Ezekiel 43-44

Chapter 43: Ordinances of the Temple

The glory of the Lord fills the temple., His throne is there and He promises to dwell there (in the midst of Israel) forever. The measurements of the altar are given in cubits. Stipulations given for seven days of sin offerings when the altar is made.

Chapter 44: Temple = sacred

The glory of the Lord fills the entire Temple! Ezekiel continues to see the Temple and is instructed…the east gate is to be kept permanently shut, for the Lord has entered through it into the temple. The prince shall enter and leave via the porch of that gate. Strangers uncircumcised in heart or flesh are not to be admitted to the Temple.

This is something that I find very interesting “Thus saith the Lord God; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart… shall enter into my sanctuary…” (Ezekiel 44:9) Essentially no one, besides those who are authorized, shall enter the Temple. But why? Well that same question is asked about Mormon Temples today… why are only Members of the LDS church allowed to enter, and why only WORTHY members? The reason is simple… the Temple is SACRED. Some people have cried out saying the LDS Church keeps secrets in the Temple and that if the church has nothing to hide, they should allow anyone to enter. Well the LDS Church has nothing to hide and offers open houses for the newly built temples around the world. Remember, the Temple is NOT SECRET, BUT SACRED.

Ezekiel is told that the Levites will minister in the Temple. Regulations are given for the Levites – they must be clothed in linen while in the inner courts (not wool, which might make them sweat), no wearing of the garments they ministered in, while in the outer courts, no marrying of widows, no drinking of wine in the inner courts. The Levites will teach the people the difference between the clean and the unclean. The Lord will be their portion. Only the priests at the Temple in Jerusalem could fully carry out priestly duties.