Model of Ezekiel's Ideal Temple

In my journeys around the Web, I discovered this well-done model, created by Paul Jablonowski, of the ideal temple envisioned in Ezekiel 40 - 48. I am not recommending the written content of his web-site, but this model is pretty cool. Until now, I had only seen 2-dimensional floor plans of this ideal temple. Paul's model gives us a 3-dimensional image of the temple, which really brings out its very distinct idiosyncrasies.

One of the first things you notice is how the three gate complexes on the outer wall of the precinct tower above the wall. When you remember that the wall all around the precinct is taller than a human being, the immensity of the gate complexes really hits you. They are even taller than the main temple building itself!

Ezekiel's ideal temple plan is focussed on differentiating zones of increasing holiness, on keeping holiness protected, and on allowing it to safely infuse Israel arrayed about the temple.

The gate-complexes represent liminal zones, where separate orders and gradations of holiness meet. In Ezekiel's world of hierarchical holiness, such zones are key. They allow for a safe and controlled seeping of God's sanctifying holiness out into the land of God's people.

In God's final utopia, God's holy glory must indwell the temple and never depart, as it did at the time of the exile because of the people's sin. The huge gates of Ezekiel 40-48 symbolize how firmly God's glory is enclosed and guarded within the temple.