Immanuel Lutheran Church Study Forum

Hello Bible Adventurers,
Ezekiel's vision of the temple is a little hard for me to follow. I just can't think in terms of cubits. (A cubit was the length of one's forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, usually agreed to be about 18 inches.) Fortunately, there are a lot of folks that have taken the time to draw out their interpretation of the vision and put it on the internet. I will attach 2 of these, but there are many more if you want to search Ezekiel's Temple. I hope this helps.




Thanks again for joining me on this adventure,
Tom

What is the LCMS view on the visionary mystic writings of Ezekiel's temple? Is it a future literal temple where people sacrifice animals as if Yeshua/Jesus is not the risen slain Lamb of God?

To be transparent with you, Ezekiel's temple poses MAJOR issues with both religious Jews AND Christians! It is meant to be a mystery that only the Holy Spirit can reveal, I say.. but that's just fallible limited me.

It is simply too detailed for symbolic imagry, way too detailed. O how religious Jews and Rabbi's struggle with it against the Torah. And Christians, it is an all out confusion as to the accomplishments of Messiah Jesus!!! It is especially challenging for the 'Christians are spiritual Jews' doctrine!

In that same context of the temple language in Ezekiel, we learn that the hearts & minds of Jews (universally) will be turned to Moshiach/Messiah. If that doesn't show a future turning for literal Israel and literal Jews as a whole, then the temple cannot be taken in a future tense.

Grace in Christ,

I cannot speak for the LCMS and I'm not sure what the 'Christians are spiritual Jews' doctrine is. I'm also not sure I see the same issues that you do with the vision. Certainly the details would indicate a prophecy of an actual thing to be built, similar to Exodus. In my simple mind the 3rd temple would be used to call the 'modern exiles' home and unify the nation of Israel so that the Messiah could be revealed to them. I think a community would be required to reinforce the acceptance that the Messiah has returned. Look how many favored comfortable tradition over evidence the first time. I still think the Jews are God's chosen people and He wants all of them. I do know putting a lot of expectations on how the Messiah comes is why so many didn't get it in the first century.

There is a group (small) trying to build a 3rd temple. They were the group trying to sacrifice the red heifer in April. I haven't heard of any recent activity, but they were cited by Hamas as a reason for the Oct 7th attack since a new temple would mean destruction of the Dome of the Rock.