Perpetual Sacrifices

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Some time ago a few Amillennialists challenged me to explain the laws of Moses that were to remain in force “forever.” They thought that these would conclusively prove that the Old Testament prophecies would not be literally fulfilled, because they supposed that these had all ceased to apply.

I was quite certain of the answer, but deferred to give it at once because I did not want to go off half cocked. So instead I said I was working on it, but it would take time. To analyze this question, I started out by locating all the laws given by Moses that were explicitly stated as applying perpetually. To do this, I searched all the books in which this law was given, (Exodus through Deuteronomy) for each of the following terms: for ever, perpetual, perpetually, always, continually, throughout your generations, and throughout their generations. I am satisfied that this located all the laws of Moses that were perpetual in nature.

Exactly as I was certain in the first place, instead of being evidence against the concept of a millennium, these very laws are a clear demonstration of the literal nature of the prophecies concerning the millennium. For, without a single exception, every one of the perpetual sacrifices is repeated in the laws prophetically decreed for the millennium, as are many of the other perpetual laws. And not even one of them is retracted.

The first statute for Israel that was mentioned as perpetual was the Passover, with its accompanying feast of unleavened bread. These were commanded to be kept “as an everlasting ordinance” in Exodus 12:16 and 17, and “forever” in Exodus 12:24. In both of these places the Hebrew word used was olam (word number 5769 in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary.) This Hebrew word literally means “forever.” They are again commanded to be kept in Ezekiel 45:21-24.

Again, holy garments for the priests were commanded to be worn “always” in Exodus 28:38. The Hebrew word used here is tamid (word number 8548 in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary.) This Hebrew word literally means “continually.” The holy garments were also to be worn “forever” in Exodus 28:43, and “for a perpetual statute” in Exodus 29:9. In both of these places, the Hebrew word used was olam, that is, “forever.” These holy garments for the priests are again explicitly referred to in Ezekiel 42:14 and discussed in Ezekiel 44:17-19.

Various offerings were reserved as food for the priests as a statute “forever” in Exodus 29:28 and Leviticus 6:18 and 7:34 and 36, and 10:15, Numbers 18:11 and 19, and“by a perpetual statute” in Leviticus 24:9. The Hebrew word used in each of these places is again olam, or “forever.” This law is repeated in Ezekiel 42:13 and in Ezekiel 44:29-30.

Connected with this is the law in Leviticus 25:32-34 that although the houses of the Levites may be sold until the time of the Jubilee, (the equivalent of our modern practice of a lease) their land “may not be sold, for it is their perpetual possession.” This is again our now familiar olam. This command that their land may not be sold is repeated in Ezekiel 48:14.

The children of Israel were commanded to keep the Sabbath “throughout your generations” in Exodus 31:13, “throughout their generations” in Exodus 31:16. The Hebrew word used in both of these places is dor (word number 1755 in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary.) While this is not the literal meaning of dor, this same keeping of the Sabbath is specified again both “continually” and “for an everlasting covenant” in Leviticus 24:8. The Hebrew words used here are the same literally translated tamid and olam we have previously noticed. This observance of the Sabbath is again explicitly commanded in Ezekiel 44:24, Ezekiel 45:17, and Ezekiel 46:1-5 and 12. It is also prophesied in Isaiah 66:23.

Aaron and his sons were given the priesthood “for a perpetual statute” in Exodus 29:9, and “an everlasting priesthood” in Exodus 40:15. Aaron’s son Phineas and “his descendants after him” were additionally given “a covenant of an everlasting priesthood” in Numbers 25:13. In each of these cases, the Hebrew word used was olam. Likewise the sons of Levi were chosen “to minister in the name of the Lord” “forever” in Deuteronomy 18:5, but the Hebrew word used here is yom. (Word number 3117 in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary.) This Hebrew word literally means day, but is sometimes figuratively used to mean forever. Ezekiel 44:15 explicitly limits full priesthood to the sons of Zadok, because he alone was faithful when Israel went astray. The priesthood of Zadok’s sons is also mentioned in Ezekiel 40:46, 43:19. and 48:11. But Zadok’s descent from Aaron through Phineas is traced in 1 Chrinicles 6:4-8. So Zadok’s priesthood in Ezekiel is a fulfilment of the both the perpetual priesthood of the sons of Aaron and of the promise made to Phineas. And the other sons of Levi are given lesser positions of priestly ministry in Ezekiel 44:10-14.

