What Bible Prediction Said That Israel Would Become a Nation Again

(27-1) Introduction

Subsequently the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel no longer spoke of God'due south judgments on his contemporaries but of Israel's redemption in the latter days. It was as though he had done all he could to stave off the destruction of his people, and when that was impossible and they were actually experiencing the suffering that captivity had imposed upon them, he turned their hearts to the future and the source of their ultimate promise in the Lord.

So Saints of the latter days should be most enthusiastic about Ezekiel's prophecies in capacity 25–48. Of Ezekiel'southward twelve, precisely recorded visions, seven were given subsequently the fall of Jerusalem and dealt with such events of the last days as the edifice of the great Jewish kingdom under a shepherd named David, the gathering of scattered Israel, the unification of all the tribes of Israel, the joining of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the battle of Armageddon, and the building of a modern temple in Jerusalem. Truly, Ezekiel was a prophet of the Restoration.

Notes and Commentary on Ezekiel 25–48

(27-2) Ezekiel 25–32. Ezekiel Prophesied against Strange Nations

These eight chapters contain prophecies against several foreign nations: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Arab republic of egypt.

"Although the prophets concentrated mainly on Israel/Judah, all of them were very conscious that God was Lord of the whole world. There is no nation across the achieve of his judgement; and what he condemns and punishes in his own people, he condemns and punishes in other nations too. This drove of prophecies effectively marks the break in Ezekiel's ministry before, and his ministry after, the fall of Jerusalem in 587B.C." (David Alexander and Pat Alexander, eds., Eerdmans' Handbook to the Bible, p. 423.)

These capacity in Ezekiel are similar to those in Isaiah and Jeremiah where prophetic burdens are pronounced on certain foreign nations (see Isaiah 13–23; Jeremiah 46–51).

(27-3) Ezekiel 25:3. What Is the Significance of the Interjection "Aha"?

Aha was used every bit an expression of malicious joy. Because the Ammonites rejoiced when Judah fell and the temple was profaned, the Lord was displeased and promised to punish them. (Come across Robert Young, Belittling Concordance to the Bible, south.v. "aha"; Ezekiel 26:2; 36:2.)

(27-four) Ezekiel 25:8. What Is Seir?

Seir is the original name of the mountain ridge extending along the east side of the valley of Arabah, from the Expressionless Bounding main to the Gulf of Aqaba. This surface area was the abode identify of the Edomites, the descendants of Esau. Seir in the Bible became synonymous with Edom. Compare this prophecy about Edom in Ezekiel 25:8–11with those in Isaiah sixteen:1–5(where Sela, which in Hebrew means "the stone," is assumed to be Mount Seir) and in Jeremiah 49:7–22.

(27-5) Ezekiel 25:sixteen. Who Were the Cherethims?

The word cherethims would amend exist translated "Cretans," a branch of the body of water peoples of whom the Philistines were a part. The Cretans dwelt in southwest Canaan. (Run across C. F. Keil and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the One-time Testament, 9:1:369.)

(27-six) Ezekiel 26:i–14. A Remarkable Fulfillment of Prophecy

Korihor, the Book of Mormon anti-Christ, told Alma that "no man can know of annihilation which is to come" because "ye cannot know of things which ye do not come across" (Alma xxx:13, fifteen). Again and again in the Erstwhile Testament, one tin can detect examples that evidence Korihor incorrect. The prophets foretold in dandy particular many future events. Ezekiel'due south prophecies concerning Tyre (Tyrus) are some of the most remarkable.

Tyre was situated on the coast nigh halfway between Carmel in Israel and Beirut in Lebanon.

But it was a peculiar geographic characteristic of Tyre that gave information technology its about remarkable prophetic destiny. Merrill F. Unger noted that Tyre "once consisted of two parts—a rocky coast defense force of great forcefulness on the mainland, and a city upon a small but well-protected island, virtually one-half a mile from the shore" (Unger's Bible Lexicon, south.5. "Tyre," p. 1121).

Ezekiel predicted that Nebuchadnezzar would lay siege to Tyre (see Ezekiel 26:7–11), but a skeptic like Korihor might say that this prediction was non remarkable since Nebuchadnezzar was conquering virtually every major city in the area, and Tyre was a particularly ripe plum because of its wealth. But "before a generation had passed away, according to Josephus, Philostratus, and Seder Olam, Nebuchadnezzar came up, as had been predicted [Ezekiel 26:seven–15], making a fort, casting a mount, and lifting up the buckler. At the end of thirteen years [about 605B.C.] he took the urban center, at to the lowest degree that on the mainland, and Tyre was forgotten seventy years, equally had been foretold past Isaiah [23:fifteen]." (Samuel Fallows, ed., The Popular and Disquisitional Bible Encyclopedia and Scriptural Dictionary, due south.v. "Tyre," p. 1682.)

Some of Ezekiel's peculiar promises seemed to be unfulfilled, including the following:

"I will also scrape her grit from her" (Ezekiel 26:4).

Tyre volition get "like the top of a rock" (Ezekiel 26:4).

"Information technology shall exist a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the body of water" (Ezekiel 26:5).

"They shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy grit in the midst of the h2o" (Ezekiel 26:12).

"M shalt be built no more than" (Ezekiel 26:14).

