So I got up and went out to the plain, and behold, the glory of the LORD was present there, like the glory I had seen by the River Kebar, and I fell facedown. So I got up and went out to the plainThe phrase begins with a decisive action, "I got up," indicating Ezekiel's obedience to God's command. The Hebrew root for "got up" is קוּם (qum), which often signifies rising to fulfill a purpose or mission. This reflects Ezekiel's readiness to follow God's instructions without hesitation. The "plain" (בִּקְעָה, biq'ah) is significant as it represents a place of solitude and revelation, away from the distractions of the city, where God often communicates profound truths to His prophets. And behold, the glory of the LORD was standing there like the glory I had seen by the River Kebar and I fell facedown Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his vivid visions and symbolic acts. 2. The Plain A location where Ezekiel is instructed to go, symbolizing a place of revelation and encounter with God. 3. The Glory of the LORD A manifestation of God's presence, often depicted as overwhelming and awe-inspiring. In Hebrew, "glory" is "kavod," indicating weightiness and honor. 4. River Kebar A canal near Babylon where Ezekiel had his initial vision of God's glory, marking a significant moment in his prophetic ministry. 5. Facedown Ezekiel's response to God's glory, indicating reverence, submission, and worship. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceEzekiel's immediate response to God's command to go to the plain demonstrates the importance of obedience in our walk with God. We should be ready to follow God's instructions, trusting in His purpose. Encountering God's Glory Experiencing God's glory is transformative and humbling. Like Ezekiel, we should approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His majesty and holiness. The Role of Prophets Prophets are called to be messengers of God's truth, often requiring them to step into challenging situations. We can learn from Ezekiel's courage and faithfulness in delivering God's message. Reverence in Worship Ezekiel's response of falling facedown is a model for our worship. True worship involves humility and recognition of God's supreme authority. God's Consistent Presence The repeated manifestation of God's glory to Ezekiel reminds us of God's constant presence and faithfulness, even in times of exile or difficulty. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel's obedience to God's command to go to the plain challenge us in our daily walk with God?2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of reverence and awe in our worship, similar to Ezekiel's response to God's glory? 3. How does the recurring theme of God's glory in Ezekiel's visions encourage us to seek God's presence in our lives? 4. What can we learn from Ezekiel's role as a prophet about the importance of delivering God's message, even when it is difficult? 5. How do other biblical accounts of encountering God's glory (e.g., Isaiah 6, Revelation 1) enhance our understanding of Ezekiel's experience in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezekiel 1Describes Ezekiel's initial vision by the River Kebar, providing context for the recurring theme of God's glory. Isaiah 6 Isaiah's vision of God's glory in the temple, highlighting the common prophetic experience of encountering God's holiness. Revelation 1 John's vision of Christ's glory, drawing parallels to the overwhelming nature of divine revelation. Exodus 33 Moses' encounter with God's glory, emphasizing the transformative power of witnessing God's presence.
People EzekielPlaces Chebar, Tel-abibTopics Behold, Chebar, Face, Facedown, Fall, Fell, Forth, Glory, Got, Honour, Kebar, Plain, Resting, Rise, River, Standing, Stood, ValleyDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 3:23 1193 glory, revelation of Library Cæsarius of Arles. He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety … Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places Boniface, Apostle of the Germans. Epistle xxxiv. To Venantius, Ex-Monk, Patrician of Syracuse . The Greatness of the Soul, The Servant's Inflexible Resolve The Iranian Conquest The Prophet Jonah. Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 3:23 NIVEzekiel 3:23 NLT Ezekiel 3:23 ESV Ezekiel 3:23 NASB Ezekiel 3:23 KJV Ezekiel 3:23 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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