Why does the Beit Hamikdash in Jerusalem, take a backseat in the book of Yehezkel? This shiur explores possible reasons for Yehezkel’s idiosyncratic approach to the Beit Hamikdash in Jerusalem. Before Yehezkel, the people had believed that God would never destroy His Temple. Yehezkel has to take a stand and emphasize that the redemption will come from those in exile. Those still living and sinning in Jerusalem during his time are not to be viewed as a source of hope. His vision of a new and different Temple service in future times reflects his view that what was done in the past brought destruction and exile and that change is essential for a fresh start after the redemption and return.

Yemei Iyun be-Tanakh - תשס"ט