Ezekiel 11:23

And the glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood over the mountain east of the city.

Study Bible

And the glory of the LORD
The phrase "the glory of the LORD" in Hebrew is "כְּבוֹד יְהוָה" (kavod Yahweh). This term signifies the manifest presence and majesty of God. In the context of Ezekiel, the glory of the LORD represents God's divine presence that once filled the temple in Jerusalem. Historically, the glory of the LORD was a visible sign of God's favor and presence among His people, as seen in the tabernacle and Solomon's temple. Theologically, it underscores God's holiness and the reverence due to Him. The departure of this glory signifies a profound moment of judgment and sorrow, as God's presence is withdrawing due to the people's persistent sin and rebellion.

went up from within the city
The action of the glory "went up" indicates a movement away from the city, symbolizing God's departure from Jerusalem. This is a significant moment in the narrative of Ezekiel, as it marks the removal of divine protection and blessing from the city due to its inhabitants' idolatry and disobedience. The phrase "from within the city" emphasizes that God's presence was once central to the life and identity of Jerusalem, but now it is leaving, highlighting the seriousness of the people's spiritual state.

and stood over the mountain east of the city
The "mountain east of the city" refers to the Mount of Olives, a significant geographical location in biblical history. This mountain is east of Jerusalem and has been a place of prophetic and messianic significance. The act of the glory of the LORD standing over this mountain suggests a pause, a moment of divine contemplation or judgment. It is as if God is looking back at the city, offering a final opportunity for repentance or reflecting on the consequences of the people's actions. This imagery also foreshadows future redemptive events, as the Mount of Olives is associated with the return of Christ in Christian eschatology.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Glory of the LORD
This refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, often depicted as a radiant light or cloud. In the context of Ezekiel, it signifies God's presence departing from the temple and the city of Jerusalem due to the people's persistent sin and idolatry.

2. The City
This is Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites and the location of the temple, which was considered the dwelling place of God's glory.

3. The Mountain East of the City
This is the Mount of Olives, a significant location in biblical history. It is east of Jerusalem and often associated with important events in both the Old and New Testaments.

4. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel was tasked with delivering God's messages of judgment and hope to the Israelites.

5. The Israelites
The people of God who were in a covenant relationship with Him but had turned to idolatry and disobedience, leading to their exile and the departure of God's glory from Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

The Consequence of Sin
The departure of God's glory from Jerusalem serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and disobedience. It calls believers to examine their lives and repent from anything that separates them from God.

God's Holiness
The movement of God's glory underscores His holiness and the seriousness with which He views sin. Believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Hope in Restoration
While God's glory departs in judgment, the broader context of Ezekiel includes promises of restoration and return. This offers hope that God is always working towards redemption and reconciliation.

The Presence of God
In the New Covenant, believers have the assurance of God's presence through the Holy Spirit. This presence is not confined to a physical location but dwells within each believer.

The Significance of Place
The Mount of Olives is a place of significant biblical events, reminding believers of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan throughout history.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the departure of God's glory from Jerusalem teach us about the nature of sin and its impact on our relationship with God?

2. How can we ensure that we are living in a way that invites God's presence into our lives rather than causing Him to withdraw?

3. In what ways does the promise of restoration in Ezekiel provide hope for believers today, especially in times of personal or communal failure?

4. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer compare to the glory of the LORD in the Old Testament?

5. What lessons can we learn from the significance of the Mount of Olives in both the Old and New Testaments, and how can these lessons be applied to our understanding of God's plan for the world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 40:34-35
The glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle, signifying God's presence among His people. This contrasts with Ezekiel 11:23, where the glory departs due to sin.

1 Kings 8:10-11
The glory of the LORD filled Solomon's temple, again highlighting the significance of God's presence in the temple, which is now leaving in Ezekiel's vision.

Matthew 24:3
Jesus sits on the Mount of Olives, teaching about the end times, connecting the location with significant prophetic events.

Acts 1:9-12
Jesus ascends to heaven from the Mount of Olives, indicating the mountain's continued importance in God's redemptive plan.