Asbury Bible Commentary – A. The Restored Temple (40:1-42:20)
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A. The Restored Temple (40:1-42:20)

A. The Restored Temple (40:1-42:20)

All building processes involve measurement, dimensions, and plans. In his vision, Ezekiel was introduced to a divine angel-guide (40:3-4) who showed him how the temple was to be built. Actual building of the new temple was authorized in 539 B.C.E. by the decree of Cyrus of Persia (Ezr 6:3). In that document only a few dimensions were given. When the temple was built under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the prodding of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the dimensions were not recorded in the texts of those prophets. Ezekiel’s main concern was to point out God’s direct involvement in the restoration process, from beginning to end. When Zechariah had his vision (Zec 2:1-13) of “a man with a measuring line” (Zec 2:1), the measuring at that time was to make certain that Jerusalem would be large enough to include all who wanted to enter it. Plans for the new temple were to ensure a residence adequate for God’s presence in the midst of his people.