Purchase Solution

Ezekiel 40-48 Prophesy: Literal or Figurative or Both?

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Should the temple prophesied in Ezekiel 40-48 be understood as literal, figurative, or both? What specifics in the Ezekiel passage and the Old Testament prophets give insight as to whether it is literal, figurative, or both? How does the further revelation in the New Testament impact the understanding of this OT prophecy? What specific NT passage bear most directly on this question?

Ezekiel 40-48 refers to the offering of sacrifices at the future temple. How is this aspect of the prophecy understood? What problems/issues does this raise? How does the New Testament influence whether we should understand these sacrifices literally or figuratively?

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution provides a guide in understanding the temple and offering of sacrifices as described in Ezekiel 40-48.

Solution Preview

Good Day!

I will certainly assist you in completing your assignment.

This particular passage has been one of controversy among Biblical scholars so I will do my best to provide you with information that is accurate.

The following link provides seven views regarding the temple:
The Interpretation of Ezekiel 40-48
http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/jeansptx/ezek4048.htm

To summarize the information:
1. The temple was built by Solomon and destroyed by Babylonians prior to captivity.
2. The temple was a prophetic description of the temple built in Jerusalem after the return from the seventy years in Babylon.
3. Ezekiel's description of the temple and the ceremonies connected with it were intended as a pattern which the returning Jews were to follow.
4. Ezekiel's intent in these nine chapters was merely to present "a figure of the redeemed of all ages worshiping God in heaven.".
5. Allegorical view: Parallels are drawn between the various elements in the prophecy and elements within the relationship between Christ and the Church.
6. Prophetic Parable: Ezekiel's intent was to bring comfort and edification to his contemporaries in exile, and to the following generations.
7. Literal Interpretation: Belief in the reference to a literal temple where literal sacrifices are carried out through a literal priesthood, and that there is a literal stream issuing from the temple, etc.

The ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
The Bible

How well do you know the books of the Bible? Can you keep the order straight?

Old Testament Figures

Do you know the individuals in the Old Testament? Test your knowledge with this quiz.

Old Testament Scriptures

Do you know where to find famous passages in the old testament? Test your knowledge with this quiz.

Biblical Numbers

Do you know the important numbers found in the Bible?

Basic Bible Quiz

A bible knowledge quiz.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • An English SIOP lesson plan (Grade 7)

    Can students write figurative language sentences? Can students decipher between figurative and literal language? Can they formulate figurative descriptions of objects?

  • Caring for the Sick from a Biblical Standpoint

    Ezekiel 34:1-31 ESV The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves!

  • significance of each of these concepts in literature

    Figurative language: In the traditional analyses, words in literal expressions denote what they mean according to common or dictionary usage, while words in figurative expressions connote additional layers of meaning.

  • Stand alone module with no Internet

    Since your objectives specify that they will identify the meanings, it is important to offer a graphic organizer that separates literal from figurative meanings. A more compare and contrast method is advised.

  • Poetry techniques

    Some issues can not be dealt with in few words using a literal approach, but if you are to use figurative language properly the point can be made thoroughly and quickly.

  • Elements of drama

    Staging, too, allows a play to advance in theme and plot because the directions, both literal and figurative, allow characters and actors to execute the playwright's desires and visions. Staging is also linked with setting.

  • Douglass's "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave"

    Any language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words in order to furnish new effects or fresh insights into an idea or a subject. The most common figures of speech are simile, metaphor, and alliteration.

  • Strategy for Communicating an Open Door Policy

    This could be literal or figurative, but the essence is that employees should feel at ease talking with their manager about any issues, problems, concerns or questions.

  • Donne's "The Sun Rising"

    However, in terms of criteria for how poems are assessed, you might look at some traits such as their figurative language devices, poem's literal and connotative themes and appeal, the poem's reflections, messages/themes upon the political, social, and

View More Related Solutions