In Revelation 15, you see a temple in heaven. Is this temple for real? What about the living creatures there? What are they, and why are they there? The scripture talks about earthly temples like the mobile one during the days in the wilderness, Solomon's temple, Herod's temple and the temple within. How are all these temples different?
The Ark of the Covenant, once housed in Solomon’s Temple, has a mysterious and hotly debated fate. Scripture and history do not give a definitive answer, but here are the main theories and traditions about its whereabouts after the Babylonian destruction of the temple in 586 BC:
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πΉ 1. It Was Hidden Before the Babylonian Invasion
▪️ Jewish Tradition (2 Maccabees 2:4–8)
Says that Jeremiah hid the Ark in a cave on Mount Nebo (in modern-day Jordan) before the Babylonians invaded.
The location was intentionally concealed, and it is said the Ark will remain hidden “until God gathers His people again.”
This is a non-canonical source in Protestant Bibles but respected in Jewish and Catholic traditions.
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πΉ 2. It Was Taken by the Babylonians
In 2 Kings 25 and Jeremiah 52, Babylon took many temple items.
But nowhere is the Ark mentioned among the items taken, which is strange if it had still been in the Holy of Holies.
This silence leads many to believe the Ark was removed or hidden before the final siege.
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πΉ 3. It Was Destroyed
Some argue the Ark may have been destroyed by the Babylonians, especially if left in the Temple.
But given its sacred status, many scholars consider this unlikely—it would likely have been mentioned explicitly if destroyed.
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πΉ 4. It Was Taken to Ethiopia
▪️ Ethiopian Orthodox Tradition
Claims the Ark was taken by Menelik I, the (legendary) son of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba.
They say the real Ark is kept in Axum, Ethiopia, in the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, guarded by a monk who never leaves the compound.
But no one is allowed to see it, and no archaeological verification exists.
This tradition is ancient and revered in Ethiopia, but widely doubted by scholars.
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πΉ 5. It Remains Hidden in Jerusalem
▪️ Temple Mount or Secret Chamber Theory
Some believe the Ark was hidden beneath the Temple Mount, perhaps in a secret chamber or cave.
Others say it was hidden in the vicinity, possibly in Qumran caves, or near Ein Gedi, by temple priests or Levites.
There’s no conclusive archaeological evidence, but many Orthodox Jews and Temple researchers hold this view.
πΉ 6. It Was Taken to Heaven (Symbolic View)
In Revelation 11:19, John sees:
> “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant…”
Some interpret this to mean the earthly Ark is gone, and the heavenly reality remains—symbolically fulfilled in Christ.
π Summary
Theory Source Strengths Weaknesses
Hidden by Jeremiah 2 Maccabees , Oldest tradition, plausible, Not in canonical scripture
Taken by Babylon Biblical texts, Historically feasible Ark not mentioned among spoils
Destroyed Inference, Simple explanation , No textual confirmation
Taken to Ethiopia , Ethiopian tradition , Rich tradition, revered , No access or proof
Hidden under Temple Mount, Rabbinic tradition fits Jewish expectation . No discovery yet
Taken to Heaven Revelation 11:19 Theological fulfillment Symbolic, not literal
If the Ark still exists, it remains one of the greatest unsolved archaeological and religious mysteries.
What about the temple described in Ezekiel, the temple from where a stream of water flows in different depts? There is another temple described.
Excellent question! You're referring to the visionary temple described in Ezekiel chapters 40–48, especially the miraculous stream in Ezekiel 47. Let's explore both temples in Ezekiel—their meanings, differences, and their place in prophetic and theological thought.
πΉ 1. Ezekiel’s Two Temples: Before and After the Exile
A. First Temple (Seen in a Vision of Judgment) – Ezekiel 8–11
This is the Solomon’s Temple, but seen in spiritual decay.
Ezekiel sees:
Idolatry and abominations within the temple courts (ch. 8).
The glory of the LORD departing from the temple (ch. 10–11), symbolizes divine judgment and abandonment.
This prepares the way for the destruction of the temple by Babylon in 586 BC.
B. Second Temple (Visionary Restored Temple) – Ezekiel 40–48
This is a massive, detailed temple Ezekiel sees in a vision after the fall of Jerusalem.
It includes:
Precise architectural measurements (chapters 40–42).
Return of the glory of the LORD (chapter 43).
Rules for priests, sacrifices, and holy spaces.
A miraculous river flows from under the temple’s threshold (chapter 47).
But this temple was never literally built, which leads to various interpretations.
πΉ 2. The River from the Temple (Ezekiel 47)
Ezekiel sees a stream beginning at the threshold of the temple, flowing eastward, growing deeper as it flows:
Ankle-deep → knee-deep → waist-deep → a river too deep to cross.
