It's very difficult to speculate on what these chapters mean. That Ezekiel is talking about some time in the future is clear. Ezekiel prophesies of a new temple, a new city and a new land. This is not Solomon's temple, and not the one that the exiles will rebuild in a few years. This temple is most notable for what is not there that would have been in the first two temples. There are no levitical priests, with the exception of those descended from Zadok, who remained faithful to God. There is no prohibition against foreigners if they are circumcised in heart and flesh. There is no mention of a separate section for the men. There is no mention of a High Priest.
Instead there is a prince, the only one who may sit inside the gateway and eat in the presence of the Lord. He is the one that provides the sin offering, the burnt offering and the grain offering. The prince makes the sacrifice, but he is not separated from the people. He goes in and out with the people. Is this prince the son of the living God?
No comments:
Post a Comment