Ezekiel 47 (résumé): The river from the temple

Ezekiel 37 further informs concerning the future restored temple and emphasizes the reinvigorating nature of the presence of God. Water was observed flowing as a stream from the east from beneath the temple and as it flowed it miraculously got deeper... ankle deep... knee deep... waist deep... and then "now it was a river that I could not cross... because the river had deepened and was deep enough to swim in - a river that no-one could cross". Fruit trees are watered by the banks of the river and the trees produce abundant monthly fruit for food and the leaves bring healing. The river symbolizes all that flows from God's nourishing healing presence. Then God defines the boundaries that would be laid out in the promised land between the 12 tribes of Israel. God includes foreigners in this land distribution for those aliens who had settled in Israel and this was a precursor for the spreading of the Gospel to the gentiles in Christ. So God's presence brings life and healing... and his spirit spreads grace to Israel and all nations!

Ezekiel 46 (résumé): Further worship instructions

Ezekiel 46 brings further instructions for worship in the eventually restored temple. To start with directives are given regarding the sabbath and new moon for which the east gate is to be opened and the prince enters through this gate on these days. There ensues clear instructions for burnt offerings, fellowship offerings and grain offerings, and the people are taught about orderly entrances and departures from the temple. Then comes discussions of the prince's inheritance of which he may give partly and permanently to his sons whilst living. However if he gives land to a servant this will return to him in the year of Jubilee. The prince is also banned from taking land from anyone by force. Finally Ezekiel was shown the kitchens: "These are the kitchens where those who minister in the temple will cook the sacrifices of the people". No aspect of the temple's functioning was forgotten.

Ezekiel 45 (résumé): Division of the land

Ezekiel 45 continues in the vein of Israel's eventual restoration now focusing on the land, worship and leadership. Initially God says that when the land is allotted a portion must be separated as holy serving for the sanctuary, area for the priests and levites, land for the city and for the prince (leader). Then God rebukes Israel's past sinful oppression of the people telling them to "give up violence and oppression and do what is just and right... stop dispossessing my people... use accurate scales"! True worship must be accompanied by righteous living. Then the people are told to provide offerings for which the prince (leader) is responsible to give in the required feasts and festivals. Then the Passover and Feast of Tabernacles are reconfirmed to Israel.

Philip & Family arrive

Last night our son Philip, his wife Gylmara and their son Luis arrived at our home in Patos. It was a joyful reunion! 😃They will be with us for a little over a month returning to the UK on August 26th. 

Last night I went to my excellent doctor Dr. Felícia Crispim and I was very pleased to get a glowing report with all my blood tests fine for the first half of 2026. All praise be to the Lord! 🙌

Gylmara brought me Ginger Nut biscuits and Liquorice Allsorts from England! 😋

Ezekiel 44 (résumé): The prince, the Levites, the priests

This chapter continues focusing on the restoration of the temple emphasizing that holiness is its essential ingredient. Initially it is stated that the eastern gate must always remain shut and no-one can enter through it because it was through this gate that God's glory entered. God then rebukes Israel's past "detestable practices" and insists that the Levites would only be permitted to do lesser tasks in the temple owing to their past unfaithfulness. However the "Levites and descendants of Zadok" will be given preference of service in the temple because of their resolute faithfulness in the past when everyone else went astray. The descendants of Zadok also received special instructions concerning what to wear, their conduct, teaching the people, acting as judges, avoiding ceremonial defilement and receiving their priestly inheritance. So we see that faithfulness to God is rewarded where as unfaithfulness has long lasting consequences. Spiritual leaders are called by God to minister through holy example and to teach and practice the truth.

Ezekiel 43 (résumé): The glory returns to the temple

 Ezekiel 43 is the climax to Ezekiel's temple vision when the glory returns: "I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east... and the glory of the Lord entered the temple... and filled it... this is the place of my throne... the house of Israel will never again defile my holy name... and all the surrounding area on top of the mountain will be most holy". Then God gives detailed measurements for the altar and a 7-day consecration ceremony is prescribed with sacrifices by the priests. When all this is completed God says: "Then I will accept you, declares the Sovereign Lord".

Ezekiel 42 (résumé): Rooms for the priests

Ezekiel 42 continues the vision of the restored temple covering the rooms for the priests and the temple's overall dimensions. Ezekiel was shown rooms on the north and south sides which were where the priests "will eat the most holy offerings... store the grain, sin and guilt offerings... and change their garments". Then the general temple complex measurements were taken. "It had a wall all around it to separate the holy from the profane".