Reading for April 30th

The vision of the restored Temple in Jerusalem

Chs. 40-48 see God's promises (37.24-38) to make a covenant of peace with Israel and to

place the sanctuary among them forever.

This vision provides a literary and conceptual envelope for the book that complements the 

visions of God's departure and the Temple's destruction in chs. 1-11 with one the Temple's restorations and God's return.

Ezekiel 40.1-43.12 relates instruction concerning the building of the Temple and the return 

of God's glory; 43.13-47.12 provides instruction concerning the associated structures and activities 

of the Temple complex; and 47.13-48.35 guides the reestablishment of the land and people of Israel around the Temple.

Read Ezekiel 40.1-43.12 The Temple and the return of God's glory.

In verses 1-4 the date in v. 1 is April 28, 573 BCE.

Ezekiel's visions began at the age of 30 in the fifth year of the Exile (1.1-3).

After 20 years. Ezekiel would be ready to retire from priestly service at the age of 50 

(Num 4.3; 8.23-25).

Ezekiel is transported to Mt. Zion, the site of the First Temple.

The city of Jerusalem is immediately to the south.

Ezekiel's guide recalls the bronze-colored creatures that supported God's throne chariot (1.5-14; 8.2).

The linen cord and the measuring reed enable the guide to instruct Ezekiel in the dimensions of the Temple structures.

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