The Temple Vision of Ezekiel—Part 2 -- By: Merrill Frederick Unger
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 106:421 (Jan 1949)
Article: The Temple Vision of Ezekiel—Part 2
Author: Merrill Frederick Unger
BSac 106:421 (Jan 49) p. 48
The Temple Vision of Ezekiel—Part 2
(Continued from the October-December Number, 1948)
III. The Adequate View
3. The Plan of Ezekiel’s Temple.
The specifications of the sanctuary are given in descriptive detail in chapters 40–42. It is interesting to note that there are only a few measurements that with certainty can refer to height (40:5; 41:8). The design seems to be almost wholly that of a ground plan. It shows that the divine wisdom and holiness are to be adored in this structure, where indifference is shown to height. Fallen man’s pride and ambition seek a tower to reach heaven. But God will have all the glory in the millennial day. At the revelation of Jehovah’s glory, height will become an insignificant factor. The mountain will be brought low, and the valley will be exalted (Isa 40:4, 5).
It is very evident that things are viewed according to divine and not human vision. Instead of first passing through the land to the sanctuary, the procedure is from within the sacred enclosure outward to the people and the land. This resembles in general the order of the tabernacle. It begins with the ark, the throne and the mercy seat (Exod 25). Not without significance does Ezekiel begin at the eastern gate, where a little later the glory is to enter (43:1–4). To begin where God begins is essential. To grasp the divine viewpoint is all-important. Divine order and inerrant precision thus characterize the unfolding of the details.
(1) The Gates and the Courts (40:5-47 ).
The sanctuary with its various precincts first comes into
BSac 106:421 (Jan 49) p. 49
view. The gates and the courts will be a part of what will be the most sacred and glorious place in all the world during the millennial kingdom. From this magnificent structure the power and the blessing of God will flow forth to the ends of the earth. Well may Haggai, looking beyond the poor temple of the restoration, and with the keen eye of faith catching a glance of the splendor of the millennial temple of Ezekiel’s vision, break out in rapturous strains of prophetic ecstasy, “For thus saith Jehovah of Hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land, and I will shake all nations: and the precious things of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts�...
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