Week 29: Ezekiel: 37-48; Ezra: 1-10; Nehemiah 1-3; Ezekiel: Israel’s Future, Ezra: Return of the Exiles

Ezekiel: Up to this point in the book the prophet has primarily discussed the sins of the people and God’s judgement. He has also shared a hopeful message of a coming new covenant and a regathering of the people in the land. In the closing chapters of the book, Ezekiel turns to Israel’s future. The section begins with the vision of the valley of dry bones. God brings them to life and covers the bones with flesh symbolizing His restoring of the nation. Chapters 38 and 39 are the famous future invasion of Israel by a hostile nation to the North led by Gog. These chapters are the subject of many conjectures about who Gog is (many believe Russia) and the timing of this event.

Next there is an extensive description (four chapters) of a future Temple. Additional chapters give details of the operation of the Temple. Many believe that this is the Temple that will be built during the coming Millennium. The Millennium is a 1,000 year period when many believe Jesus will reign on the earth prior to God creating a new heaven and a new earth. Finally the land is divided among the tribes of Israel. Of special note is that people of other nations that have joined themselves to God’s people are welcome to live in the land along with the direct descendants of Abraham.

Three passages deserve special note. First, in Ezekiel 43:1-5 God’s glory returns to fill the Temple. This did not happen when the second Temple was built after the return of the exiles to Jerusalem. We saw God withdraw from the Temple in Ezekiel chapters 10 and 11.

Second, in Ezekiel 39:29 God promises to pour out His Spirit on the people. Jesus likewise promised to send the disciples the Holy Spirit to lead them just prior to His crucifixion.

Finally, the book ends with the