Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 2/20/2005

Question
Curtis Cherry

curtisiv@earthlink.net


Ezekiel 48

My name is Curtis Cherry, I am 38 years old my dad is from a Christian background my mom
is of Jewish background, have been to Israel 2 times.


Dear Sir,

I respectfully ask for your instruction regarding a Biblical geography question pertaining to Ezekiel.

The basic question I have: is the relative geographic location of where the Sanctuary described in Ezekiel 40 and onward particularly in chapters 45 & 48 the same place as where the Temple
Mount and Western Wall is today in Jerusalem and the same place where I understand the 1st and 2nd Temple where built?

Here is why I ask the question, in Ezekiel 40 and onward it strikes me that the geographical portions are very symmetrical and that the Holy District would be in approximately the geographical center of the land of Israel and that the Sanctuary would be in the relative center of that. This description as I read it places the Sanctuary position in approximately the precise center of Israel or at least mid point between the east and west borders of Israel in the Holy District.

As I picture it, that would place the Sanctuary of Ezekiel 40 and onward in a different location than where the Temple Mount and Western Wall is today in Jerusalem. Am I correct in this assumption?

Please find below text I find particularly relevant to this Question.


Ezekiel 45: 1-5

Ezekiel 48:8

Ezekiel 48:10

Ezekiel 48:21   

Thank you kindly, eager to receive your response,

Curtis  

Answer
Dear Curtis,

Thanks for writing.

You've raised a wonderful question - namely that the Second Temple as it was built and the "ideal restored Temple" in Ezekiel don't coincide.

The Rabbis of the tradition wrestled with the book of Ezekiel for that reason and ultimately concluded that he was a valid prophet - in spite of the fact that his "propchecy" wasn't fulfilled as written which was the test of a prophet - but that he was describing the "Third Temple," the Temple yet to be built!

Good catch and thank goodness we Jews don't become caught up in the fundamentalistic reading of the Bible.

Best wishes

Keep visiting Israel

Rabbi Dov