Leviticus 10:9 enacts “a statute forever” that the priests should “not drink wine or intoxicating drink... when you go into the tabernacle” The Hebrew word used here is again olam. This command is repeated in Ezekiel 44:21.

Numbers 15:14-15 commands it as “an ordinance forever throughout your generations” that strangers who dwelt among the children of Israel and wanted to offer an “offering made by fire” should do it in exactly the same way as the Israelites offered their own offerings. The Hebrew words used here were again the same olam and dor we have already noticed. Isaiah 56:2-7 explicitly mentions foreigners being accepted of the Lord in that day, and equal treatment for strangers dwelling within the land of Israel is explicitly commanded in Ezekiel 47:22-23. This does not negate the fact that Ezekiel 44:9 forbids strangers from entering into the temple, as previously commanded for the tabernacle in Numbers 1:51 and 3:38.

A daily burnt offering of a lamb every morning and every evening, with flour and oil, is commanded “continually” in Exodus 29:38 and both “continually” and “throughout your generations” in Exodus 29:42. The Hebrew words used here are the same tamid and dor we have seen before, but olam was not used. This command is repeated for every morning in Ezekiel 46"13-15, although the amount of flour and of oil is different there. This is the first of these statutes that has been even a little different in Ezekiel.

The observation of the day of atonement “in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month” was commanded as “a statute forever” in Leviticus 16:29. This is again called “a statute forever in Leviticus 16:31 and “an everlasting statute” in Leviticus 16:34. In each of these places the Hebrew word used was olam. Likewise, feasts were commanded as statutes “forever throughout your generations” in Leviticus 23:14, 21, 31, and 41. In each of these places the Hebrew words used were olam and dor. None of these are specified by name in Ezekiel, but, being among the “appointed feast days,” their observance is explicitly commanded in Ezekiel 46:11 and mentioned in Ezekiel 46:9. Further, in Zechariah 14:16-19 the feast of tabernacles, which, according to Leviticus 23:34 is “the fifteenth day of this seventh month... for seven days,” is explicitly commanded to be kept at that time, not only by Israel, but by all the surrounding nations as well.
 

AlfredKeith

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The first statute for Israel that was mentioned as perpetual was the Passover, with its accompanying feast of unleavened bread. These were commanded to be kept “as an everlasting ordinance” in Exodus 12:16 and 17, and “forever” in Exodus 12:24. In both of these places the Hebrew word used was olam (word number 5769 in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary.) This Hebrew word literally means “forever.” They are again commanded to be kept in Ezekiel 45:21-24.

As it turns out, I recently did an extended word study of olam (Strong's 5769) using The Complete Word Study Dictionary (AMG Publishers). olam does not mean literally "forever." I actually means "a long period of time," and it applies in four contexts:

1. The length of a person's lifetime. (ex. Exo 21:6, I Sam 1:22, II Sam 27:12, Job 41:4)
2. Through multiple generations. This can be looking forward through multiple future generations or looking back at multiple past generations. (ex forward: Jere 25:9 & 12, Micah 2:9, backward Deut 32:7, Josh 24:2)
3. Throughout the present age (or present earth). (ex. Gen 9:16, Gen 13:15)
4. Forever. (ex. Gen 3:22, II Sam 12:13)

Many of the verses you are quoting here should not be translated as "forever." They should be translated as "throughout the present age." For them to be in effect "forever," we would have to continue observing these practices in the New Heaven and Earth after the Great White Throne.

Now the BIG question: If these practices are in effect "forever," why did Christ make them obsolete after his resurrection? Shouldn't the apostles have continued observing the Law (after all, they were Jewish)?
 
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Biblewriter

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As it turns out, I recently did an extended word study of olam (Strong's 5769) using The Complete Word Study Dictionary (AMG Publishers). olam does not mean literally "forever." I actually means "a long period of time," and it applies in four contexts:

1. The length of a person's lifetime. (ex. Exo 21:6, I Sam 1:22, II Sam 27:12, Job 41:4)
2. Through multiple generations. This can be looking forward through multiple future generations or looking back at multiple past generations. (ex forward: Jere 25:9 & 12, Micah 2:9, backward Deut 32:7, Josh 24:2)
3. Throughout the present age (or present earth). (ex. Gen 9:16, Gen 13:15)
4. Forever. (ex. Gen 3:22, II Sam 12:13)

Many of the verses you are quoting here should not be translated as "forever." They should be translated as "throughout the present age." For them to be in effect "forever," we would have to continue observing these practices in the New Heaven and Earth after the Great White Throne.

Now the BIG question: If these practices are in effect "forever," why did Christ make them obsolete after his resurrection? Shouldn't the apostles have continued observing the Law (after all, they were Jewish)?

Actually, the literal translation of Olam is "forever," not "for a very long time." This Hebrew word literally means "hidden" and implies a period of time, at least one of whose ends is so far off as to be beyond comprehension.

To demonstrate the error of your claim, here are two dozen places where the Hebrew word olam is used for the eternal nature of God.

1. Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting [olam] God. (Genesis 21:33)

2. For I raise My hand to heaven,
And say, “As I live forever [olam],” (Deuteronomy 32:40)

3. The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting [olam] arms;
He will thrust out the enemy from before you,
And will say, ‘Destroy!’ (Deuteronomy 33:27)

4. But the Lord shall endure forever [olam];
He has prepared His throne for judgment. (Psalm 9:7)

5. The Lord is King forever [olam] and ever;
The nations have perished out of His land. (Psalm 10:16)

6. He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—
Length of days forever [olam] and ever. (Psalm 21:4)

7. The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the Lord sits as King forever [olam]. (Psalm 29:10)

8. Your throne, O God, is forever [olam] and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. (Psalm 45:6)

9. He rules by His power forever [olam];
His eyes observe the nations;
Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves.
Selah (Psalm 66:7)

10. Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting [olam] to everlasting [olam], You are God. (Psalm 90:2)

11. But You, Lord, are on high forevermore [olam]. (Psalm 92:8)

12. Your throne is established from of old;
You are from everlasting [olam]. (Psalm 93:2)

13. But You, O Lord, shall endure forever [olam],
And the remembrance of Your name to all generations. (Psalm 102:12)

14. The Lord has sworn
And will not relent,
“You are a priest forever [olam]
According to the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)

15. Your kingdom is an everlasting [olam] kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. (Psalm 145:13)

16. Who made heaven and earth,
The sea, and all that is in them;
Who keeps truth forever [olam], (Psalm 146:6)

17. The Lord shall reign forever [olam]—
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:10)

18. I have been established from everlasting [olam],
From the beginning, before there was ever an earth. (Proverbs 8:23)

19. For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever [olam].
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6 )

20. Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting [olam] God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28)

21. But the Lord is the true God;
He is the living God and the everlasting [olam] King.
At His wrath the earth will tremble,
And the nations will not be able to endure His indignation. (Jeremiah 10:10)

22. You, O Lord, remain forever [olam];
Your throne from generation to generation. (Lamentations 5:19)

23. Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever [olam], that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. (Daniel 12:7)

24. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting [olam].” (Micah 5:2)

Here are four places where the Hebrew word olam is used for the eternal nature of God’s word.

1. The works of His hands are verity and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever [olam] and ever,
And are done in truth and uprightness. (Psalm 111:7)

2. Forever [olam], O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven. (Psalm 119:89)

3. The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting [olam];
Give me understanding, and I shall live. (Psalm 119:144)


4. The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever [olam]. (Isaiah 40:8)

Here are a dozen places where the Hebrew word olam is used for the eternal nature of death, and its results.