Wherever it flows, it brings life:
The Dead Sea becomes fresh.
Fish teem in abundance.
Trees grow on its banks with healing leaves.
πΈ Symbolic meaning:
Represents God’s healing, life-giving presence flowing from His throne.
Echoes Eden's river of life (Genesis 2) and anticipates the River of Life in Revelation 22.
Symbolizes restoration, spiritual revival, and the coming kingdom of peace.
πΉ 3. What Was This Temple Meant to Be?
▪ Literal?
Some scholars (especially premillennialists) believe this is a future millennial temple to be literally built when the Messiah reigns on earth.
They treat it as a blueprint for worship in the messianic age.
▪ Symbolic?
Many others (including early Church Fathers) interpret it symbolically:
A vision of spiritual restoration for a people who had lost everything.
The perfect worship and holiness that was never realized in earthly temples.
A foreshadowing of the Church and the new creation.
πΉ 4. Comparison with Other Temples
Temple Description Purpose Status
Solomon’s Temple was Built c. 960 BC, destroyed by Babylon a National worship center.
Ezekiel’s Temple (Vision) : Idealized temple with river of life , Symbol of restoration and divine presence , Never built
Zerubbabel’s/Second Temple was Rebuilt after exile, modestly reestablished worship, Rebuilt, and later expanded
Herod’s Temple Enlarged Second Temple Temple at Jesus’ time Destroyed in AD 70
Temple in Revelation In heaven, from which glory/judgment flows , Fulfillment in God’s eternal presence , Eternal
Temple of the Church (NT) Believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit . God dwells in His people , Present now
π Final Reflections
The temple in Ezekiel 40–48, with its river of life, points forward to a new kind of reality—not just national restoration, but cosmic healing.
It's a bridge between:
Israel’s longing for God’s return
The Messianic hope of perfect worship
The New Jerusalem in Revelation 21–22, where no physical temple exists because:
> “The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” (Revelation 21:22)
Would you like a visual timeline or chart comparing all these temples from Genesis to Revelation?
Would you like a poetic summary or a visual chart of these theories?
Pls.
Would you like a visual timeline or chart comparing all these temples from Genesis to Revelation?
Pls.
Here is a visual timeline showing the sequence and significance of biblical temples, from the Edenic sanctuary in Genesis to the eternal New Jerusalem in Revelation. Each temple represents a stage in God's redemptive presence among His people—shifting from physical structures to spiritual realities, and culminating in God Himself being the ultimate temple.
Describe the mechanics of the Edenic sanctuary, the way it operates.
The Edenic Sanctuary—the Garden of Eden as described in Genesis 1–3—is not labeled as a “temple” in the text, yet many biblical scholars, theologians, and even ancient Jewish interpretations have long seen it as a prototype temple or sanctuary. Let's explore the mechanics of the Edenic sanctuary: how it was structured, what its purpose was, how it "operated," and how it foreshadows later temples.
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πΉ 1. Structure and Features of the Edenic Sanctuary
While Genesis doesn't describe Eden in architectural terms, several clues show that it functioned like a temple of divine presence.
πΈ A. Three-fold structure (like the Tabernacle)
Many scholars see Eden as divided like the later tabernacle or temple:
Edenic Area Tabernacle/Temple Equivalent Symbolism
Garden of Eden Holy of Holies God's immediate presence, life
Land of Eden Holy Place Sacred surroundings
Outside Eden Outer Court Common world (non-sacred)
The Tree of Life is in the center (like the Ark in the Holy of Holies).
Cherubim guarded the east entrance after the fall—just as they were placed on the veil of the tabernacle and over the Ark.
God walks in the Garden (Gen. 3:8) as He does in the Tabernacle (Lev. 26:12).
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πΉ 2. Mechanics of the Edenic Sanctuary – How It Operated
A. Divine Presence
Eden was the place where God dwelled with Adam and Eve.
Unlike later temples, there were no barriers, no sacrifices, and no priests—because humanity lived in direct fellowship with God.
This unbroken communion was the core "operation" of Eden as a sanctuary.
B. Priestly Role of Humanity
In Genesis 2:15, God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and keep it”.
These same Hebrew verbs (‘abad’ and ‘shamar’) are used of Levitical priestly duties (e.g., Numbers 3:7–8).
Adam was a kind of priest-king, entrusted with:
Cultivation (work/serve)
Guarding (against impurity, possibly spiritual threat)
Mediating God’s presence to creation
C. Sacred Command and Worship
The command not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge was like a sacred covenant stipulation.
Obedience was a form of worship.
There was no altar, but every action in Eden was sacred—work, rest, naming animals, walking with God.
D. Tree of Life and Tree of Knowledge
The Tree of Life was the sacramental center—sustaining eternal life.
