◄ Ezekiel 43 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Glory of the LORD Returns 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. Teaching Points 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. Practical Applications 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. People 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. Places 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. Events 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." Connections to Additional Scriptures 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. Prayer Points 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. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. The Glory of the LORD Returns to the Temple Ezekiel 43:1-5 describes the return of the glory of the LORD to the temple. The prophet sees the glory coming from the east, and the earth shines with His glory. This event signifies God's presence returning to dwell among His people. The Hebrew word for "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) emphasizes the weight and significance of God's presence. 2. The LORD's Voice and the Vision of the Temple In verses 6-9, Ezekiel hears the LORD speaking to him from the temple. The LORD declares that He will dwell among the Israelites forever, provided they put away their idolatry and defilement. The Hebrew term for "dwell" (שָׁכַן, shakan) is related to the concept of the Shekinah, the divine presence. 3. The Altar and Its Measurements Verses 10-17 provide detailed measurements of the altar, emphasizing its importance in the worship practices of Israel. The altar's design reflects the holiness and order required in approaching God. The Hebrew word for "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is derived from the root meaning "to sacrifice." 4. The Consecration of the Altar In verses 18-27, instructions are given for the consecration of the altar. This process involves offerings and sacrifices to purify and dedicate the altar for holy use. The Hebrew root for "consecrate" (קָדַשׁ, qadash) means to set apart as sacred, highlighting the altar's role in facilitating communion with God. Themes 1. The Return of God's Glory Ezekiel 43:2 describes the return of the glory of the God of Israel from the east, "and His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory." This theme emphasizes the restoration of God's presence among His people, reminiscent of His glory filling the tabernacle and temple in earlier times (Exodus 40:34-35, 1 Kings 8:10-11). The Hebrew word for "glory" (כָּבוֹד, kavod) signifies weightiness or honor, underscoring the majesty and holiness of God. 2. Holiness of the Temple In verses 6-9, God emphasizes the holiness required of His dwelling place, stating, "This is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the Israelites forever." The temple is to be kept pure, free from idolatry and defilement. The Hebrew root for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) conveys the idea of being set apart for divine purposes. 3. Repentance and Obedience Verses 10-11 call for the people to be ashamed of their sins and to follow God's statutes. "Son of man, describe the temple to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities." This theme highlights the need for repentance and a return to obedience to God's laws as a prerequisite for His continued presence. 4. The Altar and Sacrifices Verses 13-27 detail the measurements and consecration of the altar, emphasizing the importance of proper worship and sacrifice. The altar's dimensions and the specific offerings required underscore the need for order and reverence in worship. The Hebrew term for "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach) is derived from a root meaning "to sacrifice," pointing to the centrality of sacrificial worship in maintaining a relationship with God. 5. Covenant Relationship The chapter underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel, with God promising to dwell among His people forever (verse 7). This theme reflects the ongoing commitment of God to His covenant promises, despite Israel's past unfaithfulness. The Hebrew word for "covenant" (בְּרִית, berit) signifies a binding agreement, often sealed with a sacrifice, highlighting the seriousness and sacredness of this relationship. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions