Ezekiel: For His GlorySample

Water can be wonderfully transformative, as we see in today’s chapter. 

As Ezekiel is brought back to the temple, he sees a trickle of water issuing from the south side of the temple, south of the altar, flowing eastward and running through the east outer gate (vv. 1–2). But as it journeys further away from the temple, it becomes a miraculous river. After 450m, the trickle becomes ankle-deep; then after another 450m, it is knee-deep; another 450m, it’s waist-deep; then finally it becomes a river so deep it can’t be crossed (vv. 3–5). 

This is a supernatural river. It widens without tributaries and it flows over or through hills and mountains (v. 8). It brings superabundant fertility to a mostly parched wilderness region: fruit trees bearing fruit each month and leaves for healing (vv. 7, 12). It brings healing and life to the Dead Sea, which becomes fresh and teeming with life. This is a blessing to the fishermen from all around the Dead Sea (vv. 8–10). Yet the Dead Sea’s production of salt still remains (v. 11). This mineral is useful for seasoning and preserving food, but may also symbolize covenant consummation (cf. Lev. 2:13; Num. 18:19). 

What we have is a total transformation of the land, from death to life. The images remind us of the Garden of Eden. In Eden, there was a river with four branches, fertile trees, and seas teeming with life (Gen. 1:11–12, 20–21; 2:10–14). God will once again bless His people in the land; the Eden-like fertility and abundance they will enjoy flow directly from God Himself. 

Reflection

This life-giving water anticipates the living water of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37–39; cf. John 4:7–15). Jesus tells us that those who believe in Him receive this wonderful blessing. As Christians, the Holy Spirit transforms us and brings to us God’s blessings, including eternal life. Yet we, too, can be mini-temples. We can be a source of blessing to the nations by presenting the life-giving message of the gospel (Rev. 22:2).