Reading for March 19th

The vision of the restored Temple in Jerusalem Chs. 40-48: See God's promises (37.24-38) to make a coveant of peace with Israel and to place the sanctuary among them forever. This vision provides a literary and conceptual envelope for the book that compliments the visions of God's departure and the Temple's destruction in chs 1-11 with one of 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 40.1-4 40.1-43.12: The Temple and the return of God's glory. In 40.1-4: The date in v. 1 is April 28, 573 BCE. Ezekiel's visions began at the age of 30 in the the fith 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 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. Comments or Questions..