For nearly three hundred years these prophecies appeared to exist inaccurate. Nebuchadnezzar conquered the mainland city but was unable to subdue all of Tyre because of its strategic position on the isle. Later a few decades Tyre regained her wealth and splendor, though the ruined city on the shore was not rebuilt, and the island fortification became the central city.

And then in 332B.C., Alexander the Great swept out of the northern Mediterranean world. He moved south with his forces and camped on the ruins of ancient Tyre, isolating the inhabitants on the island offshore. Tyre had supposedly made a peaceful alliance with the Greeks, but when Alexander requested permission to bring his troops into Tyre to worship their gods and was refused, he laid siege to Tyre—a difficult task since the city lay on an isle a half mile off the shore.

James Hastings described what followed: "The memorable siege began. Alexander built a mole [causeway] 200 ft. wide out towards the island. Information technology was repeatedly destroyed. The defence force was drastic and successful, till Alexander invested the city with a fleet of 224 ships. Tyre was stormed, 8000 of her inhabitants massacred, 2000 crucified on the shore, and thirty,000 sold into slavery. Tyre ceased to be an island, and henceforth was permanently joined to the mainland. Simply a blunt headland to-solar day suggests the beingness of the old island fortress. The mole is now ½ mile broad." (A Dictionary of the Bible, s.five. "Tyre.")

Fallows noted how Ezekiel's prophecy that Tyre would be scraped make clean and made similar the tiptop of a stone was fulfilled: "So utterly were the ruins of erstwhile Tyre thrown into the sea, that its exact site is confessedly undeterminable, although the ruins of nearly 50 cities near Rome, which perished almost two,500 years ago, testify that the extinction of every trace of a city is a sort of phenomenon." (Bible Encyclopedia, s.v. "Tyre," p. 1682.)

Coastlines of Tyre

Today there is no island opposite Tyre, but a shut examination of the coastline in that vicinity will testify a small-scale peninsula jutting into the ocean. Because of its configuration and the prevailing breezes, local fishermen come up to the barren, rocky outcrop to spread their nets to dry.

The prophet Ezekiel certainly met the criteria outlined in Deuteronomy 18:eighteen–22for determining whether a prophet speaks for the Lord.

(27-7) Ezekiel 27:five, 10, 13–14, xvi. Geographical Locations

Senir (see Ezekiel 27:5) is Mount Hermon. Phut (see v. x) is Libya. Javan (see v. 13) is Hellenic republic. Togarmah (see v. 14) is Armenia. Syria (encounter five. 16) was known in ancient times as Aram (encounter five. 16a).

(27-8) Ezekiel 28:20–23. "Set Thy Face against Zidon"

Zidon, or Sidon, a sister city with Tyre, also had been a thorn in Israel's side. If the Israelites had followed Moses' instructions to destroy all the Canaanites (see Deuteronomy 7:1–5; Judges 1:31), Tyre and Sidon would have been Israelite cities for near eight centuries past Ezekiel's time and their history significantly different.

(27-9) Ezekiel 29:1–sixteen. Egypt Will Acquire Who Is God

Alexander and Alexander wrote: "By his insufferable pride in placing himself amongst the gods, Pharaoh has exposed his whole land to God's anger. But he will learn who is God!" (Eerdmans' Handbook, p. 425.)

Syene (see Ezekiel 29:10) was a city in the south of Egypt, far up the Nile. Pathros (see five. 14) was the name for upper Egypt, or the south part of Egypt. In one case the seat of leadership for Arab republic of egypt was driven up to Pathros, Arab republic of egypt became "the basest of the kingdoms" and never did "exalt itself whatsoever more above the nations" (v. 15). From that bespeak on, Arab republic of egypt ceased to play an important role in earth diplomacy.

(27-10) Ezekiel 29:xviii–20. Nebuchadnezzar Lost Tyre

Nebuchadnezzar had non been able to conquer the island urban center (see Notes and Commentary on Ezekiel 26:1–14). When the long siege of Tyre was ended, many of the Tyrians loaded their wealth on their ships and escaped to Carthage. Thus Nebuchadnezzar lost some of the spoil of one of the earth'south richest cities (see Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible … with a Commentary and Disquisitional Notes, 4:503).

(27-11) Ezekiel 30:13–17. Locations of the Lord's Judgments upon Egypt

Noph. The urban center of Memphis in lower Egypt.

Zoan. The metropolis of Rameses in lower Egypt in the Nile River delta.

No. The city of Thebes in upper Arab republic of egypt.

Aven. The sacred urban center of Heliopolis, or On, in lower Egypt.

Pi-beseth. A town of lower Egypt, the same every bit Bubastis, about forty miles from Memphis.

(27-12) Ezekiel 32. The Fearful Fall of Egypt

Ezekiel 32is written in poetic and figurative mode and relates to Arab republic of egypt's pending downfall and the decimation of her people, particularly the leaders—the "bright lights" (5. ). In poetry 22 the Lord says Ashur (Assyria) is already in hell, which was where Egypt was headed. The reference to the "under parts of the earth" in verses 18 and 24 is typical of the aboriginal belief that hell is below the globe. Pharaoh was to join the kings of Tyre, Sidon, Damascus, Assyria, Persia, Idumea, and and so forth, in hell, with their armies, and be comforted to know that they share a mutual fate (see v. 31; Clarke, Commentary, 4:510).

