring offerings and sacrifices, the sacrifice of praise for sure.

Ezekiel 41

Now the inner temple and the most Holy place paneled with wood. An alter of wood described as being before the Lord.

Ezekiel 42

Now the chambers of the temple are described. Holy chambers for the priests near the Lord. Millennial reign will have people who have not made a choice to follow the Lord Jesus. He will be teaching and instructing nations from Jerusalem. Some freewill it seems will exist. So priests near the Lord will have to be isolated and change clothes, this also may help explain the sacrifices. There will also be a division between Holy and profane. It may also be as with many things of the Lord -partially fulfilled at different times in History.

Ezekiel 43

The Glory of God comes from the east and fills the temple. This temple will be His footstool and there is no condition on Him staying if Israel will be obedient. Rather there is a statement that Israel will not defile His name. Furthermore He will dwell with them forever, Israel will put away harlotry. Harlotry or idolatry putting something before God.. This would place this temple in the millennial reign.
This new temple is described again on the very day of the destruction of Solomon's temple so that when Israel gets serious with God- by repenting and realizing their deeds they will know that God has been waiting for them. He has also been planning this day for many thousand years.
The alter of sacrifice is described, offerings will be required on this alter to purify it (or cleanse it). The alter must be atoned for, Jesus died for men not things. The alter was defiled and must be atoned for through sacrifice. Seven days of alter atonement (similar to seven years of tribulation period) and then burnt and peace offerings to the Lord will be acceptable. The idea of alter atonement is also similar to the idea of making restitution for sin. Paying back what was taken plus 20%.

Ezekiel 44

The east gate was shut because the Lord came through it to fill the temple with His glory. Hasn't happened yet. Not even in the temple rebuilt by after the Babylonian exile. Some people say this is done to keep people from worshiping the rising sun. Others a figurative return of the glory of the Lord to Jerusalem after exile.
The prince is clearly not Jesus, because he comes and goes but not as God. Not a king either but rather maybe a leader of the city. Jerusalem after the exile had rulers but it wasn't a kingdom. The visible glory of the Lord fills the temple, and the abominations of Israel are repeated.
Israel wasn't serious about God, they didn't treat Him as Holy. Uncircumcised profaned His sanctuary, they did not keep track of His Holy things, foreigners were actually put in charge of the Sanctuary. The Levites are then scolded, they went far from Him. This will not result in a loss of being priests, just that they won't minister to God. They are to keep charge of the house.
The sons of Zadok (a subsection of the Levitical priests) will be those that come into the Lord's presence to minister to Him. Having to change clothes to go from God's presence out to the puts it in the millennial reign, or before.
The priests teach the people the difference between Holy and profane, clean and unclean- this may have happened immediately after the Babylonian exile when Nehemiah and Ezra were active, and the rest of the chapter sounds as if it has been fulfilled during the temple restoration after the exile.
Sacrifices were also given to support the priests, that continues even today as clergy are supported by their congregations.