Ezekiel 40 to 48
In the last vision shown to Ezekiel, he seemed to be taken from Babylon, to a high mountain in the land of Israel, and to see a city below.
In the vision a man with a measuring reed stood beside him, and told him to watch and listen carefully to all he saw and heard, because he should tell all to the people of Israel.
Then the man seemed to take Ezekiel around a great temple in the city, and to show him the exact measure of the walls, porches, pillars, courts, and gates, or doors; then he seemed to see the many rooms inside, the place for the singers, and the men who took care of all, those men would be of the “sons of Zadok”, which means righteous, so there could he no evil in this temple, all was to be holy and right.
After the building was measured, Ezekiel seemed to be taken to the east gate and to see the glory of God enter the temple, and to hear the voice of the Lord “like the noise of many waters (meaning with great power), and the earth shined with His glory” (Ezek. 43:2).
This was like the other wonderful vions Ezekiel had seen of the glory of God, and he fell on his face (Ezek. 1:28; and 3:23).
Afterward, Ezekiel was told more of the order for this House; then he was taken again to the entrance, and shown a stream of water flowing from under the temple toward the land, east; at first, the water was only as deep as his ankles, then it became deeper to his knees, and farther on so deep he could not pass over. The man of the vision told him the river would water the desert and flow to the sea, east, which would be “healed”, and “everything shall live whither the river cometh. There would be fish, “exceeding many.”
The sea cast of the land of Israel is the Dead Sea in which no fish can live, and the places mentioned, “Engedi and Eneglaim” are thought to have been at each end of this sea. This seems to be a promise that the deserts and sea shall be for good to the people, although not all healed, for the marshes would still be salt. In the scriptures, pure water reminds us of God’s words which cleanse and refresh our hearts, bringing blessing to all. In this time to come, His words will go forth to all.
Ezekiel was told just where the borders of each tribe of Israel would be, and all the tribes were named, and the names of the gates of the city were the names of the twelve tribes. The last words of the vision tell the new name for the city. “Jehovah is there.”
There is no more told of Ezekiel, but his writing about this last vision must have comforted the people of Israel who sorrowed that the temple of God had been ruined. For the vision was like a very real promise that the glory of God should again he on earth.
Those who now believe God, have sure promises of seeing. His glory, on earth, and also in heaven. Here is one promise,
“When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:4.
ML 06/14/1942