The Third Temple - Where?
To be categorically exact regarding Israel's function as the "Catalyst for the Countdown", one
further event was specified as a prerequisite. This was the temple with its inner sanctum, The
Holy Place"; according to the signs predicted by Jesus (Matt 24:15) and Paul (2 Thess 2:4).
Many commentators have relegated this to the obscure future, because they consider the
temple has to be constructed on Mount Moriah, the site of Herod's temple. The
insurmountable object of course, is that the Dome of the Rock, the second most holy place of
Islam, already occupies that position.
This is an entirely false premise, however, that has created confusion. The Temple built by
Solomon, the Temple frequented by Jesus and His Disciples were both built on Mount Moriah.
Ezekiel predicts that another will be constructed on the same place after Jesus returns in Glory.
Every reference to all three Temples on this site was a translation of the Greek Word "Hieron".
Any "Temple" erected elsewhere was invariably from the Greek word "Naos". This word is
frequently rendered "Meeting Place", "Dwelling" or "Synagogue". It is the later word "Naos"
that is used by Paul (2 Thess 2:4) in reference to the Temple used by contemporary Israel. It has
absolutely no connection exegetically with the site on Mt. Moriah. In fact there is no
prerequisite for it to be built there. To the contrary, in line with Greek usage, it must be
constructed elsewhere.
The Embassy of Israel advises that on August 1982, in the Presence of the Prime Minister,
Menachem Begin, Members of Cabinet and many other notables, the Jerusalem great
Synagogue was dedicated. It is situated in King George Street, and is constructed from the
same local stone as was Solomon's Temple. The central feature is a high tower containing five
magnificent stained-glass windows, topped by two tablets of stone, bearing the Ten
Commandments.
The Temple referred to by Paul is built!
In the interior, marble has been used extensively, especially for the Ark situated beneath the
stained-glass windows. This I believe is the Holy Place which will be desecrated by the
"Abomination of Desolation" referred to by Jesus (Matthew 24:15)
The countdown is well on the way.
(Ref: `Fires before the Dawn.` Ps. A. Gardiner.)