Sites in ancient Egypt

(27-13) Ezekiel 33:2–9. "I Have Set Thee a Watchman unto the Firm of Israel"

Ezekiel 33:2–9reiterates the teachings virtually the watchman institute in Ezekiel 3:17–21. Elder Spencer West. Kimball explained the need to take a watchman:

"I am sure that Peter and James and Paul found it unpleasant business organisation to constantly exist calling people to repentance and warning them of dangers, just they continued unflinchingly. So nosotros, your leaders, must be everlastingly at it; if young people exercise not understand, then the fault may be partly ours. But, if we brand the true way clear to you, then we are blameless [Ezekiel 33:three–6].

"Then, I wish today to help define meanings of words and acts for you lot young people, to fortify you lot against fault, anguish, pain and sorrow." (Love versus Animalism, Brigham Immature University Speeches of the Year [5 Jan. 1965], pp. half dozen–vii.)

(27-14) Ezekiel 33:12–xix. Repenting of Sin

Ezekiel 33:12–19says that one'southward righteous deeds volition not cancel out one's works of iniquity. If a sinner "turn from his sin, and practice that which is lawful and right" (v. 14), all the same, his sins will not be mentioned on his account (five. sixteen).

Repentance is not to be procrastinated (run into Alma 34:32–34), nor is information technology to be "trifled with every twenty-four hour period," said Joseph Smith. "Daily transgression and daily repentance [incomplete or insincere] is not that which is pleasing in the sight of God." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 148.) Simply the Prophet also said, "At that place is never a time when the spirit is also quondam to approach God. All are within the reach of pardoning mercy, who take not committed the unpardonable sin." (Teachings, p. 191.)

Elderberry Spencer W. Kimball farther commented on the need to provide restitution for sin, as noted in Ezekiel 33:15:

"When one is humble in sorrow, has unconditionally abased the evil, confessed to those assigned past the Lord, he should next restore insofar as possible that which was damaged. If he burglarized, he should render to the rightful owner that which was stolen. Perhaps 1 reason murder is unforgivable is that having taken a life, the murderer cannot restore it. Restitution in full is not possible. …

"Nevertheless, the truly repentant soul will usually observe things which tin be done to restore to some extent. The truthful spirit of repentance demands this. Ezekiel taught: [Ezekiel 33:15]. …

"A pleading sinner must also forgive all people of all offenses committed against himself. The Lord is under no obligation to forgive us unless our hearts are fully purged of all detest, bitterness and accusations against all others." (Be Ye Clean, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, 4 May 1954, p. 11.)

(27-15) Ezekiel 33:21–33. Ezekiel Heard of the Destruction of Jerusalem

"The news did not accept Ezekiel by surprise. God had already given him back his oral communication, as promised [Ezekiel 24:27], past the time the messenger arrived. Some texts have 'eleventh twelvemonth' for 'twelfth' in verse 21, in which case the news takes the more likely fourth dimension of six months to attain them. Those left backside in Judah, far from repenting, were busy annexing other people's belongings. And in Babylonia the exiles who seemed to lap upward Ezekiel'due south words came simply for amusement. They neither believed them nor acted on them: a depressing situation later all that had happened!" (Alexander and Alexander, Eerdmans' Handbook, p. 426.)

It was unfortunate that the Jews in Babylonia did non appreciate at that fourth dimension "that a prophet hath been amidst them" (Ezekiel 33:33).

(27-xvi) Ezekiel 34:i–10. "Should Not the Shepherds Feed the Flocks?"

In a tone very similar to Jeremiah's (come across Jeremiah 23:1–viii), Ezekiel condemned the pastors, or shepherds, of the Lord's spiritual flock, the religious leaders of Ezekiel's day.

In contrast to the Lord's care of His flock, the shepherds of Israel fed themselves but not the flock. The negligent shepherds did not strengthen the sick, bind up the broken, bring back once again those who were driven away, or seek for the lost sheep—all of which whatever real shepherd would do for his own sheep. Instead, they ruled the sheep with force and cruelty and permit them wander to become a casualty to beasts.

President Spencer W. Kimball, in a priesthood session of general conference, charged the nowadays shepherds—priesthood leaders—of the kingdom to be concerned almost the welfare of the flock:

"Equally we read and study the scriptures, we are made witting of the fact that the Savior has e'er been concerned about the welfare of the members of his flock, both individually and collectively. Information technology is about that principle of caring for and ministering to the needs of the Church building membership in these troubled days that I want to speak to you brethren tonight.

"Bishops and branch presidents, please be ever alert to the needs of the precious individuals and families who make up the membership of your wards and branches. You are the nurturing shepherds of our people. To the greatest extent possible, let your counselors and others who serve and work under your direction be the managers of programs. If you lot will pursue this accent, you will oftentimes be able to find very early on some of those members who take serious difficulties, while their challenges and problems are all the same small and manageable. Be conscious of the little tensions and problems yous may encounter in families so that you tin requite the required attention, counsel, and love when information technology is virtually needed. An 60 minutes with a troubled boy or daughter now may save him or her, and is infinitely amend than the hundreds of hours spent in their later lives in the reclamation of a boy or girl if they go inactive.

