The Millennium Kingdom | Worship

Introduction

We now move to worship during the Millennium. As we already noted, Christ will establish His Kingdom and it will be a theocracy. He will rule as King over all the earth sitting in His rightful place upon the throne of David. As such, the Kingdom will be marked by that adoration giving to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Adoration to the Lord Jesus Christ

(Isaiah 12:1-6; 25:1-26:19; 56:7; 61:10-11; 66:23; Jeremiah 33:11, 18, 21-22; Ezekiel 20:40-41; 40:1-46:24; Zechariah 6:12-15; 8:20-23; 14:16-21)

Isaiah 66:23 KJV 1900

23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, And from one sabbath to another, Shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.

The Temple in the Millennium

Ezekiel’s prophecy devotes 6 entire chapters to the temple in the Millennium. These chapters describe its structure, priesthood, rituals, and ministries. However, and quite unfortunate, there have been various views presented when interpreting these chapters.

Here are five interpretations given.

Some think these chapters simply describe the Jerusalem temple BEFORE Babylon’s captivity.

In theory, they claim that these chapters were given as a memorial of its glory so that it was not lost after its destruction. Obviously this cannot be true for the Jerusalem temple is also described in great detail in both Kings and Chronicles. There is no need for an additional description just for the sake of preserving its glory when we already have the same in earlier accounts. Additionally, there are descriptions of the Millennium Temple given in Ezekiel that differ with descriptions of Solomon’s Temple in Kings and Chronicles.

Some think these chapters describe the Jerusalem temple AFTER Babylon’s captivity.

Again, this can be refuted by one simple and glaring reason. The likeness of the post captivity Temple is remarkably different than the one described in Ezekiel’s prophecy.

Some think these chapters describe the ideal temple that the Jew SHOULD HAVE BUILT after the Babylonian captivity.

This cannot be accepted for the simple fact that it creates an environment in which God’s Word becomes untrue. Why would God give a prophecy that would never be fulfilled? It does not fit His nature as He is a God of truth and always fulfills His promises.

Some think these chapters describe a temple that simply SYMBOLIZES the spiritual blessing of believers (universal church) in this present age.

Even for those who accept this there are problematic issues. They are unable to explain the very symbolism of which they claim.

Some believe, with great assurance, that these chapters PREDICT a temple that will be built in the Millennial Age.

This is the view that we accept since it is fitting to all that we have studied from God’s Word and is quite the logical conclusion.

Let’s talk about...

The Details of the Temple

Ezekiel provides us with a number of details about the Millennium Temple. We will start with...

The Gates & Courts - Ezekiel 40:5-47.

We know that the entire Temple area is enclosed by a wall which separates it from that which would defile according verse 5.

Ezekiel 40:5 KJV 1900

5 And behold a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the man’s hand a measuring reed of six cubits long by the cubit and an hand breadth: so he measured the breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

Verses 6-27 describes the courtyard beyond this outer wall as a place where people gather. There are three gates. One of the gates is located on the east wall and is the gate through which the Shekinah glory enters the temple. This gate is 25 by 50 cubits and is kept closed. The other two gates, one on the north wall and one on the south wall, have seven steps leading up to them. There is no gate on the west wall. Along each wall and inside each gate are six small chambers with three on each side of the gates. Around the outer court were thirty chambers, five on each side of each of the gates, arranged around the northern, eastern, and southern walls. Before these chambers is a paved walkway that extends around the three sides.

Contained within the outer court is an inner court that measures 100 cubits on each side. This is where the priests minister. Again, there are three gates with each gate corresponding to the three gates on the outer wall. Each gate allows access to the inner court with one the south, east, and north walls respectively. These gates have eight steps leading up to them. Thus, the inner court is elevated above the outer court. Adjacent to the north gate in this area are eight tables for preparing sacrifices according to verse 40-43. Within the outer court and before the inner court are chambers for the ministering priests. The center of this area is occupied by an altar where sacrifices are offered.

As for the Temple itself, the Holy Spirit describes first its porch or vestibule. It is 20 cubits by 11 cubits. The porch has two large pillars on it and is reached by steps. Thus, the Temple is elevated above the outer and inner courts. The porch leads into the Temple which would be the holy place. The holy place is 40 cubits by twenty cubits. Within the holy place is a wooden table. Beyond the holy place is the inner part of the temple or the most holy place. It is a 20 cubit by 20 cubit chamber. Surrounding the wall of the house are other chambers. These chambers are three stories high with thirty chambers to each story. As for their use, the Holy Spirit does not tell us. The Temple is surrounded by an area 20 cubits by 100 cubits. This area is called the separate place. It surrounds the temple on all sides except the east side where the porch is located. As for the interior of the Temple, it is paneled with wood and has palm trees and cherubim ordaining the wood. There are two doors into the sanctuary. There is no mention of an ark, mercy seat, veil, or cherubim above the mercy seat, or tables of stone. The only article of furniture described is the table or altar of wood in verse 22 that answers to the table of shewbread. The table of shewbread symbolizes communion with God. Included also in the temple area was a separate building located on the west side of the entrance. There are also areas for preparing sacrifices and areas at the four corners where there is also a court for preparing additional sacrifices.