The Lord Is There

How Will It Be Possible for God to Dwell with His People?

Hearing the vision Ezekiel received in the twenty-fifth year of exile would have been encouraging to God’s people, but it may have also left them with a few questions. Knowing God wanted to dwell with them and would dwell with them would have filled their hearts with hope, but their heads may have been trying to figure out exactly how this would be possible. For all their lives the temple was the only place they could meet with God, and the altar was the only means. There was only one place and one means, but it had not always been this way.

God’s Initial Immanence

In the beginning there was no temple but a garden. There were no restrictions on where Adam and Eve could meet with God. Anywhere was fine because everywhere was holy. No specific meeting place had to be set because every place was appropriate for them to fellowship with God. But sin changed everything. Because of His holiness God cannot tolerate or ignore sin. As a consequence of the fall, man’s relationship with God changed. Sin created a barrier that separated humans from God.

After Adam and Eve’s rebellion, special locations were required in order for people to meet with God. The first location was an altar. From Adam and Eve to Moses, the Lord would meet with His people on altars they constructed for sacrifices and prayers. The second location God met with His people was the tabernacle. From the wilderness generation through David, God’s people would meet with Him in this mobile tent.

The temple was the third location established for God’s people to meet with Him. In Deuteronomy 12 God’s people are told they will have one place for worship, one location for sacrifices, and one sacrificial altar. As we know from our journey through Ezekiel, God’s people never gave up the altars on the high places. They also worshiped gods who did not exist and turned their backs on the only One who does. As we also know, God abandoned the temple (Ezek 9–11) and raised up the Babylonians (Hab 1:6) to discipline His people and destroy the temple. Now in Ezekiel 40–43, God’s people are being told there will be another place in which God will meet with His people. It just may not be in the place they were thinking.

God’s Incarnation

The location where God would meet with His people shifted from a place to a Person. Prior to the exile God’s glory dwelled in the temple. It would not be the same postexile. God’s glory instead would dwell in Christ, and He would be the perfect temple/tabernacle. John informs us that Christ tabernacled with us and God’s glory was seen (John 1:14).

During His time of ministry, Jesus had a conversation about this very subject. In a discussion with a Samaritan woman, Jesus revealed that God’s meeting place with His people would not be limited to a special mountain in Samaria or Jerusalem (John 4:21). He said instead, “An hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him” (John 4:23). So, the place no longer matters? How can this be? Ezekiel’s generation would have certainly struggled to grasp this.

The temple God would use to meet with His people was Christ. Jesus tried to help us understand this when He said, “Destroy this sanctuary, and I will raise it up in three days” (John 2:19). John tells us that Jesus was not talking about the building that took 46 years to build, “But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body” (John 2:21). Jesus is the place where God meets with His people. If further evidence is needed, then just consider what happened to the curtain in the temple when Christ was crucified (Matt 27:51). In the tearing of the veil, God spoke clearly for Himself.

God’s Indwelling

In promising to pour out His Spirit (Ezek 39:29), God committed to dwell not just with His people but also in them. What one person was allowed to experience in one place on one day of each year (the high priest on the day of atonement), we have the privilege of experiencing every day. Post-Pentecost, God dwells with His people in a way Ezekiel’s audience could have only considered with marvel and bewilderment (Eph 2:19-22; 1 Cor 3:16-17; 6:18-20). When we think of our bodies as the temple of God, it puts sinning in a different perspective. Paul’s plea in 1 Corinthians 6 was for God’s people to understand that since God’s Spirit resides in us, we are holy ground, and we cannot do anything we please with our bodies, especially sin.

God’s Infinite Dwelling

The ultimate experience of God’s dwelling with His people is what John writes about in Revelation 21–22. What was lost in the fall at Eden will be recovered in the new city. We should notice two things in relation to Ezekiel 40–48. First, John sees a city that is already built that descends from heaven (Rev 21:2). A place is prepared for God’s people; they do not construct it themselves. Second, John did not see a temple or sanctuary in his vision because “the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its sanctuary” (Rev 21:22). In the new creation there will be no special place where God’s presence is concentrated and no holy building to go to if we want to meet with Him. There will no longer exist any distance between God and us. He will dwell with us. We will be His people, and He will be our God (Rev 21:3). We will enjoy fellowship with God, we will see Him as He is, we will worship Him, and we will serve Him (MacArthur, Revelation 12–22, 266–68).

Ezekiel is shown and told to declare that God’s people will be in God’s place under God’s rule and blessing (Roberts, God’s Big Picture, 21). God will return to His people and restore them. God will also provide whatever solution is necessary to dwell with His people forever. We have the privilege of knowing the solution is Christ.

What Can We Learn About God in Ezekiel 40–48?