1. And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever [olam]. (Exodus 14:13)

2. For the redemption of their souls is costly,
And it shall cease forever [olam]— (Psalm 49:8)

3. Your righteousness is an everlasting [olam] righteousness,
And Your law is truth. (Psalm 119:142)

4. The sinners in Zion are afraid;
Fearfulness has seized the hypocrites:
“Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?
Who among us shall dwell with everlasting [olam] burnings?” (Isaiah 33:14)

5. Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
And look on the earth beneath.
For the heavens will vanish away like smoke,
The earth will grow old like a garment,
And those who dwell in it will die in like manner;
But My salvation will be forever [olam],
And My righteousness will not be abolished.
7 “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness,
You people in whose heart is My law:
Do not fear the reproach of men,
Nor be afraid of their insults.
8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment,
And the worm will eat them like wool;
But My righteousness will be forever [olam],
And My salvation from generation to generation.” (Isaiah 51:6)

6. “Seventy weeks are determined
For your people and for your holy city,
To finish the transgression,
To make an end of sins,
To make reconciliation for iniquity,
To bring in everlasting [olam] righteousness,
To seal up vision and prophecy,
And to anoint the Most Holy. (Daniel 9:24)

7. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Some to everlasting [olam] life,
Some to shame and everlasting [olam] contempt. (Daniel 12:2)

8. Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever [olam] and ever. (Daniel 12:3)

9. Also they are afraid of height,
And of terrors in the way;
When the almond tree blossoms,
The grasshopper is a burden,
And desire fails.
For man goes to his eternal [olam] home,
And the mourners go about the streets. (Ecclesiastes 12:5)

10. I will make you a terror, and you shall be no more; though you are sought for, you will never [lo olam] be found again,’ says the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 26:21)

11. The merchants among the peoples will hiss at you;
You will become a horror, and be no more forever [olam]. (Ezekiel 27:36)

12. All who knew you among the peoples are astonished at you;
You have become a horror,
And shall be no more forever [olam]. (Ezekiel 28:19)

And finally, here are a dozen places where the Hebrew word olam is used figuratively for the apparently eternal nature of creation.

1. The blessings of your father
Have excelled the blessings of my ancestors,
Up to the utmost bound of the everlasting [olam] hills.
They shall be on the head of Joseph,
And on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers. (Genesis 49:26)

2. With the best things of the ancient mountains,
With the precious things of the everlasting [olam] hills, (Deuteronomy 33:15)

3. His name shall endure forever [olam];
His name shall continue as long as the sun.
And men shall be blessed in Him;
All nations shall call Him blessed. (Psalm 72:17)

4. And He built His sanctuary like the heights,
Like the earth which He has established forever [olam].(Psalm 78:69)

5. His seed shall endure forever [olam],
And his throne as the sun before Me;
37 It shall be established forever [olam] like the moon,
Even like the faithful witness in the sky.”
Selah (Psalm 89:36)

6. You who laid the foundations of the earth,
So that it should not be moved forever [olam], (Psalm 104:5)

7. Concerning Your testimonies,
I have known of old that You have founded them forever [olam]. (Psalm 119:152)

8. Those who trust in the Lord
Are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever [olam]. (Psalm 125:1)

9. He also established them forever and ever [olam];
He made a decree which shall not pass away. (Psalm 148:6)

10. One generation passes away, and another generation comes;
But the earth abides forever [olam]. (Ecclesiastes 1:4)

11. Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord.
‘Will you not tremble at My presence,
Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea,
By a perpetual [olam] decree, that it cannot pass beyond it?
And though its waves toss to and fro,
Yet they cannot prevail;
Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it. (Jeremiah 5:22)

12. He stood and measured the earth;
He looked and startled the nations.
And the everlasting [olam] mountains were scattered,
The perpetual hills bowed.
His ways are everlasting [olam]. (Habakkuk 3:6)
 
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AlfredKeith

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I agree with every verse quote you just listed. "Forever" is one of the possible meanings of this word.

Now, can you explain how the following scripture references mean "forever?"

