of peace with Israel would be renewed, and he would establish his permanent residence in their midst. It would have been inconceivable for Ezekiel to envision a full restoration of his people without a literal fulfillment of each of these elements. Nevertheless, in view of the considerations cited above, it seems best to interpret chapters 40–48 ideationally.37 The issue for the prophet is not physical geography, but spiritual realities. As in his earlier vision, historical events are described from
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