TEMPLE AND THE CHURCH'S MISSION (THE). A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF THE DWELLING PLACE OF GOD [NSBT 17]

A comprehensive and stimulating biblical theology of the temple, ranging from Genesis to Revelation. _

’Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth … And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem … And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, « Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man."’ (Revelation 21:1-3, ESV).

In this comprehensive study, Gregory Beale argues that the Old Testament tabernacle and temples were symbolically designed to point to the end-time reality that God’s presence, formerly limited to the Holy of Holies, was to be extended throughout the whole cosmos. Hence, John’s vision in Revelation 21 is best understood as picturing the new heavens and earth as the eschatological temple.

Professor Beale’s stimulating exposition traces the theme of the tabernacle and temple along the Bible’s story-line, also illuminating many texts and closely related themes. He shows how the significance and symbolism of the temple can be better understood in the light of contrasts to and similarities with Ancient Near Eastern assumptions, and offers new insights into the meaning of the temple in both Old and New Testaments.

New Studies in Biblical Theology 17.

"The importance of this book therefore lies not only in the competent handling of its chosen theme, but in three other things : its evocative unpacking of the theme of the temple and its relations to broader structures of thought, including the kingdom of God ; its modelling of the way biblical theology is to be done ; and its capacity to cause readers to perceive fresh and wonderful things in the Scriptures, and to bow in worship and gratitude. » D. A. Carson