Ezekiel 40:1 In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month, in the fourteenth year after the fall of the city—on that very day the hand of the Lord was on me and he took me there.
According to commentary, there is much debate about whether this chapter describes a literal, figurative, spiritual, or some other form of temple. I certainly don’t have the knowledge to weigh in on the matter. One scholar mentions that “To measure property is symbolic of claiming it for yourself.” Perhaps this idea holds a key.
Ezekiel 40:2 In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city.
I fully believe in the God of hope, love, and compassion. To me, this detailed measuring of a temple, whether real or figurative, is God’s way of providing hope to His people: the temple, which was destroyed, will be rebuilt, strong and solid. This chastisement of His people wasn’t about punishment, it was about restoration.
Ezekiel 40:3 He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand.
Lord, I am no Bible scholar, but I search to know You more every day when I read Your word. Thank You for the insights that You share. Thank You for the hope that You give. Draw me closer always. Amen.
Ezekiel 40:4 The man said to me, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see.”
Have a blessed day.