The Tree of Knowledge was a test of trust and obedience—introducing the moral framework of covenant.
The eating from these trees wasn't magical; it was covenantal—reflecting either alignment or rebellion.
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πΉ 3. After the Fall – Temple Mechanics Interrupted
Sin brought separation from God.
Humanity was banished from Eden (Genesis 3:23–24).
Cherubim and a flaming sword guarded the way back—like a divine firewall.
From that point onward, access to God's presence required sacrifice, mediation, and priesthood (seen in Cain/Abel, Noah, Abraham, Levitical law).
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πΉ 4. Foreshadowing Future Sanctuaries
Eden Element Fulfilled In Meaning
Tree of Life Cross of Christ / Rev. 22 Eternal life restored
God's Presence Tabernacle → Temple → Christ → Church Ever-deepening intimacy
Priest-king Adam Jesus Christ Perfect mediator
Cherubim Temple Veil / Rev. 4–5 Guardians of God's holiness
Eastward Exile Temple pattern faces East Way back to presence
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π Summary: How Eden Operated as a Sanctuary
Eden was a living sanctuary—a divine garden-temple where God, man, and creation coexisted in harmony.
Worship was not ritual but relational.
Adam and Eve were priestly stewards of God's presence.
The Edenic order was organic, holistic, and sacred—not built of stone but rooted in life, obedience, and presence.
After sin, God's temple-presence gradually re-entered human history—through structures, sacrifices, and finally through Christ, leading back to a new Eden (Revelation 22).
Beautiful question—rich with theology and worthy of deep reflection. Let’s explore how the Edenic sanctuary and the New Jerusalem temple in Revelation 21–22 are connected, and how Jesus Christ, as the arch-temple, fulfills and unifies them both.
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πΉ 1. Overview of the Three Realities
Sanctuary Eden (Genesis 2–3) New Jerusalem (Revelation 21–22) Jesus Christ (John 2:21, Heb. 9–10)
Type Prototype sanctuary Final, eternal temple Embodied, fulfilled temple
Presence God walks with man God dwells fully with man God in man, and man in God
Access Unhindered, then lost Fully restored, never lost again Mediated and made permanent
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πΉ 2. Key Similarities Between Eden and the New Jerusalem
Feature Eden New Jerusalem Fulfillment in Christ
God's Presence “God walked with them” “God will dwell with them” “Immanuel – God with us” (Matt. 1:23; John 1:14)
Tree of Life In the center (Gen 2:9) On both sides of river (Rev 22:2) Christ is the true life-giver (John 15:1)
River of Life Flowed from Eden (Gen 2:10) Flows from throne (Rev 22:1) Jesus is living water (John 7:37–39)
No Sin or Death Before Fall No more death, sorrow, sin Christ defeated death (1 Cor. 15:54)
Priestly Humanity Adam as priest-king Redeemed serve as priests (Rev 22:3–5) Jesus as High Priest and King; we in Him (1 Pet. 2:9)
Light Sunlight in Eden “The Lamb is its lamp” (Rev 21:23) Jesus: “Light of the world” (John 8:12)
Access to God Direct, then cut off Eternal and full Jesus tore veil, grants access (Heb. 10:19–22)
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πΉ 3. Jesus Christ as the Arch-Temple
Jesus doesn’t merely point to the temple—He is the temple.
> “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
(John 2:19–21)
(He was speaking of the temple of His body.)
A. Jesus as the Greater Eden
Where Eden was life-giving, Jesus is the Life itself (John 14:6).
Where Eden had proximity to God, Jesus is God in the flesh.
Where Eden had a tree of life, Christ offers eternal life through the cross, the tree of Calvary.
B. Jesus as the Bridge from Eden to New Jerusalem
Adam failed in Eden → Christ, the Last Adam, succeeded (1 Cor. 15:45).
Eden was lost → Christ reopened the way through His death and resurrection.
In Christ, the garden sanctuary becomes a city sanctuary, filled with redeemed people and divine presence forever.
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πΉ 4. New Jerusalem: The Temple that Has No Temple
> “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”
(Revelation 21:22)
This is the climax:
There is no separate temple because God and the Lamb are the temple.
No more mediators, no more curtains—pure, permanent communion.
The entire city becomes holy ground.
Humanity doesn’t “go to church”—we live in it eternally, because Christ Himself is our eternal dwelling.
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π Summary: Temple Trajectory through Christ
Stage Description Fulfilled in Christ
Eden Prototype temple; communion lost Christ as Second Adam reopens way
Tabernacle/Temple Physical meeting place with rituals Christ replaces rituals with His body
Cross Tree of death becomes tree of life Christ dies to give access to God
Church Body of Christ, spiritual temple We are living stones (1 Pet. 2:5)
New Jerusalem Eternal temple with no structure Christ and God are its temple
Compare the edenic temple with the one in the last chapter of revelation. Do that in relation with Jesus christ the arch temple.