"As nosotros have said then many times, delegate those tasks which others can do so that you are free to exercise those things which you, and you lonely, can do. Abode teachers are to aid lookout man over the flock. Even though they don't counsel as bishops and branch presidents practice, habitation teachers can render much appropriate and preventive aid nether the direction of the quorum leaders and bishoprics.

"Stake presidents, bishops, and co-operative presidents, please take a particular interest in improving the quality of pedagogy in the Church. The Savior has told u.s.a. to feed his sheep (run into John 21:15–17). I fright that all too often many of our members come to church, sit through a course or coming together, and they and then return home having been largely uninformed. It is specially unfortunate when this happens at a time when they may be entering a period of stress, temptation, or crisis. We all need to be touched and nurtured by the Spirit, and effective didactics is one of the most important means this can happen. Nosotros often do vigorous enlistment work to become members to come to church building just so do non adequately watch over what they receive when they practice come." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1980, p. 67; come across also Ensign, Nov. 1980, pp. 45–46.)

(27-17) Ezekiel 34:23–31. Who Is David the Prince?

See Notes and Commentary on Isaiah 11:1.

(27-eighteen) Ezekiel 35. Edom to Be Destroyed

Why would the Lord deal so harshly with the people of Edom, the descendants of Esau and therefore also of Abraham and Isaac? The answer is clear subsequently analyzing Ezekiel 35. The people of Edom hated the children of Israel and shed their blood (encounter 5. 5), sought to accept over their lands (see vv. ten, 12), spoke against the Lord (meet v. 13), and rejoiced at Israel's desolation (see v. 15).

Edom equally a distinct nation was destroyed, giving farther bear witness that the Lord keeps His promises. Although the nation is no more, Edom, or Idumea (see v. 15), has become a symbol for the wicked world that exists today (see D&C 1:36; see also Jeremiah 49:7–22; Obadiah one; Notes and Commentary on Jeremiah 49; Obadiah i).

(27-19) Ezekiel 36. The House of Israel Will Be Gathered to Their Own Lands

The only verses in Ezekiel 36that practise not bargain with the concluding days are those that explicate why the Lord scattered Israel (come across vv. sixteen–22).

None of the post-obit events have fully transpired, though today is the twenty-four hours when these prophecies are being fulfilled:

• Those men who will multiply upon the country are from all the house of Israel, not just the kingdom of Judah (meet v. 10).

• Israel is to walk upon the land which shall "no more henceforth bereave them of men" (five. 12; run into as well vv. 13–14).

• Those who return will be gathered from the infidel and from all countries (see v. 24).

• They are to be cleansed from their filthiness (see v. 25).

• They are to be converted to the Lord and receive His Spirit (see vv. 26–27).

  Verses 28–38 explain that the recovery of Israel will be quite remarkable and will be washed for the Lord'southward reasons, not because Israel has earned it (see 5. 32). The Israel of the future must be spiritually worthy and must submit themselves to the Lord's will.

(27-20) Ezekiel 37:ane–xiv. Is Ezekiel's Vision of the Valley of Bones about the Resurrection or about the Renewal of the Firm of Israel?

Often prophetic utterances have dual meanings. Such is the case for the well-known apologue of the scattered dry out bones. The dazzler of prophecy is that the Lord can reveal to those who are spiritually alert more than than one truth in one prophecy.

Sidney B. Sperry wrote the following commentary on the dual nature of this prophecy: "It will be seen from this passage that the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead … is invoked to symbolize the restoration of State of israel's exiles to their own land. The exiles are represented—so it seems to me—as having lost hope (their bones are dried up) of ever living again as a nation. Only the Lord shows them that they can be restored through His mighty power even as the dead volition exist raised in the resurrection. The doctrine of the resurrection of the body is assumed. Some writers fence that the idea of resurrection was not known among the Hebrews at this early time. But the fact that Ezekiel speaks as he did would seem to me an indication that the doctrine had long been understood in Israel. Whatsoever true prophet would sympathize the doctrine of the resurrection, so Latter-day Saints believe, and Israel had had many prophets long before Ezekiel's time." (The Voice of Israel's Prophets, pp. 225–26.)

The symbolic meaning of this prophecy as it relates to the gathering of State of israel is apparent: The bones correspond State of israel in its lost and scattered state; the graves indicate where Israel is also as its condition of spiritual expiry. The spirit, or ruach in Hebrew (meet Ezekiel 37:9), ways the new spirit of righteousness the people will have when they have been resurrected, that is, restored from their fallen country. The source of this new life will be the Holy Ghost.

But Ezekiel's account of the Resurrection is literal, as well equally symbolic of the future gathering of Israel. Elder Bruce R. McConkie testified: "There is nothing more real, more literal, more personal than the resurrection, as Ezekiel then beheld in vision. He saw the dead live again, live literally and personally, each 1 becoming in physical makeup as he had been in mortality. It was with each of them as information technology would be with their Lord, when he, having as well come up along from his valley of dry basic, stood in the upper room with his disciples, ate before them, and permitted them to handle his physical torso. To his people the Lord's vocalization came: 'I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you lot into the land of Israel.' (Ezek. 37:1–14.) He who shall practise all this, as we are at present acutely aware, is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the God of Israel." (The Promised Messiah, pp. 270–71.)

(27-21) Ezekiel 37:xv–xx. What Is the Symbolism of the Two Sticks Being Joined Together?