1. The length of a person's lifetime. (ex. Exo 21:6, I Sam 1:22, I Sam 27:12, Job 41:4)
2. Through multiple generations. This can be looking forward through multiple future generations or looking back at multiple past generations. (ex forward: Jere 25:9 & 12, Micah 2:9, backward Deut 32:7, Josh 24:2)

Exo 21:6 "His master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever."

I Sam 1:22 "he may appear before the Lord and remain there forever."

I Sam 27:12 "he will be my servant forever."

Jere 25:9 & 12 "perpetual desolations"

Micah 2:9 "You have taken away My glory forever."

Deut 32:7 "Remember the days of old"

Joshua 24:2 "in old times"

Every on of these examples uses the word olam.
 
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I agree with every verse quote you just listed. "Forever" is one of the possible meanings of this word.

Now, can you explain how the following scripture references mean "forever?"

1. The length of a person's lifetime. (ex. Exo 21:6, I Sam 1:22, I Sam 27:12, Job 41:4)
2. Through multiple generations. This can be looking forward through multiple future generations or looking back at multiple past generations. (ex forward: Jere 25:9 & 12, Micah 2:9, backward Deut 32:7, Josh 24:2)

Exo 21:6 "His master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him forever."

I Sam 1:22 "he may appear before the Lord and remain there forever."

I Sam 27:12 "he will be my servant forever."

Jere 25:9 & 12 "perpetual desolations"

Micah 2:9 "You have taken away My glory forever."

Deut 32:7 "Remember the days of old"

Joshua 24:2 "in old times"

Every on of these examples uses the word olam.

Again, each of them implies a time for which either the beginning or the ending is so far off as to be beyond comprehension.
 
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Also, if these parts of the Law of Moses last "forever," do we still practice them in the New Heaven and Earth after the Great White Throne?


"We," that is, the church, will never practice them at all. Israel will, as long as she exists as a nation. Whether or not this extends into the new earth I have not considered. it is an interesting question.
 
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Again, each of them implies a time for which either the beginning or the ending is so far off as to be beyond comprehension.

I like your definition here. Philosophically, Hebrews view "forever" differently than the English. In the English language, words are required to have exact meanings. Hebrews are not as exact as we are in defining the meanings of words.
 
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In Ezekiel 40-48, Ezekiel received a vision of the new temple that would be built after the nation of Israel was restored. Most people believe that this vision describes the temple that will be built in the Millennial Kingdom. The most compelling argument for this view is that the temple in Ezekiel’s vision does not match the physical specifications of the second temple built after the Babylonian captivity. These specifications are given in Ezekiel 40-42.

This raises the big issue of this vision: is it meant to be taken literally, or is it a symbolic vision. Should all of the specifications and details given in this vision be taken literally? Or does this vision provide a symbolic representation of the restored temple after the Babylonian captivity?

In my study of Ezekiel 40-48, I have found several reasons for arguing that this vision cannot be of the Millennial Kingdom. I believe that this vision gives a symbolic representation of the temple built after Babylonian captivity. I present the reasons in this study.


Some General Details

In this section, I examine the details of Ezekiel’s vision that do not provide an accurate description of the Millennial Kingdom.

Ezekiel 40:38-43, 42:13-14

These passages provide descriptions of the rooms provided for preparing and consuming the sacrifices specified in the Law of Moses. The issue we have here is that Christ made the Law of Moses obsolete through his death and resurrection.

Ezekiel 45:17, 45:21-23, 46:9

These passages describe how the nation will observe all of the festivals specified in the Law of Moses. The issue here is the same as the last point. Christ removed the requirement to observe these festivals. Also looking specifically at 45:22-23, the “prince” provides a bull as a sin offering for himself and the nation. But there is no more sin in the Millennial Kingdom. Also, in the Millennial Kingdom, the “prince” will be Christ. Do you actually think he will present a sin offering for himself?

Ezekiel 41:1-4

In these verses, the Holy Place and Most Holy Place in the temple are described. The issue we have here is that Christ removed the separation between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place (see Hebrews 10:19-22). In this vision, the Most Holy Place is still separated from the Holy Place.

