Ezekiel 45-46

Let us continue to consider objection to the interpretation of Ezekiel 40-49 which considers the temple to be that of the Millennium.

·        Some claim that the New Testament refers to the Church as the new Israel (1 Peter 2:3-5, 8-10) and that the promises of the Old now include the worldwide Church (Rom. 15:9-12).  But this is read into the passages; the NT does not teach this.  In 1 Peter spiritual house does not mean house of Israel; priesthood does not mean Aaronic priesthood; spiritual sacrifices do not demand a literal temple.  When reading Romans 11 see what havoc is created if you try to make references made to Israel to be the Church.  In addition, Romans 15, which quotes the OT indicating the presence of the Gentiles as part of the people of God, does not make the Gentiles to be literal Israel.

·        Others object to a Levitical priesthood, stating that all believers are now priests.  Again, this assumes that this age is the last in God’s plan.  The priesthood of all believers does not invalidate a former or future priesthood.

·        Lastly one wonders how the future sacrifices can make atonement (43:20, 26; 45:15)?  Some answer this objection by saying what is atoned for are the items for worship such as the altar and the priesthood.  This may be although I do not believe it is the case.  But we would answer, again, that they make atonement as did the sacrifices in the OT (e.g. Lev. 4:35).  The sacrifices themselves had no efficacy.  The performance was an act of faith looking forward, and in the future looking back, on the only efficacious sacrifice, that of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Having considered why there is such a strong emphasis on Israel and Jerusalem and a literal temple in the future, note some things that are missing.  While there is Passover (45:21; cf. Luke 22:15-16) and Tabernacles (Zech. 14:16) there is no mention of the feast of Pentecost, perhaps because of its fulfillment in the Church.  There is no mention of the Ark of the Covenant, because the glory of God’s presence fills everything.  There are Levitical priests but no High Priest; the Messiah fills that role, the High Priest who is the King (Zech. 6:12-13).  And while there is a prince, apparently a descendent of David, there is no reference in Ezekiel to the King.  The LORD is King (Zech. 14:9,16-17).  The Old Testament makes a strong case for what Jesus claimed: that the Messiah is God who has come in the flesh!

What we are left with is the method of interpretation we use in the rest of Scripture.  There is no need to spiritualize or allegorize Ezekiel 40-49.  This is the literal restoration of the people of Israel that is being fulfilled.  It is the literal reign and priesthood of the Messiah from His world headquarters in Jerusalem.  God will literally fulfill the promise to His Son (Psalm 2:7-9) and His covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3).  There is no plan “B”.  God will keep His word!