Divine Presence: Return of God's Glory to the Temple

Ezekiel 43 inspires us with the assurance of God's glory returning to dwell among His people, offering an opportunity for repentance, renewal, and restoration. This divine presence isn't merely an old testament concept; it extends to us today, inviting us to create a holy space within our lives where God's glory can dwell. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the sanctity of God's commands and the transformative power of His presence.

Verses 1-6: God's Glory Returns

Ezekiel witnesses the return of God's glory, entering the Temple through the East Gate, just as it had left in previous visions (Ezekiel 10:18-19, 11:23). The divine presence fills the Temple, and God speaks to Ezekiel, affirming that the Temple is His throne, dwelling place, and the place where He will reside among His people.

Verses 7-9: God's Expectations

God addresses the people's past sins and the defilement of His holy name. He commands them to remove these detestable practices and establishes a covenant of peace, expecting the people to honor and respect His holiness.

Verses 10-12: The Law of the Temple

Ezekiel is commanded to describe the Temple to the people of Israel. If they are ashamed of their sins, they are to study the design, layout, and regulations of the Temple, following them meticulously. The entire area is to be most holy, signifying God's ultimate holiness.

Verses 13-17: Altar Instructions

God provides Ezekiel with precise dimensions and instructions for the construction of the Temple's altar. These detailed instructions further highlight the necessity for precise obedience to God's commands.

Verses 18-27: Consecration of the Altar

Detailed sacrificial laws are given for the consecration of the altar, including specific offerings of bulls and goats. The rituals span over seven days, after which the altar will be considered holy, and priests can begin to make burnt offerings and peace offerings on it.

Ezekiel 43 is a powerful chapter in the Old Testament that highlights the return of God's glory to the Temple. After periods of rebellion and sin by God's people, His glory had departed from the Temple. However, this chapter unveils a divine vision of restoration, signifying a new era of His presence among the people. It also provides specific instructions regarding the Temple's altar and how it should be consecrated, emphasizing the importance of holiness, reverence, and obedience to God's commands.

God's Holiness
Repentance and Restoration
Divine Presence
Temple Worship and RitualsGod's Glory Returns to the Temple
Instructions for the Temple Altar
Consecration of the Altar
Sacrificial LawsEzekiel
GodThe Temple
The East Gate

1. How does the return of God's glory to the Temple in Ezekiel 43 symbolize God's forgiveness and restoration?

2. What do the specific instructions for the altar tell us about the nature of God and how we should approach Him?

3. How can we apply the principle of God's holiness in our daily lives?

4. In what ways can we relate the people's past sins and God's expectations to our present-day life?

5. How can we consecrate our own "altar" in today's context, as described in Ezekiel 43?

6. What does the vision of God's glory filling the Temple mean for us today?

7. How does God's covenant of peace resonate with you personally, and how can it be applied in your life?

8. How do the repetitive instructions and rituals emphasize the importance of obedience and dedication?

9. What can we learn about the consequences of our actions from the shame the Israelites felt for their sins?

10. In what ways can you create a "most holy" place in your life for God's presence?

11. How does the concept of God dwelling among His people transform your perspective on your personal relationship with God?

12. How can the detailed sacrificial laws inform our understanding of atonement and reconciliation with God?

13. How does the image of God's glory entering through the East Gate influence your perception of divine encounters?

14. What role does repentance play in preparing our hearts for God's presence, as shown in Ezekiel 43?

15. How can we modernize the concept of observing the law of the temple in our spiritual practice today?

16. In what ways can the principles outlined in the Temple's design and layout guide the structure of our personal devotion or worship?

17. What implications does God's demand for precise obedience have on your understanding of God's expectations?

18. How does the concept of God's throne being among humans challenge your view of God's accessibility and nearness?

19. How do the elements of the Temple and its rituals symbolize aspects of our spiritual journey today?

20. How can the process of consecrating the altar guide us in setting apart areas of our lives for God's specific use or purpose?