Beautiful question—rich with theology and worthy of deep reflection. Let’s explore how the Edenic sanctuary and the New Jerusalem temple in Revelation 21–22 are connected, and how Jesus Christ, as the arch-temple, fulfills and unifies them both.
πΉ 1. Overview of the Three Realities
Sanctuary Eden (Genesis 2–3) New Jerusalem (Revelation 21–22) Jesus Christ (John 2:21, Heb. 9–10)
Type Prototype sanctuary Final, eternal temple Embodied, fulfilled temple
Presence God walks with man God dwells fully with man God in man, and man in God
Access Unhindered, then lost Fully restored, never lost again Mediated and made permanent
πΉ 2. Key Similarities Between Eden and the New Jerusalem
Feature Eden New Jerusalem Fulfillment in Christ
God's Presence “God walked with them” “God will dwell with them” “Immanuel – God with us” (Matt. 1:23; John 1:14)
Tree of Life In the center (Gen 2:9) On both sides of river (Rev 22:2) Christ is the true life-giver (John 15:1)
River of Life Flowed from Eden (Gen 2:10) Flows from throne (Rev 22:1) Jesus is living water (John 7:37–39)
No Sin or Death Before Fall No more death, sorrow, sin Christ defeated death (1 Cor. 15:54)
Priestly Humanity Adam as priest-king Redeemed serve as priests (Rev 22:3–5) Jesus as High Priest and King; we in Him (1 Pet. 2:9)
Light Sunlight in Eden “The Lamb is its lamp” (Rev 21:23) Jesus: “Light of the world” (John 8:12)
Access to God Direct, then cut off Eternal and full Jesus tore veil, grants access (Heb. 10:19–22)
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πΉ 3. Jesus Christ as the Arch-Temple
Jesus doesn’t merely point to the temple—He is the temple.
> “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
(John 2:19–21)
(He was speaking of the temple of His body.)
A. Jesus as the Greater Eden
Where Eden was life-giving, Jesus is the Life itself (John 14:6).
Where Eden had proximity to God, Jesus is God in the flesh.
Where Eden had a tree of life, Christ offers eternal life through the cross, the tree of Calvary.
B. Jesus as the Bridge from Eden to New Jerusalem
Adam failed in Eden → Christ, the Last Adam, succeeded (1 Cor. 15:45).
Eden was lost → Christ reopened the way through His death and resurrection.
In Christ, the garden sanctuary becomes a city sanctuary, filled with redeemed people and divine presence forever.
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πΉ 4. New Jerusalem: The Temple that Has No Temple
> “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.”
(Revelation 21:22)
This is the climax:
There is no separate temple because God and the Lamb are the temple.
No more mediators, no more curtains—pure, permanent communion.
The entire city becomes holy ground.
Humanity doesn’t “go to church”—we live in it eternally, because Christ Himself is our eternal dwelling.
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π Summary: Temple Trajectory through Christ
Stage Description Fulfilled in Christ
Eden Prototype temple; communion lost Christ as Second Adam reopens way
Tabernacle/Temple Physical meeting place with rituals Christ replaces rituals with His body
Cross Tree of death becomes tree of life Christ dies to give access to God
Church Body of Christ, spiritual temple We are living stones (1 Pet. 2:5)
New Jerusalem Eternal temple with no structure Christ and God are its temple
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π Temple Comparison Chart
You can now view the full comparison chart showing how features of the Edenic sanctuary, the New Jerusalem, and the person of Jesus Christ align and fulfill one another. This table captures the theological continuity from Genesis to Revelation, culminating in Christ.
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π Poem: Eden to Zion – A Temple Journey in Christ
Eden to Zion: A Temple Journey in Christ
In Eden's dawn, where rivers sing,
The Lord walked close with everything.
A garden lush, no veil, no wall—
God's glory shone before the fall.
A tree of life stood tall and bright,
Its fruit was hope, its leaves were light.
A river flowed with healing grace,
And love divine filled every space.
But sin crept in, and Eden closed,
The gates were barred, the curse imposed.
Yet in the dark, a promise born—
The seed would crush, redeem, restore.
From tent to stone, the temples rose,
With priestly robes and blood that flows.
But shadows these, of One to come—
The Temple's heart, God's only Son.
He bore the cross, the veil He tore,
The Lamb of God, the temple's core.
In Him the Holy now resides,
And living streams flow from His side.
Then heaven breaks, a city new,
Where gold and light and life renew.
No temple stands—none needed there,
For Christ the Lamb fills all with prayer.
The tree returns, the curse undone,
The bride restored, the race now run.
From Eden lost to Zion’s flame,
The temple's name is Jesus' name.
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