We do not have to wait until heaven, however, to learn some things about God. Though we will understand all things much clearer then, we can still know some truths about God now. Ezekiel 40–48 provides multiple insights on Yahweh’s character and actions.

God Initiates

Every idea presented in this vision comes from God. Finding a permanent solution to dwelling with His people eternally comes from God. Leading His people to repentance and forgiving them was God’s idea and work. Even in exile God’s people still did not initiate a move toward Him, but He met them where they were.

God Instructs

God gives statutes, specifications, and laws because He does not want His people to be without His will (43:11; 44–46). He wants His people taught the difference between what is holy and what is common (44:23). He gives instruction on sacrifices (46:1-15) and when to offer what. On a side note, these instructions cannot be for a millennial kingdom or heaven because what need would there be for any more sacrifices? Christ has achieved all that is necessary (Heb 10:14,18). If we do not understand all the instructions provided in Ezekiel 40–48, we cannot ignore their presence, which tells us of God’s desire to inform His people.

God Is Holy

In Ezekiel 40:5–42:20 the walls that are taller and more solid, the elevated steps, the raised platform, the designation of the priests’ chambers, and all of the other details point to one main emphasis: God’s holiness is a big deal. In Ezekiel 44:19 the priests are informed that

before they go out to the outer court, to the people, they must take off the clothes they have been ministering in, leave them in the holy chambers, and dress in other clothes so that they do not transmit holiness to the people through their clothes.

The priests must exercise such caution not because God’s holiness is contagious but because it will obliterate you if your sins are not covered. God’s presence is always dangerous for sinners left to their own righteousness.

While God desires to know His people intimately, it does not follow that their worship of Him will be informal. When considering God’s holiness, just imagine drawing closer and closer to the sun. As a matter of fact, Ezekiel says, “The earth shone with His glory” (43:2). Ezekiel’s response was to fall facedown (v. 3). We previously saw that the prophet had more interaction with God than any of his peers; yet familiarity did not breed disrespect or arrogance in Ezekiel. God’s presence always comes with a price. We cannot approach Him in any way we want. He will be known and approached on His terms.

God Is Gracious

God provides a way for His people’s sin to be taken care of and for them to be able to worship Him. In Ezekiel 43:13-27 instructions are given for an altar, which means God’s people will have an acceptable way to offer their worship. We know the only acceptable way is through Christ (Heb 13:15). The altar is in the center of the entire compound Ezekiel is shown. As stated previously, the full purpose of this altar and the instructions for sacrifices given does not find consensus among commentators. What is clear is that in Christ, God has provided a way for His holiness not to be contaminated and for us not to be obliterated. God is gracious to reveal His holiness to us so we might see our sinfulness. In seeing our sinfulness, we then see our need for a Savior. Graciously, He has provided Him as well.

God Will Be Worshiped on His Terms

We have seen this before, but in Ezekiel 45:1–46:24 the whom, the how, and the why of worship are all important to God. In our generation I fear we have made worship too much about us. I wonder how much of what is done on Sundays is driven by preferences rather than biblical conviction. We somehow strive to make worship as convenient as possible for us. Ezekiel 45–46 provides a good reminder that worship was never intended to be offered without effort and intentionality. Our convenience is not high on the priority list when it comes to worship.

God Is Sufficient

One of the greatest verses in Ezekiel 40–48 is 47:9, which ends by declaring, “There will be life everywhere the river goes.” In Ezekiel 47:1-12 the prophet is shown a life-giving river. It flows from the sanctuary (v. 12) and transforms everything it touches. Most notably, “When it enters the sea, the sea of foul water, the water of the sea becomes fresh” (v. 8). This river will transform the Dead Sea to the Alive Sea. Though it starts as a trickle (v. 2), Ezekiel sees the river become deep enough to swim in and impossible to cross on foot (v. 5). Jesus emphasized a similar point by using a mustard seed (Matt 13:31-32). Along both banks of the river in Ezekiel 47 are trees that produce fruit every month (v. 12), which is used for food. The leaves of the trees are used for medicine (v. 12). John describes something similar in Revelation 22:1-2.

So, how do we see God’s sufficiency in Ezekiel 47? First, He is the source. This is not a random river but one that originates from His sanctuary. Second, He sanctifies. What was dead is made alive. Third, He sustains. The trees on the riverbanks will never fail to produce fruit. Fourth, He cannot be stopped. No one will be able to prevent Him from giving His people life to the fullest.

God Is Sovereign

In Ezekiel 47:13–48:35 God designates which tribes will receive which portion of the land as an inheritance (47:14). God can divide the land because He owns it. It is His. God is going to provide a place He promised for His people. They will not have to fight for it, work for it, or purchase it. All that God’s people will have to do is receive the land He is giving them.

What Do We Learn About Us?

Ezekiel 44:6-31

Before concluding our study of Ezekiel 40–48, I would like us to consider God’s rewards and God’s refreshing.

