I. The Temple In The Kingdom.
A. A large portion of the prophecy of Ezekiel (40:1—46:24) is devoted to the temple, its structure, its priesthood, its ritual, and its ministry. Various views have been presented concerning this important prophecy, but it is best considered that we have here a prediction of the temple that shall be built in the Kingdom age. This appears a fitting and intelligent sequel to the preceding prophecies.
B. Concerning the view that sees these chapters in Ezekiel’s prophecy were fulfilled by the return of the remnant from Babylon:
The temple which the historic Jews built does in no way whatever correspond with the magnificent structure which Ezekiel beheld in his vision. The fact is, if this temple is a literal building (as it assuredly is) it has never yet been erected. Furthermore, it is distinctly stated that the glory of the Lord returned to the temple and made His dwelling place there, the same glory which Ezekiel had seen departing from the temple and from Jerusalem. But the glory did not return to the second temple. No glory cloud filled that house. And, furthermore, no high priest is mentioned in the worship of the temple that Ezekiel describes; but the Jews after their return from Babylon had high priests again. Nor can the stream of healing waters flowing from the temple, as seen by Ezekiel, be in any way applied to the restoration from the Babylonian captivity.
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C. Dismissed, as unworthy, is the explanation that the vision is the result of the prophet’s own imagination; and the idea that the passage from the prophet is to be applied symbolically to the church, as follows:
This is the weakest of all, and yet the most accepted. But this theory gives no exposition of the text, is vague and abounds in fanciful applications, while the greater part of this vision is left unexplained, even in its allegorical meaning, for it evidently has no such meaning at all.
D. The conclusion as to the method of interpretation is in these words:
The true interpretation is the literal one which looks upon these chapters as a prophecy yet unfulfilled, and to be fulfilled when Israel has been restored by the Shepherd and when His glory is once more manifested in the midst of His people. The great building seen in his prophetic vision will then come into existence and all will be accomplished.
E. Conclusion: “Ezekiel’s temple is a literal future sanctuary to be constructed in The Land Of Israel as outlined during the Kingdom Age.”
1. The location of the temple in the land is clearly presented in Scripture.
2. The temple itself would be located upon a very high mountain, which will be miraculously made ready for that purpose when the temple is to be erected.
3. This shall be “the mountain of Yahweh’s house,” established upon the “top of the mountain” and “exalted above the hills,” into which all nations shall flow (Isa. 2:4; Mic. 4:1-4; Ez. 37:26).
4. Ezekiel gives the picture in chapter 37, verse 27: “My tabernacle also shall be with [“over” or “above”] them.”
5. The prophet sees the magnificent structure on a grand elevation commanding a superb view of all the surrounding country.
II. Kingdom Prophecies. (1-5).
A. 1. The final temple to be rebuilt (Isa 2:2; Ezek 37:26, 40-48; Joel 3:18; Hag 2:7-9; Zech 6:12-13).
B. 2. Israel to be regathered (Isa 43:5-6; Jer 24:6; 29:14: 31:8-10; Ezek 11:17; 36:24-25, 28; Amos 9:14-15; Zech 8:6-8; Mt 24:31).
C. 3. Israel to recognize her Messiah (Isa 8:17; 25:9; 26:8; Zech 12:10-12; Rev 1:7).
D. 4. Israel to be cleansed (Jer 33:8; Zech 13:1).
E. 5. Israel to be regenerated ( Jer 31:31-34; 32:39; Ezek 11:19-20; 36:26).
III. Kingdom Rewards. Matthew Chapter 19.
A. The Relation Of Discipleship To Kingdom Rewards. 19:27-30
1. The previous discourse of Messiah on the place of riches on earth in contrast to “treasure in heaven” (v. 21) led to Peter’s next question, “Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?” (v. 27).
2. To this practical question, Christ gave a specific answer. He stated that in the “regeneration,” or restoration of the kingdom, “When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory,” the disciples also “shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (v. 28). This is clearly a picture of the millennial Kingdom Age earth, not heaven. Late in Yeshua’s ministry, He supports the concept that the Kingdom, while postponed as far as human expectation is concerned, is nevertheless certain of fulfillment following His second coming.
3. In addition to the promise that they shall sit on thrones acting as judges, Messiah gave the promise to all His disciples who, for Christ’s sake, have forsaken houses, brethren, sister, father, mother, wife, children, or lands, that they shall receive an hundredfold reward in addition to having eternal life. There is no uncertainty about the riches of heaven, which will endure long after the treasures of the rich young ruler have been dissipated.
4. One final word of caution was given by Messiah, “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first” (v. 30). By this, Christ meant that Yahweh’s estimation of worthiness for reward may be entirely different than man’s estimation. Those prominent in this life may not necessarily be first in reward in the life to come. The widow who gave her two mites but had nothing else to give may be ahead of those who have given much. Those who labor merely for reward may miss it. His discussion of this point is illustrated in the next chapter.
B. Jewish Disciples’ Rulership.
1. The Land of Israel during the Kingdom Age has its dimensions described in Ezek 47. This land area is the same as that which Yahweh promised to Abraham (Abrahamic Covenant) in Gen 15:18-21. The covenant is literal, earthly, and unconditional, and will be fulfilled when Messiah returns to earth from Heaven after the Tribulation (Mt 24:29-31).
2. The division of the Land Of Israel during the Kingdom Age, per tribe allotments, is described in Ezek 48.
3. “In the regeneration,” relates to the the millennial Kingdom Age, when the earth will be made new, during which time the Jewish disciples will judge Israel. The only other use of the word “regeneration” in the New Testament speaks of people being new in the Church age (Tit 3:5).
4. “On His glorious throne.” Re: Mt 25:31, “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, the He will sit on His glorious throne.” This passage relates to the return of Christ from Heaven to earth with His saints as the end of the Tribulation (Mt 24:29-31; Zech 14:1-5, 9; Rev 19:11-20:6).
C. Gentile Disciples’ Rulership. As Jews are ruling other Jews in the covenant Land of Israel, Gentile believers in Christ will be ruling the remainder of the world.
1. 1 Cor 6:2-3. “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts?” Do you not know that we will judge angels?
2. Because of our union with Messiah, we will be with Him in this judgment during the Kingdom Age. We will also judge angels.
a. 2 Pet 2:4. “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;”
b. “angels when they sinned.” These are fallen angels, who sinned grievously by cohabiting with women, as described in Gen 6:1-4. Or, this may refer to angels who rebelled with Satan before Adam and Eve sinned. In either case, they were consigned to hell, lit., Tartarus, a prison holding them until their final judgment. Some evil angels, the demons, are still fee and doing Satan’s will.
Eternity 