The Water of Life flows from the temple of God.

Ezekiel 47:1-2

“Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side.” Ezekiel 47:1-2

Revelation chapter 21 and chapter 22 also describes the New Jerusalem of the new heaven and earth. This is also referring to the “Third Temple”, which will never be built on this earth, and Ezekiel is describing that “Third Temple” in the verses of this post. Nothing like this “Third Temple” will ever be built on this earth. Ezekiel writes about this Holy City and the “Third Temple” from Ezekiel chapter 40 through chapter 47.

The temple of God was located within four walls that had gates to the north, south, and east. The door of the temple faced the east gate. The altar was situated outside and in front of the door of the temple, but plenty far enough away to burn sacrifices. Like a barbecue grill being outside the front door of a home and kept far enough away to light the fire. 

The water was flowing towards the east, from under the threshold of the temple, and the door of the temple faced the east. In other words, the water was flowing from under the front entryway of the temple towards the east. The water continued to flow east, brushing the south side of the altar, since the altar would have obstructed the straight flow towards the east gate. Then God brought Ezekiel outside through the north gate, led him around the outer wall, and brought him to the east gate. The water was flowing there too, on the outer side of the east gate. In other words, the water was flowing from under the front door of the temple [eastward], continued to flow on the right side of the altar [south side], and continued to flow east past the east gate on the outer side of the wall.

The picture below shows the water flowing east [in blue] from the threshold of the temple to the right of the altar [south side], flowing past the east gate to outside the wall.

Jesus Christ is the Water of life that flows from the temple of God, from the throne of God. The Water of Life came from God and passed beside the altar, the altar being the Cross where our Lord Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice to atone for our sin. From there, the Water of Life continued to flow past the east gate into our soul from which we drink from the Water. “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive…” John 7:37-39 “Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14

The flowing waters are also the river of the water of life flowing in the eternal New Jerusalem, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” Revelation 22:1