This passage is another example of the dual nature of prophecy. Sperry explained: "What is the meaning of these 'sticks' and what is their significance? Well-nigh commentators simply believe that each piece of forest represents one of the two kingdoms, either Judah or Israel (Ephraim), which are to be bound together or united nether the Lord'south direction. This act symbolizes the reunion of Ephraim and Judah into one kingdom. … Still, the Latter-day Saints insist that such an interpretation is by no ways complete. … What they do believe is that each of the sticks represents a scripture, a pregnant slice of writing. The Bible represents the scripture of Judah. To an boilerplate person not of our faith this conclusion may seem reasonable, but he will ask immediately what scripture represents the stick of Ephraim. To which we reply, the Book of Mormon. The Nephite scripture is the record of the descendants upon this continent of Joseph who was sold into Egypt." (Voice of Israel's Prophets, pp. 226–27.)

The Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon assert that Ezekiel's prophecy deals with the Bible and the Volume of Mormon existence joined together. Doctrine and Covenants 27:5teaches that the Book of Mormon is the stick of Ephraim. The Volume of Mormon, in 1 Nephi 13:40–41; 2 Nephi 29:ten–fourteen; and Mormon vii:viii–9speaks of the records of the Jews and the records of the Nephites being gathered together into one.

The sign that Jesus Christ gave the Nephites that the restoration of the tribes of State of israel was at hand was the coming along of the Book of Mormon, which made the combining of the records possible (see three Nephi twenty:46; 21:1–7; 29:1). This truth is sustained by Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Because [the Book of Mormon] came along, as the seeric insight of Ezekiel has so apparently set forth, latter-24-hour interval Israel would exist gathered, her people would go make clean earlier the Lord, he would make with them once more his everlasting gospel covenant, and his tabernacle and temple would be in their midst forevermore. (Ezek. 37:fifteen–28.)" (Promised Messiah, p. 146.)

(27-22) Ezekiel 37:15–17. What Was the Significant Anciently of the Word Stick?

Bible scholars who are non Latter-twenty-four hour period Saints take insisted that the traditional Christian estimation of the discussion stick should be a "rod or scepter" rather than a record of some kind. They conclude that uniting the ii tribal scepters vividly symbolizes the reunification of the divided tribes. But as Keith H. Meservy pointed out:

"Contempo exciting discoveries now confirm the correctness of Joseph Smith's interpretation in a mode impossible in 1830. But before discussing these new discoveries, let's take a quick look at some linguistic points. Both stick, in the English King James Version, and rod, in the Greek Septuagint Version, are very unusual translations of the Hebrew word etz … whose basic meaning is forest . …

"The modernistic nation of Republic of iraq includes nigh all of Mesopotamia, the homeland of the aboriginal kingdoms of Assyria and Babylonia. In 593B.C., when Ezekiel was called to exist a prophet, he was living in exile in Babylonia. … As he walked its streets, he would have seen the typical scribe pressing a wedge-shaped stylus into moist clay tablets to make the complex writings familiar to us as cuneiform (wedge-shaped). Only scholars today know that other kinds of records were being made in Mesopotamia: papyrus, parchment, and wooden tablets. Though only the clay tablets take survived the millennia, writers referred to the other writing materials on their clay tablets. [I such writing manner was called "wood tablets."]

"Modern archaeologists knew what papyrus and parchment were, but what were these forest tablets? How could cuneiform exist written on wood? …

"… Some years ago … San Nicolo [an archeologist] remembered that Romans and Greeks both fabricated wooden wax tablets for record-keeping purposes out of boards whose surfaces had been cut below the edges in order to hold a thin blanket of wax. Scribes wrote on the wax. The raised edges protected the inscribed surfaces when ii tablets were put together.

"Could the Babylonians have done the same thing? … Five years later, … a discovery made in the territory that had been ancient Assyria confirmed his theory to the letter of the alphabet.

"The discovery, directed past archaeologist Max Mallowan, was fabricated in a layer of sludge deep in a well in Nimrod, a urban center known as Calah in the Bible. … By the end of the twenty-four hour period workmen had constitute … fragments of two complete sets of tablets, ane of ivory and the other of walnut, each composed of sixteen boards. …

"All of the surfaces of the boards were cutting downwardly a 10th of an inch, leaving a half-inch-broad raised border all around. The lowered surfaces provided a bed for wax filling, of which some thin beige-like fragments were found either still adhering to the boards or mixed in the sludge nearby. …

"The encompass boards … had hinge marks on both sides, making it evident that all 16 in each gear up had once been joined together like a Japanese folding screen. The whole piece of work made such an extensive record that Mallowan could announce his discovery as the oldest known instance of a book. …

"With these things in mind, we can encounter how we might translate Ezekiel 37:15–17in this way:

"'These were the words of the Lord to me: Human, accept one foliage of a wooden tablet and write on it, "Judah and his assembly of Israel." Then have another leaf and write on information technology, "Joseph, the leafage [wooden tablet] of Ephraim and all his associates of Israel."

"'Now bring the ii together to form one tablet; then they will be a folding tablet in your paw.'

"This translation is faithful to what we at present know of Ezekiel's language and culture." ("Ezekiel'southward 'Sticks,'" Ensign, Sept. 1977, pp. 24–26.)

