The Vision of God's Glory
Ezekiel 43:2 describes the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east, and His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory. This imagery emphasizes the majesty and overwhelming presence of God.

The Significance of the East
The direction from which God's glory returns is significant. In biblical symbolism, the east often represents new beginnings and restoration.

The Holiness of the Temple
Verses 7-9 highlight God's demand for holiness, as He declares, This is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the Israelites forever. God calls His people to remove idolatry and defilement from His sanctuary.

The Role of the Altar
Verses 13-27 detail the measurements and consecration of the altar, underscoring the importance of proper worship and sacrifice in maintaining a relationship with God.Seek God's Presence
Just as God's glory filled the temple, we should seek His presence in our lives, inviting Him to transform us from within.

Pursue Holiness
God calls us to live holy lives, free from idolatry and sin. We must examine our hearts and remove anything that hinders our relationship with Him.

Worship with Reverence
The detailed instructions for the altar remind us to approach God with reverence and sincerity in our worship.

Embrace New Beginnings
The return of God's glory from the east symbolizes hope and restoration. We can trust God for new beginnings in our own lives.1. The LORD (YHWH)
The central figure in Ezekiel 43, the LORD is depicted as the divine presence returning to the temple. The chapter describes His glory filling the temple, symbolizing His holiness and sovereignty. The Hebrew name used here is "YHWH," which is often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles.

2. Ezekiel
The prophet who receives the vision. Ezekiel is tasked with conveying God's messages to the Israelites. In this chapter, he witnesses the glory of the LORD entering the temple and is instructed to describe the temple to the people of Israel.

3. The House of Israel
While not a single person, the "house of Israel" refers collectively to the people of Israel. They are the recipients of God's message through Ezekiel, and they are called to be ashamed of their iniquities and to follow God's statutes.1. The Gate Facing East
This is the gate through which the glory of the God of Israel enters the temple. The east gate holds significant importance as it symbolizes the direction from which God's presence returns to the temple. In Hebrew, "east" is "קָדִים" (qadim), often associated with the direction of divine appearances.

2. The Inner Court
The inner court is where Ezekiel sees the glory of the LORD filling the temple. This area is closer to the Holy of Holies and is a place of greater sanctity within the temple complex.

3. The Temple
The temple itself is the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's glory. In this vision, the temple is the focal point of God's return and His dwelling among His people.

4. The Altar
The altar is described in detail later in the chapter, and it is the place of sacrifice and offerings. The altar's consecration is essential for the restoration of proper worship practices.1. The Glory of the LORD Returns to the Temple
Ezekiel describes the return of the glory of the LORD to the temple. The vision begins with the prophet seeing the glory coming from the east, similar to the vision he had seen earlier by the Kebar River. The sound of the glory is described as like the roar of rushing waters, and the earth shines with His glory. This event signifies the restoration of God's presence among His people. The Hebrew word for "glory" is "כָּבוֹד" (kavod), which conveys the weightiness and splendor of God's presence.
^Ezekiel 43:2 :^ "And I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with His glory."

2. The Vision of the Temple Filled with Glory
As the glory of the LORD enters the temple through the gate facing east, the Spirit lifts Ezekiel and brings him into the inner court. The temple is filled with the glory of the LORD, indicating His acceptance and dwelling in the temple. This is a powerful image of divine presence and holiness.
^Ezekiel 43:4-5 :^ "The glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east. Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple."

3. God Speaks to Ezekiel from the Temple
The LORD speaks to Ezekiel from within the temple, declaring that this is the place of His throne and the place for the soles of His feet, where He will dwell among the Israelites forever. This emphasizes the permanence of God's presence and His covenant relationship with Israel. The Hebrew word for "dwell" is "שָׁכַן" (shakan), which is related to the concept of the Shekinah, the divine presence.
^Ezekiel 43:7 :^ "He said to me, 'Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the Israelites forever.'"

4. Instructions for the Altar
God provides specific instructions for the altar, including its dimensions and the offerings to be made on it. This includes the sin offering, burnt offering, and peace offering, which are essential for the consecration and purification of the altar. The detailed instructions underscore the importance of proper worship and the holiness required in approaching God.
^Ezekiel 43:18-19 :^ "Then He said to me, 'Son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: These are the statutes for the altar on the day it is constructed, so that burnt offerings may be offered on it and blood may be sprinkled on it.'"

5. Consecration of the Altar
The chapter concludes with the process of consecrating the altar over seven days. This involves offering a bull as a sin offering and a goat for a sin offering, followed by burnt offerings. The consecration process is crucial for sanctifying the altar and making it ready for regular offerings. The number seven, often associated with completeness in Hebrew culture, signifies the thoroughness of the consecration process.
^Ezekiel 43:25-26 :^ "For seven days you shall provide a male goat daily for a sin offering. You are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both without blemish. For seven days the priests are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; thus they will consecrate it."Exodus 40:34-35
The glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle parallels the vision in Ezekiel, emphasizing God's desire to dwell among His people.

Isaiah 6:1-4
Isaiah's vision of God's glory in the temple highlights the holiness and majesty of God.

Revelation 21:3
The promise of God's dwelling with His people in the new Jerusalem echoes the themes of restoration and divine presence found in Ezekiel 43. Pray for a deeper awareness of God's presence in your life.
Ask God to reveal any areas of idolatry or sin that need to be removed.
Seek God's guidance in worship, asking for a heart that honors Him with reverence and sincerity.
Thank God for His promise of restoration and new beginnings, trusting Him for transformation in your life.
As we reflect on Ezekiel 43, may we be inspired to seek God's glory in our lives, pursue holiness, and worship Him with reverence, knowing that He desires to dwell among us and transform us by His presence.

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?