DISCUSSION BOARD FORUM 2
The interpretation of Ezekiel 40 -48 prophecy should be in form of a literal event with an eschatological future fulfillment even though there as some “idealized elements “that seems to suggest the prophecy may be beyond the physical reconstruction of the Temple[1].
The many specific details relating to the temple’s parts, designs and what it would house shows the need for a literal interpretation. The audience of the prophets appears not to fully grasp the literal meaning of the various symbolic acts which is seen in Ezekiel’s frustration as he prays to the Lord. Ezekiel gives instructions for the construction of the Temple and this leafs to building of the Altar for the purpose of Burnt Offering. The restoration of the Temple is introduced in the previous chapters (37) and then it is detailed in chapters 40 and 48[2].
Moreover, a reading of the section leaves the reader with precise measurements that are precise and the instruction of priestly service indicates that a physical Temple is described. After the glory of God departed from the Temple, it returned in after the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The progression into the New Testament shows that there was a restoration of what had been lost[3].
The offering of sacrifices in future temple appears to indicate that animal sacrifices will be present but not as an atonement of sin but for removal of ceremonial uncleanliness and therefore, preventing further violation or defilement of the temple. The sacrifices may also acts as memorial to the final atoning work of Christ, an aspect that is seen the present Lord’s Supper observation[4]. The future sacrifices cannot diminish the work finished by Christ and does not make the literal interpretation of the passages to be flawed.
The problems arising from this interpretation relates to the Mosaic sacrificial system. The system was forward looking and in many cases, the sacrifices in the Temple were certainly “memorials”[5]. The issue with this sentiment is that it seems to support the view that future believers look back before the sacrificial provision of Jesus Christ.
As per the New Testament, the church is a spiritual temple of the Lord and it has been constructed through living stone. The future will return the past when Israel acts as mediatory people of the Lord but also a time when will be there on this earth. The Lord will still exist among His people and continue desiring for them to be Holy so as to approach Him. However, the physical temple will not be there in eternal life (Rev 21:22)[6].
The interpretation of prophecy comes with some dangers especially if an extreme perception is adopted. Such danger or risk also exists when some believes whatever other people tell or teach them. The interpretation of prophecy should not take focus away from Jesus who came to preach and testify the truth. The prophecies in the Old Testament are unfolded in the New Testament and its focus is on hat Jesus accomplished and what he is coming to finish. The prophecy by Ezekiel presents an idea of what happened in the past and what to expect in the future. In interpretation of prophecy, must take into account the literal and figurative meanings.
Bibliography
Price, Randall. Ezekiel’s Prophecy of the Temple
Chisholm, Robert B. Jr. Handbook on the Prophets. Ppbk Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing, 2009.
Nelson, Thomas. Holy Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2016.
[1] Price, Randall. Ezekiel’s Prophecy of the Temple
[2] Nelson, Thomas. Holy Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2016.
[3] Price, Randall. Ezekiel’s Prophecy of the Temple
[4] Chisholm, Robert B. Jr. Handbook on the Prophets. Ppbk Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing, 2009.
[5] Chisholm, Robert B. Jr. Handbook on the Prophets. Ppbk Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing, 2009.
[6] Nelson, Thomas. Holy Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2016.