(27-23) Ezekiel 37:26–28. A Latter-twenty-four hour period Temple in Jerusalem

Ezekiel prophesied in 37:26–28 well-nigh a holy sanctuary or temple that would exist part of the corking reunification of Israel. Soon later on this vision, Ezekiel received a detailed vision of what the new temple in Jerusalem would exist similar (run across Ezekiel 40–48). President Joseph Fielding Smith said: "Ezekiel predicted the building of a temple in Jerusalem which volition exist used for ordinance work later the gathering of Israel from their long dispersion and when they are apple-pie from their transgressions" (Doctrines of Salvation, two:244).

(27-24) Ezekiel 38–39. The Battle of Gog and Magog

The following from Elderberry Bruce R. McConkie sums up the events of the battle of Armageddon:

"Our Lord is to come up over again in the midst of the battle of Armageddon, or in other words during the class of the great war between Israel and Gog and Magog. At the 2nd Coming all nations of the earth are to be engaged in battle, and the fighting is to be in progress in the area of Jerusalem and Armageddon. (Zech. 11; 12; 13; Rev. sixteen:14–21.) The prophecies practise non name the modern nations which will be fighting for and against Israel, but the designation Gog and Magog is given to the combination of nations which are seeking to overthrow and destroy the remnant of the Lord's chosen seed.

"The 38th and 39th capacity of Ezekiel record considerable prophetic detail relative to this great war. It should exist noted that information technology is to accept place 'in the latter years'; that information technology will exist fought in the 'mountains of Israel' against those who have been gathered to the land of their ancient inheritance; that the country of Israel shall be relatively unprotected, a 'land of unwalled villages'; that Gog and Magog shall come up 'out of the north parts' in such numbers as 'to cover the land' as a cloud; that the Lord will and then come, and all men shall shake at his presence; that there volition be such an earthquake as has never before been known, which will throw downwards the mountains; that in that location will be pestilence, claret, fire, and brimstone descend upon the armies; that the forces of Gog and Magog will exist destroyed upon the mountains of State of israel; that the Supper of the Dandy God shall and so take place as the beasts and fowls eat the flesh and potable the blood of the fallen ones (Rev. 19:17–18; D. & C. 29:xviii–21); and that the house of State of israel volition be 7 months burying the expressionless and 7 years burning the discarded weapons of state of war.

"In the light of all this and much more than that is prophetically foretold nigh the final great battles in the holy state, is information technology any wonder that those who are scripturally informed and spiritually aware spotter world events with peachy involvement as troubles proceed to foment in Palestine, Arab republic of egypt, and the Near East?" (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 324–25.)

That the battle before the Millennium, which is known as the boxing of Armageddon, makes reference to Gog and Magog may at starting time be disruptive since the last great boxing at the finish of the Millennium is chosen the battle of Gog and Magog by John (see Revelation 20:7–ix). But the names "Gog" and "Magog" are used for both battles because they symbolize an alliance of corking, evil power. President Joseph Fielding Smith antiseptic this bespeak equally follows: "Before the coming of Christ, the great war, sometimes called Armageddon, will take place equally spoken of by Ezekiel, capacity 38 and 39. Another state of war of Gog and Magog volition be after the millennium." (Doctrines of Salvation, iii:45.)

Patently the battle seen by Ezekiel volition exist one of the greatest events of the world'due south history, and and then it is not surprising that the prophets speak of information technology over again and again. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Zechariah, and John the Revelator all speak of information technology in some detail, and it is mentioned in several places in latter-day scripture. (Meet Enrichment I.)

(27-25) Ezekiel 38:1–2. Gog and Magog

The terms Gog and Magog are often joined together, as, for example, in the phrase the "battle of Gog and Magog" (see Revelation 20:eight). Thus, many people assume the terms refer to two people by those names. Ezekiel 38:1–2shows clearly, withal, that Gog is a name of a person and Magog the land from which he comes. Technically, "Gog of Magog" is the right manner to say it. Over the centuries, however, the names have come up to mean the combination of nations that will fight confronting Israel in the terminal days. (See Notes and Commentary on Ezekiel 38–39.)

(27-26) Ezekiel 38:ii–half-dozen. Ancient Names and Modernistic Equivalents

Ezekiel specifically told his readers where Gog, the groovy military and political leader or leaders of the last days, would come up from and with whom he would be centrolineal in the war against Israel. He used names that were electric current in One-time Testament times, though many of these names are not familiar to mod readers. Magog, Meshech, and Tubal were in northern Asia Minor (see 5. two). Persia was in east asia Pocket-size, and Federal democratic republic of ethiopia and Great socialist people's libyan arab jamahiriya (Cush and Phut) were in Africa (see v. 5). Gomer and Togarmah have been associated with peoples in Asia Minor and Europe (see v. 6; run into Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible; Fallows, Bible Encyclopedia; Encyclopaedia Judaica; Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, 9:ii:159–60.) That these nations would come from north and south, east and west, represents the pedagogy that all nations will fight against Israel (compare Zechariah 14:2).

"They shall become i in thine manus" (Ezekiel 37:17).

(27-27) Ezekiel 38:22. "I Will Rain upon Him … Corking Hailstones"

As did Ezekiel, John the Revelator likewise saw great hailstones raining downwardly on the vast army at Armageddon. He gave their weight at 1 talent (see Revelation 16:21), which is approximately 75.6 pounds, or 34.3 kilograms (see Bible Dictionary, south.v. "weights and measures"). Ezekiel 38:22is the poetry referred to in Doctrine and Covenants 29:21.

