BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

When God provides hope, it tends to spread. In yesterday’s reading, Ezekiel reported a message of restoration for Israel’s temple. Today, we see that hopeful herald expanding to Israel and all creation.

Ezekiel first envisions a priestly transformation: new servants of Yahweh dedicated to serve in the new temple. From there, his vision spreads to the rest of Israel until the nation’s land, leaders, people, economic systems, and liturgical rhythms all reflect God’s holiness and justice.

And it’s not just Israel. At the temple door, Ezekiel sees a tiny dribble of water leak out of the threshold. Soon this trickle widens to a stream, then to a teeming river that spreads life wherever it flows. This echoes the stream that flowed from Eden to spread nourishing water throughout the world (Gen. 2:10-13).

Jerusalem’s fresh waters cleanse and purify the briny depths of the Dead Sea, until its once-barren waters teem with fish. Plants sprout from the river’s fertile banks. The salty, empty wilderness transforms into lush orchards, thick with life-giving trees that bring healing and abundance for all who eat their fruit.

They represent new trees of life, as you’ll see in the video. All creation becomes a new Eden, watered by the river of life flowing from Yahweh’s temple.

That’s how the book of Ezekiel ends: with Yahweh’s plan to restore all humanity and creation through his life-giving presence. When God dwells among his people, even the most desolate places can bloom into gardens of life.

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on the story of Naboth’s vineyard in 1 Kings 21. How did Israel’s king treat another family’s ancestral land? Compare this story to the practices describing Israel’s ideal leader in Ezekiel 46:16-18. What do these two passages reveal about justice and the expectations of leaders?
• Compare Ezekiel 47:1-12 to Revelation 22:1-5. What hyperlinks do you notice? How do these passages help you understand the kind of life God offers to humanity?