Obst 5260

Literal and Symbolic Temple Prophecy of Ezekiel 40-48

After reading the text of Ezekiel 40-48, comparisons between other Old Testament prophecies, further study from commentaries, and reading the assigned articles, I believe the prophecy of the temple found in Ezekiel 40-48 should be interpreted both literally and symbolically. The text presented in Ezekiel is very specific and lends itself to a literal interpretation of an event that has not yet happened. Some critical scholars deduce that the information provided is figurative because no temple has been rebuilt to the literal specifications of Ezekiel, but I believe this prophecy is yet to be fulfilled. At the same time, the text of Ezekiel 40-48 is apocalyptic and symbolic of future events as it points to Jesus and the church. Regarding Ezekiel’s prophecy, Cooper notes, “The very objects he describes, such as a literal temple, priesthood, and sacrifices also function as symbols of the character of the kingdom and it’s King.” R df

One of the most compelling arguments that Ezekiel presents a literal temple is found in the detail in which he describes it. In defense of the literal interpretation of Ezekiel 40-48, Price notes, “The impression the reader has when reading in this section of precise measurements, the detailed design of its courts, pillars, galleries, rooms, chambers, doors, ornamentation, vessels, and the careful instructions concerning the priestly service, is that an actual Temple is intended.” One of many convincing examples of a literal temple in Ezekiel 40-48 is described in Ezekiel 40:17-19. For example, “the gate that faced the north,” “side rooms, three on each side,” “length was 50 cubits, and its breadth twenty-five cubits,” “by seven steps people would go up to it,” “and he measured from gate to gate, a hundred cubits,” all describe something literal and offer no symbolism.

While a future temple is described in detail and should be perceived as actual in Ezekiel 40-48, one must not...