Scripture reading – Ezekiel 46; Ezekiel 47
Our study of the Millennial Kingdom continues as our study of The Prophecies of Ezekiel nears the end. Thank you for taking this journey with me and persevering through difficult passages that might have been unfamiliar.
In our recent studies, we have considered the Temple of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom (Ezekiel 40:48-41:26), its dimensions, courtyards, sanctuaries, and décor (Ezekiel 41:16-21). Ezekiel witnessed the glory of the LORD filling the Temple (Ezekiel 42:15) and recorded the ordinances and laws that the priests and Levites would follow in its administration (Ezekiel 43-44). The prophet was then instructed to record the division of the land, beginning with the sacred district where the priests and Levites would reside (Ezekiel 45).
Ezekiel 46
Worship in the Millennial (Ezekiel 46:1-3)
In the Millennial Kingdom, Israel will worship the LORD on the Sabbath and the New Moon. The “Prince” of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 45:7-8; Ezekiel 46:2), whom I suggested would be a government official serving the LORD as administrator, was observed by Ezekiel entering the east gate of the Temple grounds (Ezekiel 46:2). The prince came to the Temple to worship, and entered through the east gate as the people entered through the north and south gates (Ezekiel 46:3).
Rules and Regulations for Worship (Ezekiel 46:4-15)
Guidelines were given for the sacrifices (Ezekiel 46:4-8), which the prince was obligated to bring for the priests to offer on his and the people’s behalf. The prince entered and departed by the east gate. The people were to enter by either the north or south gates and then leave by the opposite gate from which they entered (Ezekiel 46:8-9). The prophet observed that the prince and the people worshipped together, with him in their midst (Ezekiel 46:10).
Ezekiel also recorded the procedure for offerings and worship on the feast days (Ezekiel 46:11), as well as the freewill offerings of the prince (Ezekiel 46:12). There will also be an observance of daily sacrifices in the Millennial Kingdom (Ezekiel 46:13-15). A one-year-old male lamb was offered every morning, along with a grain offering accompanied by oil (Ezekiel 46:14-15).
Regulation of Land Inheritances During the Millennial Kingdom (Ezekiel 46:16-18)
As noted in the prior study (Ezekiel 45), the prince of the millennial kingdom will have sons and bequeath to them a portion of his lands. Should the prince give land to a servant, it would be returned to the prince on the Year of Jubilee (every 50 years, Ezekiel 46:17). Furthermore, the prince was forbidden to take possession of lands that belonged to the people (Ezekiel 46:18).
Kitchens of the Temple (Ezekiel 46:19-24)
Two kitchens are noted as places where the priests will prepare and cook the trespass and sin offerings. There will be kitchens located on the west side near the buildings of the priests and designated for the priests and the preparation of their meals (Ezekiel 46:19-20). Four kitchens, located in the four corners of the Temple courtyard (Ezekiel 46:21-22), will be used by the priests to prepare and cook the sacrifices of the people (Ezekiel 46:23-24).
Ezekiel 47
The River of Life in the Millennial Kingdom (Ezekiel 47:1-5)
A “Pure River of Water of Life” (Revelation 22:1-2) flowed from the Temple (47:1), its waters bringing new life to the land of Israel. The river’s source was the Temple (Ezekiel 47:1), and its waters began as a trickle, flowing east-southeast, and were only ankle deep at first (Ezekiel 47:2-3). As the waters flowed, the river became deeper, moving from the ankles (Ezekiel 47:3) to the knees (Ezekiel 47:4), the waist (Ezekiel 47:4), and finally so deep the river was uncrossable (Ezekiel 47:5).
The Purpose of the River of Life (Ezekiel 47:6-12)
Beginning in the Temple, the waters brought new life and transformed the land by nourishing the trees, bringing sustenance and healing to the desert (Ezekiel 47:7-8). Flowing into the Dead Sea, its waters were seen teeming with all manner of fish (Ezekiel 47:9), and fisherman cast their nets and brought in an abundance of fish (Ezekiel 47:10). While salt marshes provided salt for the people (Ezekiel 47:11), the waters of the river nourished fruit trees whose leaves never withered (Ezekiel 47:12; Psalm 1:3).
The Boundaries of the Land (Ezekiel 47:13-21)
Ezekiel 48 will identify the division of the land among the Twelve Tribes of Israel; however, here we find instructions regarding the inheritance of Joseph’s sons (Ephraim and Manasseh), who will each receive a portion (Ezekiel 47:13-14). The north, east, and southern boundaries of the land were given, with the Mediterranean Sea serving as the western border (Ezekiel 47:15-21). The land will be divided “according to the tribes of Israel” (Ezekiel 47:21).
Guidelines for Strangers (Gentiles) Amid Israel (Ezekiel 47:22-23)
Being assured the children of Israel would receive all the LORD promised in His covenant, we conclude with an additional guideline and provision for “the strangers” (non-Hebrews) who identified with the LORD and the children of Israel. In that time, the distinction between Jew and Gentile will be removed, and the “stranger” who lived among the children of Israel will be given an inheritance among God’s people (Ezekiel 47:23).
Closing thoughts –
Have you experienced broken promises? I am sure that you have. Some promise friends and family an inheritance, only to have others swoop in like thieves and steal what was pledged. Some beguile loved ones to trust and believe they are valued and will be remembered, though knowing they had no plans to fulfill those promises.
The LORD, however, is faithful and true to His promises. What He promises, He will fulfill. You can be certain that the promises of the LORD are secure, and thieves cannot wrest them away. Christ has promised His disciples and all who have faith in Him:
John 14:1–2 – 1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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