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The previous chapters of condemnation were hard to swallow. They were, however, necessary. Now, we have entered into the consolation section of this visionary prophet’s writings. The people were no doubt weary from their many years of exile. I’m sure there were some that had lost hope. They just could not fathom a return to their land after all these years.
That is exactly when God stepped in and ministered with a message that His people needed. Does He do the same today? Absolutely. His encouragement in our lives is always timely. His message is objective and practical. In this case, the future hope He would offer to Israel was so practical it could be measured… literally.
The most intriguing part of these measurements of the new temple is that scholars are puzzled as to when or if they were fulfilled. Attempts to justify this prophecy as fulfilled fall short. Those who returned from exile did not use Ezekiel’s plans to rebuild Jerusalem. It’s also very difficult to apply this prophecy to the church age because it just doesn’t fit. It’s very possible this chapter has yet to come to fruition.
In the end, the big-picture message is one of hope and restoration. The tone of the past two chapters illustrates God’s desire to reconcile with His people. This is something we should be eternally grateful for.