Ezekiel: For His GlorySample

As Ezekiel’s final vision (chapters 40–48) continues, the focus shifts to the holy district, the prince, and offerings in the new temple. 

The landless exiles would be intrigued to find out about land allocation (vv. 1–8). The first priority is Yahweh’s portion, the sacred district (vv. 1–5). He is the sovereign landowner, and the centrality of this district emphasizes His power and importance. The Zadokites are given land for residence (v. 4; cf. 44:28); the Levites are given land for possession (v. 5). Another portion of land is for the people, perhaps as accommodation during pilgrimages (v. 6). The temple is centrally located and surrounded by a buffer zone to protect it from defilement. Unlike in the past, the temple is not located in the city but is distinct from it, occupying the central place. On both sides of the sacred district are tracts of land given to the prince (vv. 7–8). 

This prince performs the role of a lay leader and represents the worshipping community. His main duty is to provide for the sin, burnt, and grain offerings (vv. 17, 21–25), and the people are obliged to bring their harvest and livestock offerings to the prince (vv. 13–16). As he fulfills his role, he is given two warnings. First, he is not to misappropriate people’s land (cf. 1 Kgs. 21:1–16); second, he is to ensure the accuracy of the weights and measures used (vv. 10–12). 

Regulations are then given for offerings. The sacrifices required to purify the sanctuary and for making atonement are detailed (vv. 18–20). The emphasis on purification is also seen in the Passover regulations (vv. 21–24) and the unnamed festival (v. 25; possibly the Feast of Tabernacles). Maintaining the holiness of the temple (v. 20) and the people (v. 22) is of prime importance. 

Reflection

God’s concern for holiness still continues for us as Christians. We are temples of the Holy Spirit (e.g. 1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:20–22) and God is glorified by the way we live. Let us then strive to live holy lives with God at the center of all we do, as individuals and as a church.