Rewards

Nestled in the vision of a temple, a city, and a river is a tale of two priests. At some point in Israel’s rebellion, they brought in foreigners who were uncircumcised in both heart and flesh and allowed them to occupy God’s sanctuary (44:7). On top of this they failed to keep charge of God’s holy things but appointed others to keep charge of His sanctuary for them (v. 8). Why did this happen? One reason is because the Levites wandered away from and strayed from God after their idols (v. 10). The priests who descended from Zadok, however, kept charge of God’s sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from God (v. 15).

Both groups of priests were held accountable. The Levitical priests who chased after idols would bear the consequences of their sin (v. 10). Because of their disobedience they would lose the privilege to serve as priests. Instead, they would be temple guards and responsible for slaughtering the burnt offerings (v. 11). They would remain close to the temple to be reminded of what they lost. God expects fruitfulness from his servants and will hold each of us accountable for the use of resources and opportunities He entrusts to us.

The priests who descended from Zadok, however, would not be reprimanded but rewarded. They would be given the privilege of serving closest to God (v. 16). They would also be given greater responsibilities. The Zadokites would be asked to teach God’s people about holiness (v. 23) and to use God’s word to settle disputes (v. 24). These privileges would also come with costs.

For the Zadokites, access to God’s presence meant heavy restrictions on their lifestyle. There were things they could not touch, places they could not go to, food they could not eat and clothes they could not wear if they were to minister in the presence of the all-holy God. So too for us, if we expect to experience the blessing of God’s presence with us, then our lifestyle will be (from the world’s perspective) restricted. (Duguid, Ezekiel, 510)

Whatever inconveniences the Zadokite priests experienced could not compare with the inheritance they received. The Lord told Ezekiel, “This will be their inheritance: I am their inheritance. You are to give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession” (v. 28). While the other Israelites were given land, these priests were given God. Who received the greatest gift is not difficult to see!

What about us? How often do we consider kingdom rewards? If a reward meant greater proximity to and experience of God, would you see this as the greatest inheritance? One thing is certain, we may not have all descended from Levi or Zadok, but we are all priests. Peter tells us “you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 2:5). As believers we are all ministers and are all called to a life of purity and holiness. When everyone else runs away from God, we are to run to Him. What is important to Him should remain important to us. When it comes time to give an account for our time as His servants, will ours be more of a rebuke like the idolatrous priests or a rewarding like those descended from Zadok?

Refreshing

If the life-giving river is transforming us, then others around us should be able to tell. One cannot read Ezekiel 47:1-12 without being reminded of John 7:37-39. John tells us,

On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” He said this about the Spirit. Those who believed in Jesus were going to receive the Spirit, for the Spirit had not yet been received because Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:37-39)

As the Spirit indwells us, we experience the life-giving water of Christ.

In Ezekiel 47 whatever the life-giving river touched could not remain the same. For those who are in Christ, fruitfulness is the norm and not the exception (John 15:5). If fruit is not being produced through us, it can only mean one of two things: either we truly do not know Christ, or we are not being obedient to Him. The effect of the river is not just reserved for heaven (Cooper, Ezekiel, 414). Even now the river grows in us and through us, and others can experience its life-giving effects as we share the gospel with them and call for repentance.

Conclusion

Ezekiel 40–48 begins and ends with a picture of a new temple and a new city. This word was meant to “encourage repentance, faithfulness, and hope: repentance over the sins of the past, faithfulness in the difficult present, and hope for a brighter future through God’s grace” (Duguid, Ezekiel, 548). Considering our future with God should have profound impacts on our daily lives. Chester believes,

We need to talk about our hope and inheritance when we are together, reminding each other of what we have to look forward to when we are confronted by death, hardships, temptation, or opposition. When we doubt or forget about our hope, we become focused on this world, distracted by stuff that seems important now, and discouraged by the difficulties of the Christian life. We can end up as unprofitable servants, wasting our time on things that won’t last, while gospel ministry is neglected. (Chester, God of Glory, 62)

We should often remind ourselves that “we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come” (Heb 13:14). We also know “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18).

To atone for our sin, to free us from sin permanently, and to dwell with us forever cost God the death of His Son. God was willing to pay the highest price to have a people for His namesake. This is how much He desires our fellowship and worship. God does not need us, but He knows that without Him we will all perish. If God’s vision of the new temple was meant to produce encouragement and action in His people, how much more does God’s revealing to us the cross of Christ move us to hope and response? We are to live life in light of the cross and the return of Christ. We have not been shown the vision in Ezekiel 40–48 or the cross of Christ just to produce feelings in us but to move us to action. He loathed the exodus group (Ps 95:10) and left the rebellious ones in Jerusalem, but I hope it will be said of our generation, “He led them.”

Reflect and Discuss