READ IT! - Introduction to Ezekiel 41-48

Readings for this week

Monday: Ezekiel 41
Tuesday: Ezekiel 42
Wednesday: Ezekiel 43
Thursday: Ezekiel 44
Friday: Ezekiel 45
Saturday: Ezekiel 46
Sunday: Ezekiel 47

Introduction to Ezekiel 41-48

The last several chapters of the book describe Ezekiel’s vision of the New Jerusalem. Much of this final vision of Ezekiel pertained to the new temple God was planning. This vision describes in detail the schematics of this new temple. Perhaps the reason this section is so detailed is because Ezekiel had originally planned on being a priest. We do not know what the vision of the New Temple is exactly about. Maybe it was looking forward to the Temple built after the exile. Maybe it was looking forward to the promise of God’s Spirit coming to dwell inside people. Maybe it was describing the kingdom of heaven being established on earth.

In chapter 11, the Glory of The LORD departed from the temple, but here we see God’s Glory returning to dwell in the New Jerusalem. God is described as entering through the eastern gate of the city upon His return. In the New Testament, Jesus entered through the eastern gate on Palm Sunday.

The vision also described a great river that closely resembles Revelation 22. The river flows from the temple and provides “healing for the nations.” Ezekiel also describes the tribal boundaries and the city gates of the New Jerusalem in a similar way to Revelation.

Ezekiel closes his book by affirming that after all is said and done, the name of the city will be “The LORD is there.” This is the goal of all the history of God and humans – restored fellowship.