Anthropomorphism, holiness and cult: A new look at Ezekiel 40-48

In this article I would like to propose a new approach to the vision of the new Temple and the new community in the book of Ezekiel, chapters 40-48. Our proposal is based upon the anthropomorphic point of view of the prophet. This view which shapes the great visions, reported in chaps. 1-3, and 8-11, also has a great impact on many details in chaps. 40-48. Thus, the Temple is no less than God's abode; there is no access to the Temple itself; there is no room for high-priesthood; the purgation ceremony takes place in the inner court, contrary to the annual purgation ritual in Lev 16; God's permanent presence in his Temple keeps the priests at a distance from the most holy parts of the Temple, the Levites at a distance from the altar of the burnt offerings, Israelites in general from the inner court, and aliens from the entire sanctuary. These details and others can be interpreted on the base of the supreme holiness around the Temple, due to God's presence in it.