Module Religion Writing
jar12
10.26--ANewtorahfortheTemple.ProphecyandRestorationintheBookofEzekiel.pptxA New torah for the Temple: Prophecy and Restoration in the Book of Ezekiel
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Ezek 33-48—the focus is not doom and gloom or disturbing imagery
Consolation not condemnation
Israel under a Davidic king. Utopianist.
Gog and Magog (chs. 38-39)---also utopian. The ultimate defeat of Israel’s enemies
A dead land given new life. Visions of a restored Israel that embed a later conflict (returnees vs. Jews who never left)
The valley of dry bones—traditionally understood as bodily resurrection. Probably metaphorical (the land of Israel getting new life).
Imagines the return of the 12 tribe monarchy—unification of the old Northern and Southern kingdoms (that doesn’t happen)
A Jewish Priest in Exile Dreams of a New Israel
Depiction of the Valley of Dry Bones vision (Ezek 37). Dura Europos Synagogue (Syria, mid. 3rd cen. CE)
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Ezekiel 40-48
(Another) visionary trip to Jerusalem
573 BCE—describing an imagined temple in Jerusalem (there is no actual there).
Very detailed measurements, architectural description
The glory of God returns to the temple
Lays out new rules for the temple: No Gentiles allowed
Levites, not Zadokites, blamed. Zadokites (descendants of Zadok) are elevated as priests.
A utopian blueprint—the temple precinct as incredibly large.
Gives major role in priestly duties to the Davidic ruler (no actual Davidic restoration)
The temple—emits waters that purify Israel. A lot of water!
Ezekiel’s name for his utopian Jerusalem: “God is There.”
The Fantasies of a Traumatized Priest: Imagining an Elaborate Temple (when there’s isn’t one)
Ezekiel’s blueprint for the temple (Pieter de Witte, 17th cen.)
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The Blueprint for Ezekiel’s Temple and Jerusalem (Ezek 45:1-9)