(27-28) Ezekiel 39:eleven. Where Is the Valley of Hamongog?

Ezekiel 39:11depicts a future upshot and is not making reference to a known location of that solar day. Hamon in Hebrew means "multitude" (run into William Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies, s.v. "multitude"). The proper name Hamongog therefore means the "multitude of Gog," indicating that the valley will be so called considering of the vast numbers cached in that location. Since the last boxing centers around Jerusalem (see Enrichment I), it is assumed that the valley of Hamongog is somewhere nearby.

(27-29) Ezekiel twoscore–44. The Vision of a Hereafter Temple

In ane of the most remarkable visions of the Old Attestation, Ezekiel had the privilege of being carried abroad by the Spirit to the holy city of Jerusalem to behold on the temple mountain the magnificent temple to exist congenital there in the latter days. In Ezekiel 40:3, Ezekiel was introduced to a "man" who afterward showed him the temple and its measurements. This "man" was probably not the Lord but an authorized messenger.

Elder James E. Talmage described the primary features of this temple:

"In the twenty-fifth year of the Babylonian captivity, while notwithstanding the people of Israel were in exile in a foreign state, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Ezekiel; the power of God rested upon him; and he saw in vision a glorious Temple, the plan of which he minutely described. As to whether the prophet himself considered the pattern so shown as ane to be subsequently realized, or as but a grand yet unattainable platonic, is not alleged. Certain it is that the Temple of the vision has not nevertheless been builded.

"In most of its essential features Ezekiel'south ideal followed closely the programme of Solomon'southward Temple; so close, indeed, is the resemblance, that many of the details specified by Ezekiel accept been accepted as those of the fantabulous edifice destroyed past Nebuchadnezzar. A predominant feature of the Temple described past Ezekiel was the spaciousness of its premises and the symmetry of both the Holy House and its associated buildings. The area was to be a square of five hundred cubits, walled near and provided with a gateway and arches on each of three sides; on the west side the wall was to be unbroken by arch or portal. At each of the gateways were fiddling chambers regarded as lodges, and provided with porches. In the outer court were other chambers. The entire surface area was to be elevated, and a flight of steps led to each gateway. In the inner court was seen the smashing altar, standing before the Firm, and occupying the center of a square of one hundred cubits. Ample provision was made for every variety of sacrifice and offering, and for the accommodation of the priests, the singers, and all engaged in the holy ritual. The main construction comprised a Porch, a Holy Place, and an inner sanctuary or Nigh Holy Place, the last named elevated above the rest and reached past steps. The plan provided for fifty-fifty greater exclusiveness than had characterized the sacred area of the Temple of Solomon; the double courts contributed to this end. The service of the Temple was prescribed in detail; the ordinances of the altar, the duties of the priests, the ministry of the Levites, the regulations governing oblations and feasts were all set up forth.

"The immediate purpose of this revelation through the vision of the prophet appears to have been that of awakening the people of Israel to a realization of their fallen state and a conception of their departed glory." (The Business firm of the Lord, pp. 37–38.)

(27-30) Ezekiel xl:45–46. Who Are the Sons of Zadok?

The heavenly messenger explained to Ezekiel that the Levites who would keep charge of the holy house would be the sons of Zadok. Zadok was a righteous high priest in the days of King Solomon. Zadok replaced Abiathar (see 1 Kings 2:26–27, 35) because of his loyalty to David and Solomon. Zadok was the showtime high priest to officiate in Solomon'south temple. Apparently the Lord desired the descendants of the righteous Zadok to officiate in the latter-day temple in Jerusalem (meet Ezekiel 44:fifteen; 48:11).

(27-31) Ezekiel 43:i–v; 44:4. The Celebrity of God Fills the Temple

The glory of God is manifest in the brightness and power of His divine presence. It is expected that the celebrity of the Lord would fill up His holy firm in Jerusalem. Unquestionably, His glory has filled all of the temples that have been built in His name and by His authority. (see Numbers 9:15–18; 2 Chronicles v:thirteen–xiv; Ezra 6:14–16; D&C 110:1–5; 124:27–28, 38–41.)

(27-32) Ezekiel 43:xviii–27. What Sacrifices Will Exist Offered in the Temple?

President Joseph Fielding Smith explained:

"When these temples [the temple seen by Ezekiel and others to be congenital in the New Jerusalem] are congenital, information technology is very likely that provision will be fabricated for some ceremonies and ordinances which may be performed by the Aaronic Priesthood and a identify provided where the sons of Levi may offer their offer in righteousness. This will have to be the instance because all things are to be restored. There were ordinances performed in ancient Israel in the tabernacle when in the wilderness, and after information technology was established at Shiloh in the state of Canaan, and subsequently in the temple built by Solomon. The Lord has informed usa that this was the case and has said that in those edifices ordinances for the people were performed. …

"We are living in the dispensation of the fulness of times into which all things are to be gathered, and all things are to be restored since the beginning. Even this earth is to exist restored to the condition which prevailed before Adam's transgression. Now in the nature of things, the police of cede will accept to be restored, or all things which were decreed by the Lord would not exist restored. It volition exist necessary, therefore, for the sons of Levi, who offered the claret sacrifices aforetime in Israel, to offer such a sacrifice once more to round out and complete this ordinance in this dispensation. Cede by the shedding of claret was instituted in the days of Adam and of necessity will have to be restored.

