Year 9, Day 167: Ezekiel 41

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Another chapter of measurements.  Interesting it isn’t.  In fact, it is hard to be insightful about measurements, especially since we know this temple was never built.

However, we can say something about what isn’t in the chapter.  The guide takes Ezekiel all over the temple – although notice that only the guide goes into the Holy of Holies.  The only piece of furniture is something that Ezekiel can’t identify but says it resembles an altar.  Where is the ark of the covenant?  Where is the table for the showbread?  Where are the lampstands?  Where are the items for worship?

The answer isn’t specified, so we can’t know for sure.  However, there is a neat possibility.  What does a place of worship decorated in a very spartan manner suggest?  It suggests that the people worshipping there are far more important than the stuff within.  It suggests that relationship with God is more important than our space in which we worship.  When God is giving people hope, He wants them to focus on Him, not the stuff.

That’s an important lesson.  In a day where culture is materialistic, competitive, and easily distracted it is important to see a God who wants us to focus on the intangibles.  God cares more about us than stuff.  He wants us to do the same with Him.

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