LESSON FOR AUGUST 10, 1986

A Vision of God’s Glory

KEY VERSE: “I will dwell in the midst of them forever.” —Ezekiel 43:9

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 43:2-12

THESE words of promise were spoken by God when he gave to Ezekiel a vision of his Temple. In structure, it had certain basic similarities to Israel’s Tabernacle, but was much more grand and glorious, with large courts and pavements extending outward from its Sanctuary toward the people whom it was designed to serve. Its many appointments and servants depicted various aspects of the New Covenant arrangement through which Israel and the world of mankind will come unto God and find favor during the Millennial Age.

As with the Tabernacle, serving the Old Law Covenant, in which God was represented as dwelling in its sanctuary, so with the Temple revealed to Ezekiel. It had a Sanctuary where God resided. From this central position, hidden in sight to all except those who served in its Holy Place, the influence of God would emanate outward through the Temple processes to the people, who could come into the outer courts and lower pavements.

The Temple was designed as a place where the people could bring their sacrifices, have them accepted, prepared, and offered by the ministers [Levites] of the outer and inner courts, who were the visible representatives of the priests who served in the inner court and Sanctuary. The priests alone had access to the Most Holy where God’s presence dwelt. Thus described is the interrelationship of the heavenly and earthly aspects of the New Covenant of the kingdom: God the judge of all, whose authority overlaps the divine priesthood of Christ which, through the angelic hosts, interfaces with the Ancient Worthies, the earthly princes, who visibly serve the people.

Paul referred to the reality of this awe-inspiring vision as the “glory that excelleth.”—II Cor. 3:10.

God also showed Ezekiel its great glory: “Behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east, and his voice was like a noise of many waters; and the earth shined with his glory. … And the Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court and behold the glory of the Lord filled the house. … And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever.”— Ezek. 43:2-7

This vision we also behold!

DIVINE SANCTUARY

THE TEMPLE OF EZEKIEL’S VISION