"The sacrifice of animals volition be done to consummate the restoration when the temple spoken of is built; at the beginning of the millennium, or in the restoration, claret sacrifices will be performed long plenty to consummate the fulness of the restoration in this dispensation. Afterward sacrifice will be of some other character." (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:93–94.)

(27-33) Ezekiel 45:1–eight; 47:13–48:29. How Will the Country Be Divided amongst the Tribes of Israel?

Co-ordinate to Ezekiel's vision of the future, the Holy Land volition be divided in strips running betwixt the Mediterranean Sea on the west and the Dead Sea and the Jordan River on the e. Each of the twelve tribes will exist given a strip of land with a strip out of the center for the prince, the metropolis, and the Levites, that is, the priests. Joseph will receive a double portion (Ezekiel 47:xiii) since Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph'due south sons, both became tribes in Israel. The urban center will have twelve gates, one for each tribe (including Levi and one for Joseph). On the n will be the tribes of Reuben, Judah, and Levi; on the east volition be Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; on the south will exist Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; on the due west will be Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. Jerusalem will then be chosen the Lord is there (Jehovah-shammah; see Ezekiel 48:35). There will be a gathering there of the scattered tribes of State of israel, and the temple that Ezekiel saw in vision will be central in location and role in that gathering.

Regarding the inheritances of Joseph's descendants in the Middle East, Sperry commented: "Of interest to the Latter-day Saints is the fact that provision is made for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Information technology is quite evident from Ezekiel'southward vision that not all of Joseph's descendants are to take their inheritance on the American continent, as some of our people have supposed. We may exist justified in assertive, however, that nearly of Joseph's seed will be provided for on this land (run into Ether thirteen:five–12), but Ezekiel very patently implies that some of Joseph's descendants will dwell in Palestine." (Voice of Israel's Prophets, pp. 236–37.)

(27-34) Ezekiel 47:1–12. Waters Event from the Temple

The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed: "Judah must return, Jerusalem must exist rebuilt, and the temple, and water come out from nether the temple, and the waters of the Dead Body of water exist healed. It volition take some time to rebuild the walls of the urban center and the temple, &c; and all this must exist done before the Son of Man will make His appearance." (Teachings, p. 286.)

The waters issuing along from under the temple and the healing of the Dead Body of water may occur when the Lord Himself sets foot upon the Mountain of Olives, causing this mountain to split up in two and create a large valley (run into Zechariah 14:4; D&C 133:20–24; Enrichment I).

(27-35) Ezekiel 47:22–23. Who Are These Strangers?

Undoubtedly in that location volition be converts who are not part of blood State of israel who will receive an inheritance because of their devotion to the gospel. They will then exist adopted into the business firm of Israel. These strangers may exist some of the gentile peoples who will accept the gospel in the last days.

(27-36) Ezekiel 48:31–34. The Gates of the City

see Revelation 22:thirteen–17for the requirements one must fill up to enter in the gates of the holy city.

(27-37) Ezekiel 48:35. Jerusalem Will Be Called Holy

The Joseph Smith Translation reads: "And the proper name of the city from that twenty-four hour period shall exist chosen, Holy; for the Lord shall be at that place" (run into JST, Ezekiel 48:35; emphasis added). The temple will be built every bit a symbol to Israel that the Lord is with His people.

Points to Ponder

(27-38) Making the Prophecies Live Today

These chapters have shown the great prophetic insight with which the Lord blessed Ezekiel. Certainly the Lord trusted Ezekiel. He knew that this prophet among the exiles in Babylonia would see that these precious truths would exist safely recorded and delivered to the nations of the earth.

Practise yous rejoice when you read the prophecies of Ezekiel? Does your soul burn within you to realize that the Lord is at the captain in the affairs of His children and that He will bring again His people Israel to their lands of promise and cleanse iniquity from their midst? Do you lot thrill with the cognition that He will protect State of israel from her enemies and punish the wicked and that a slap-up and magnificent temple will exist built upon Mount Moriah in the holy city Jerusalem for the tribe of Judah? If you had been in the presence of the Jews in Babylon, would you "know that a prophet hath been amongst them"? (Ezekiel 33:33).

Certainly nosotros cannot accept for granted that the prophecies of Ezekiel volition come to pass. Nosotros must practice as Nephi did when he heard Lehi'southward recital of the vision of the tree of life and personally seek a confirmation of the truthfulness of Ezekiel's vision from the Lord (see ane Nephi ten:17). Ezekiel himself was taught by the aforementioned principle (see Ezekiel 44:5).

Every bit you seek to know the truthfulness of what the prophets accept revealed, call back that obtaining that knowledge is a gradual process. The Lord said: "I volition requite unto the children of men line upon line, axiom upon axiom, here a little and there a lilliputian; and blest are they who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom" (two Nephi 28:30).

Accept some fourth dimension to reflect upon, ponder, and pray about the significance of Ezekiel's great message. "Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds" (D&C 43:34).

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Source: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-kings-malachi/chapter-27?lang=eng

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