THE TEMPLE THAT HAS YET TO BE BUILT
The temple that was revealed to Ezekiel by the divine messenger with the measuring rod has never been built. When Ezekiel prophesied, Solomon’s temple had already been destroyed and Zerubbabel’s (which Herod super-sized) had not yet been built. Besides, the Ezekiel temple is much larger in dimension and more grand than either the first or the second temples. This leaves the temple prophecy unfulfilled for now.
Some view Ezekiel’s temple prophecy figuratively and see its fulfillment in the Church, which Scripture describes as God’s “holy temple” (Eph. 2:21). Others take Ezekiel’s prophecy literally and believe that it will actually be built, referring to it as the temple as described by the apostle John (Rev.11:1). How one views this prophecy will determine how one will view most of the other yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies in the Bible.
For me, Ezekiel’s language and description of the temple are too detailed and specific for metaphor, therefore I view it as a temple that has yet to be built. Whether it is a third temple that stands during the Tribulation or yet another temple that stands during the Millennium, I believe Ezekiel’s temple vision will one day be fulfilled.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we marvel at Your Word. We don’t always understand every detail of prophecy, but we trust in Your promises. For You are a promise-making and a promise-keeping God. Lead us and strengthen us now to live for You for another day. In Jesus’ name, amen.