Ezekiel 44:5-9

In these verses, no foreigner that is “uncircumcised in heart and flesh (NIV)” is allowed to enter the temple area. The issue here is that Christ made the circumcision of the flesh irrelevant. Also, in the Millennial Kingdom the nations will all stream to the Lord’s temple (see Isaiah 2:2-3).

Ezekiel 43:10-11

In these verses, God tells Israel to consider the perfection of his Temple and be ashamed of their sin. But in the Millennial Kingdom, God’s people will no longer sin. I believe that the perfection in these verses is symbolic perfection, not literal physical perfection. All of the descriptions of the physical dimensions are providing a symbolic perfection.

Ezekiel 45:20

This point adds to the previous. In this verse, offerings will be made for people that sinned unintentionally. But in the Millennial Kingdom, the people of Israel will be resurrected and no longer sin. What sins are these sacrifices being made for?

My conclusion from these points is that this vision has to be of a temple that existed before the first advent of Christ. That would make it the restored temple of the Post-Babylonian captivity.


Forever?

In Ezekiel 43:7 & 9, God says that he will dwell in Israel’s midst forever. This by itself makes a compelling argument for this vision being in the Millennial Kingdom. There is just one missing detail. The Hebrew word translated as “forever” in these verses (the word is “olam.” Strong’s number 5769) does not necessarily mean “forever” when translated into English. It actually means a long period of time. When translated from the Hebrew language, it can have four different meanings in English:

1. The length of a person’s lifetime.
2. A time period stretching over multiple generations.
3. The entirety of the present age.
4. Forever.

The question then rises: should this word be translated as “forever” in these verses? The only way to answer that question is to examine the context in which the word appears. “Forever” may not be the most accurate translation. The translation of “a time period stretching over multiple generations” may be more accurate.


The Prince

This vision makes several references to the Prince (or king) of Israel. This raises several issues if this vision is placed in the Millennial Kingdom. In the Millennial Kingdom, the only Prince (or king) of Israel will be Christ. When examining the details of this vision, several problems arise.

Ezekiel 43:7, 45:7-9

First, these verses describe the prince (or king) of the nation. In both of these places, the prince (or king) has a plural form alluding to multiple generations of leaders. But in the Millennial Kingdom, there will be only one Prince, and that is Christ. Looking specifically at 45:8: “and My Princes shall no more oppress My people.” In the Millennial Kingdom, who will these “princes” be?

Ezekiel 45:9-12

In these verses, God warns the princes of Israel to use honest scales. If this is the Millennial Kingdom: why would God feel compelled to warn Christ that he must use honest scales?

Ezekiel 46:16

This verse describes the prince leaving an inheritance to his sons. If this is the Millennial Kingdom: exactly who are these sons that Christ will leave an inheritance to? First, Christ does not have any sons (and believers are called his brothers). Second, the resurrected righteous people in the Millennial Kingdom will no longer have children.


The Priests

Ezekiel 40:44-47, 44:10-16

In this vision, only the Levites that are descendants of Zadok are allowed to enter and serve in the temple. The issue here is that Christ cleared the way so that all believers can approach God in the “Most Holy Place” (again see Hebrews 10:19-22).

Ezekiel 44:22

In these verses, no priest is allowed to take a wife that is previously widowed or divorced. But in the Millennial Kingdom, that will no longer be any marriage for the resurrected saints (see Luke 20:34-38).

Hebrews 5:9-10, 6:11-22, Ezekiel 46:2

These verses raise one of the biggest issues that can ever be raised with placing this vision in the Millennial Kingdom. The priests in this vision are of the Levitical priesthood. In the Millennial Kingdom, Christ will be our high priest, and he is a priest in the order of Melchizedek. He has made the Levitical priesthood obsolete.

Additionally, in the Millennial Kingdom Christ will be a king and priest simultaneously. In this vision, the king (or prince) and the priests are separate people, and only the priests are allowed to enter the temple—and only if they are descended from Zadok. There is no way that Christ could ever fulfill these requirements in the Millennial Kingdom.

