The Strand Study Bible

EZEKIEL EZEKIEL 40:2 Thirteen years after Ezekiel uttered his final message to Israel (Ezk 32), he was transported in “vision” ( visions of God ) to the temple mount, where he was given a tour of the future Temple, beginning at the east gate of the outer court. From the top of this mount he saw as the frame of a city, the plan and model of it; but this city was a temple as large as a city. Ezekiel foresaw not only the rebuilding of the Millennial Temple (Ezk 40-43), but the reorganization of Israel’s worship (Ezk 44-46), and the redistribution of Israel’s land (Ezk 47-48). Charles Ryrie in The Ryrie Study Bible notes: If understood plainly, the Temple and worship here referred to must relate to Israel when she is reestablished in her land (cf. chapters 47-48) during Christ’s millennial kingdom. 1 While some object to such a literal interpretation of these chapters (40-48), there is ample proof that such a literal interpretation is indeed intended (vs 4 – declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel ). Charles John Ellicott in Ellicott’s Bible Commentary agrees. He notes: …it is equally clear that it ( Ezk 40-48 – my emphasis ) cannot describe the present. It must, therefore, have been prophetic, a symbolic representation rather than an actual image of things .2 40:3a The “ MAN ” here who entered the gate (Ezk 44:2) and stood there is none other than CHRIST (the LORD , the GOD OF ISRAEL ). He is the same MAN found in Genesis 32:24-30, Joshua 5:13-15, Judges 13:1-22, Daniel 3:23-28 and Zechariah 1:7-19 & 2:1-3. Charles Ryrie in The Ryrie Study Bibl e notes: a man . Evidently the Angel of the Lord; i.e., the Lord Himself (44;2,5). 1 Matthew Henry in Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes: 1308

The particular discoveries of this city (which he had at first a general view of) were made to him by a man whose appearance was like the appearance of brass (v. 3), not a created angel, but Jesus Christ, who should be found in fashion as a man, that he might both discover and build the gospel-temple. He brought him to this city, for it is through Christ that we have both acquaintance with and access to the benefits and privileges of God’s house. 3

The Pulpit Commentary notes:

That the “man” was Jehovah or the Angel of the Presence (comp. ch. ix. 2) the analogy of Amos viii. 7,8 and the statement of Ezekiel in ch. xliv. 2,5 would seem to suggest. 4

NOTE – The reason why there are two different Persons identified in the Bible as the “GOD OF ISRAEL” is because both GOD THE FATHER (Isa 48:2, Ezk 43:2, Zeph 2:9 and Lk 1:68) and GOD THE SON (Ezk 44:2) are going to rule and reign together over Israel during the Millennium ( Rev 11:15 ). 40:3b Whereas a “ line of flax ” was used for long measurements, a measuring reed was used for short measurements. 40:6 The (seven) steps leading to the east gate ascended upward ( up the stairs ). Why? Because if men are to fellowship with God, they are to “look down” (step 1) in order to “look up” (steps 2-15), as they ascend upward in heart and mind. 40:7 These cells ( little chambers ) are for the Levites who will oversee the Temple work (Ezk 44:11,14).

1 Ryrie, Charles C. The Ryrie Study Bible , Chicago, ILL, Moody Press, 1978, p. 1200, 1201. Print. 2 Ellicott, Charles John. Ellicott’s Bible Commentary , Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan, 1971. Print. 3 Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry’s Commentary , Old Tappan, NJ, Fleming H. Revell Co., Vol. IV. Print. 4 The Pulpit Commentary . Grand Rapids, MI, Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1950, Vol. 12 (Vol. II), Print.