Certain Symbolism

Ezekiel 47:1-2 KJV

Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.

Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

I understand that this chapter has its fulfillment in the Millennium when Christ sets His feet on the Mount of Olives and water proceeds to the Dead Sea and brings it to life. I understand any types and metaphors we find in any passage are subject to a huge degree on human speculation and care must be taken. But I find in this chapter such symbolism that it seems appropriate at least for meditation and consideration

The house equals Christ

• It will be His coming when the water proceeds from the Temple
• It was His first coming when He referred to His body as a temple

All life proceeds from Him. Nothing is that hasn't been made alive through Him.

The river equals the Holy Spirit

Flowing out of Christ and proceeding to bring life and regeneration to all who are born again.

The fishers may equal the Apostles.

They are the foundation upon which the work of Christ is built. It was to them directly that Jesus said "Follow me and I will make you to become fishers of men."

The fruit trees would equal the churches

Not one church as the Catholics claim it, but multitudes of churches

• Following the stream of the Holy Spirit,
• Deriving their lives from it and
• Producing fruit through it

Symbolism is only beneficial for training and motivating purposes. There is no doctrine here but only a picture of the doctrine that already exists in the New Testament.