Hebrews 7:11-28

These verses continue to describe Christ’s priesthood. They us that in the Christ, the priesthood has changed. The Levitical priesthood and the Law of Moses have been replaced with a new law (verse 12). Also, Christ has a permanent priesthood (verses 24 & 28). In Ezekiel’s vision only priests descended from Zadok can enter the temple. If this is the Millennial Kingdom, then Christ will not be allowed in his own temple. He is not a priest descended from Zadok.


Comparison with Zechariah 14

Zechariah 14 provides a description of Christ’s return and the coming Millennial Kingdom.

Zechariah 14:16-21

In these verses, all of the nations of the world will be required to keep the Feast of Tabernacles annually. The first thing to point out is that this requirement for all of the nations of the world other than Israel. Ezekiel’s vision applies exclusively to the nation of Israel. There are no places in prophecy that state that the nations of the world will be required to keep any of the other annual festivals specified in the Law of Moses.

Verse 21 describes the nations making sacrifices to the Lord. This requirement is also corroborated in Isaiah.

Isaiah 60:4-9

These verses describe the things being brought to Israel by the nations. They include animals, gold, silver, and incense. The interesting thing is the gold, silver, and incense. In the Law of Moses, the only acceptable sacrifices where animal and grain sacrifices. If people did not have these, they were required to purchase them to make their sacrifices to God. In the Millennial Kingdom, all kinds of new “sacrifices” will be brought to the Lord. My conclusion from this is that the Feast of Tabernacles observed by the nations in the Millennial Kingdom will not be exactly the same as the Feast described in the Law of Moses.
 
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Biblewriter

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In Ezekiel 40-48, Ezekiel received a vision of the new temple that would be built after the nation of Israel was restored. Most people believe that this vision describes the temple that will be built in the Millennial Kingdom. The most compelling argument for this view is that the temple in Ezekiel’s vision does not match the physical specifications of the second temple built after the Babylonian captivity. These specifications are given in Ezekiel 40-42.

This raises the big issue of this vision: is it meant to be taken literally, or is it a symbolic vision. Should all of the specifications and details given in this vision be taken literally? Or does this vision provide a symbolic representation of the restored temple after the Babylonian captivity?

In my study of Ezekiel 40-48, I have found several reasons for arguing that this vision cannot be of the Millennial Kingdom. I believe that this vision gives a symbolic representation of the temple built after Babylonian captivity. I present the reasons in this study.

I did not repeat all your arguments due to space. They fall into two general categories. First, there cannot be sacrifices in that day because Christ did away with these. Second, it shows a human prince ruling over Israel, and that prince will be Christ. And third, This cannot be the millennium because it plainly involves unresurrected peoples.

Your first argument seems to have merit, until we remember that at this time the church age will have ended and the entire scene is once again Israel. A vast number of scriptures very explicitly say that absolutely all of Israel will be brought back to their land. Anyone who denies this is denying a literal host of explicitly stated scriptures.

Your second argument is based on an assumption. I myself was long blinded by this same assumption. Actually, no scripture says that the Lord Jesus will literally sit on the throne in Jerusalem. These scriptures make it plain that the priest/prince will be a human descendant of David.

Likewise, your third argument is also based on an assumption. This indeed will be after the resurrection. But the Israel under discussion is not resurrected Israel. It is the still living physical descendants of the ancient nation of Israel. A great many scriptures make this absolutely plain.

As far as the wealth of the nations flowing into Israel as mentioned in Isaiah 60:4-9, this passage does not even hint that this wealth will come in the form of sacrifices offered to the Lord. Have you forgotten how the wealth of the nations flowed into Solomon's kingdom? When the Lord blesses a nation, as He did in the past for the United States and much earlier for England, the wealth of the nations flow into that nation. Not by theft, but by business that the Lord blesses.
 
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Notrash

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Also, if these parts of the Law of Moses last "forever," do we still practice them in the New Heaven and Earth after the Great White Throne?

Excellent question Alfred Keith, and zhe study you did on olam is apreciated, thanks.

