We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

What’s Up With the Ending?

Ezekiel's book ends with nine chapters devoted to the rebuilding of the future Temple; the various rules governing sacrifices and festivals and how to worship God correctly; and describing how the land will be divided between the twelve tribes of Israel. It's a blueprint for the future: the House of Israel has just suffered a massive defeat, and Ezekiel's giving them the tools to rebuild. The last verse lets us know the reason for all these instructions and measurements:

The circumference of the city shall be eighteen thousand cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The LORD is There. (48:35)

Restoring God's presence to Jerusalem—publicly—is the point.