Chapter viii.
With this chapter begins a new section. It contains a series of visions.
The Prophet is shown first of all the awful abominations which were
going on in the temple (chapter viii). Then the fact was made known to
him that destruction would overtake all who were left in Jerusalem,
except the sighing, faithful remnant, marked by the man with the inkhorn
(chapter xi). This is followed by the vision of the coals of fire and
the vision of glory (chapter x). The final vision in this section is the
vision concerning the leaders of the people and the departure of the
glory of the Lord (chapter xi).
These visions, which concern Jerusalem's history and condition in the
days of Ezekiel, also foreshadow Jerusalem's future. There is a
remarkable correspondence with events revealed in the last book of the
Bible, the Book of Revelation. Another temple will be defiled by the
abomination of the Anti-Christ during the coming great tribulation.
Ezekiel saw an image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. There
will be another image in Jerusalem on account of which judgment will
come upon the unbelieving Jews (Rev. xiii:14-15). Then there will be a
remnant sealed and preserved (Rev. vii) as it was in the time of
Ezekiel. Coals of fire Ezekiel saw scattered over the city; it denoted
an act of judgment. When the last chapter of Jerusalem's final trouble
passeth into history, fire from the altar will be cast upon the earth
(Rev. viii:5). But while Ezekiel saw the glory departing after these
judgments, the glory will return to the city and to Israel's land, when
the great tribulation is ended. Ezekiel's vision of abominations among
Israel is first given.