It seems the word means "forever" from the perspective of the individual life, corporal entity and/or "age" to which it is spoken, and with respect to the intentions of the statement. Could that be an accurate summarizing statement?

Is there a difference between forever and eternal or everlasting in the hebrew? Ill check on my own, but thought I'd offer the question for consideiion also.
 
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Biblewriter

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Excellent question Alfred Keith, and zhe study you did on olam is apreciated, thanks.

It seems the word means "forever" from the perspective of the individual life, corporal entity and/or "age" to which it is spoken, and with respect to the intentions of the statement. Could that be an accurate summarizing statement?

Is there a difference between forever and eternal or everlasting in the hebrew? Ill check on my own, but thought I'd offer the question for consideiion also.

I believe all three are represented by the one Hebrew word olam.
 
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There is also netsach (5331) and Ad (5703); even tsemiythuth (6783) and Orek (753) for consideration.

Thank you. I may have been mistaken and will have to check these out.
 
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mog144

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Some time ago a few Amillennialists challenged me to explain the laws of Moses that were to remain in force “forever...
...I was quite certain of the answer, but deferred to give it at once because I did not want to go off half cocked. So instead I said I was working on it, but it would take time. To analyze this question, I started out by locating all the laws given by Moses that were explicitly stated as applying perpetually. To do this, I searched all the books in which this law was given, (Exodus through Deuteronomy) for each of the following terms: for ever, perpetual, perpetually, always, continually, throughout your generations, and throughout their generations. I am satisfied that this located all the laws of Moses that were perpetual in nature...

Biblewriter, I commend you for your good work. Are you aware of what Paul is explaining in Romans ch 1? Your defense of the OT is wonderful but it's been difficult to support without present-day relevance that the present world mindset can relate to. I've presented this before and have been mocked by ignorant people because they can't see the forest for the trees.

If you and the world alike would examine nature more closely you could then see these and any law of God present. In other words, all of the laws that God has established throughout our time is also seen in a scientific and natural entity. The law of Magnetism is a universal law that exists in the entire universe and all of God's law is summed up and seen in this law.

Yes, even those red magnets with white tips can teach us from childhood what the law of God is for all of Creation.

This law may also be used by a legal attorney to prove the proper law of marriage between the sexes. You can solve the debate between Creationists and Evolutionists. You can explain more if the world would be willing to examine nature more closely and regard this law as the works of God.

Magnetism is real and for anyone to deny this law as belonging to God and being example of His perpetual law is ludicrousness. Another view is if this simple law is not understood by human minds then it is worthless and futile to natural minds that cannot understand truth even when it stares them in the face.
 
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Interplanner

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The phrasing "throughout all generations" has a number of exceptions to it, even in the OT. It does mean permanence, but there are divine seasons that change things. The tabernacle becomes a temple, the temple becomes a person, etc.

"Is God concerned about oxen?" 1 Cor 10.

"You've heard it said...but I tell you..." Mt 5-6.

BW, you really need to drop the word "explicitly" from your usage until you gain some perspective. You thrill to your own use of it, reinforcing what you saw. We are here to deepen our understanding of what the apostles saw. It is a tree, and you can't see the forest, many times.

--Inter
 
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Biblewriter

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The phrasing "throughout all generations" has a number of exceptions to it, even in the OT. It does mean permanence, but there are divine seasons that change things. The tabernacle becomes a temple, the temple becomes a person, etc.

"Is God concerned about oxen?" 1 Cor 10.

"You've heard it said...but I tell you..." Mt 5-6.

BW, you really need to drop the word "explicitly" from your usage until you gain some perspective. You thrill to your own use of it, reinforcing what you saw. We are here to deepen our understanding of what the apostles saw. It is a tree, and you can't see the forest, many times.

--Inter
You really need to drop your claim about "understanding what the apostles saw" until you gain some perspective about what God explicitly said.

I stress the word "explicitly" because God explicitly said that certain things will happen. I am not "reinforcing" what "I" saw. By pointing out that God "explicitly" said certain things, I am stressing what God said. You claim that God meant something other than what He explicitly said.
 
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