Ezekiel’s Battle, Ezekiel’s Temple

Q

In our studies last night we were talking about the Millennium. I shared your thoughts on Ez. 38-39. While (members of our group) don’t believe it is the battle of Armageddon, they do believe it was part of the “campaign” of Armageddon and thus takes place near the end of the Tribulation. Other than the fact that Israel will be burning the weapons for fuel for 7 years, what other hints or clues place it before the tribulation period?

Also is Ezekiel’s temple, the temple of the Millennium, and if so, why are there animal sacrifices? Isn’t there no longer a need for sacrifices? And will it only be for the nation of Israel?

Thank you for much for taking the time to answer my questions. It truly is appreciated.

A

Ezekiel 38:13 says that some nations will be standing on the sidelines questioning the motives of the Moslem coalition that attacks Israel, but Zech 14:2 says that at Armageddon the Lord will gather all nations against Jerusalem. This differentiates the two battles.

But to me the most important clue is that a major change has to happen in Israel’s life with God before they will want to build a Temple and begin worshiping Him again as in Old Testament days. That change has to take place before Daniel’s 70th week can begin because the Temple will be built before its mid point.

Ezekiel 39:22 gives us the answer. “From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God.” The purpose of Ezekiel’s battle is to re-awaken Israel to their special relationship with the Lord, a relationship that requires a Temple for worship. By the end of the battle that’s what will have happened, and Daniel’s 70th week can begin.

Yes, Ezekiel’s Temple is the Millennial Temple, although I believe it will be built at the beginning of Daniel’s 70th week. In the Millennium animal sacrifices will be conducted as a memorial to the Lord’s work on the cross so that children born during the Millennium can choose to accept His death as payment for their sins, just as you and I have.