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God’s Holy Temple Ezekiel 40-41
God’s Holy Temple Ezekiel 40-41
As we turn to chapters 40-41, we see a contrast between the glory of the LORD departing (chs. 8-11), and the new temple with the Glory of God returning, taking up residence and calling the people His people. “And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house” (Ezekiel 43:5). They had profaned the temple and God's name, now they will be HOLY unto the LORD.
We are told about the measuring of this new temple. McGuiggan wrote concerning such measuring: “We are expressly told that the measuring activity of Ezekiel is to "make a separation between that which was holy and that which was common." [42:20] Rev. 11:1 - measures the inner sanctuary and the worshiper therein and the reason is clearly implied in verse 2 where he is instructed NOT to measure the outer areas for these were to be made common by God and trampled on by the oppressor. The literal measuring of a literal sanctuary we can see, but what of measuring the worshipers?
"The truth is that measuring by God ever stresses that what is measured is holy and belongs to him…”* This measuring was about HOLINESS, not size. Particularly is this true concerning the temple under Jesus, it is built of 'living stones'. Size is of no matter, but the people are a HOLY priesthood and built together into a holy habitation for the LORD:
“19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22)
The command for God's people has always been for holiness. Peter quotes Leviticus (see Lev 11:44f; 19:2; 20:7), and commands today's believers: “14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:14-16).
Paul instructs the church at Corinth: “ 16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you. 18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty. 1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1).
Let us, as the temple of God, pursue holiness, without which no man will see God (Heb. 12:14 NASB). Is this your pursuit in life?
Hugh DeLong
NOTE: Jim McGuiggan, Let The Bible Speak Study Series: Ezekiel, William C. Johnson, Inc., 1974 edition, pg. 212.
