Literal events, figurative depictions

The view taken here is that, while the NT often recognizes fresh significances in its reading of OT texts (the church is heir to the spiritual promises of God to Israel), Ezekiel’s own understanding of his oracles must be determinative in our interpretation. If one could ask Ezekiel whether or not he expected a literal regathering of his people, their return to the land of Israel, their spiritual rejuvenation, and the restoration of a Davidide on the throne, one would expect an unequivocally affirmative answer. After all, Yahweh has given his word, and he will not renege on his eternal promises to Abraham, Moses, and David.

However, although Ezekiel’s restoration oracles predict literal events, not all of his descriptions portray the events literally. In fact, from Ezk 34 to 48 his prophecies of hope become increasingly abstract and ideational. It is not difficult to envision the regathering and revitalization of the nation as described in chapters 34 and 36:16-38 and the main elements should be taken seriously (similarly 37:15-28).

However, 37:1-14 is cast as a vision, with the dry bones functioning symbolically for Israel; the Gog-Magog oracles (chs. 38-39) reads like a literary cartoon, with many unreal and bizarre features; the final temple vision is quite ideological, with many idealistic and fantastic elements that are difficult to reconcile with geographical and cultural realities.

While Ezekiel undoubtedly envisages a real return of Israel to the land of Palestine, the appointment of a Davidic Messiah, and a protracted period of peace and prosperity for the nation, his vision remains narrowly nationalistic. Apart from Yahweh’s guarantee of protection, even from universal conspiracies against Israel (chs. 38-39), Ezekiel has little to say about the cosmic implications of the new order. Since he does not offer a clear chronology of latter day occurrences, one is cautioned against using the details in his descriptions to construct a sequential calendar of eschatological events.

Contrary to common popular opinion, the description of the temple is not presented as a blueprint for some future building to be constructed with human hands. The vision picks up on the theme of divine presence announced in 37:26-27 and describes the spiritual reality in concrete terms, employing the familiar cultural idioms of temple, alter, sacrifices, nasi, and land.

D. Block, “Ezekiel: Theology of,” NIDOTTE 4:625,27.