Ezekiel 43:2

and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory.

Study Bible

and I saw
The phrase "and I saw" indicates a direct, personal vision experienced by the prophet Ezekiel. In Hebrew, the word for "saw" is "ra'ah," which implies not just physical sight but also spiritual insight or revelation. This emphasizes the prophetic nature of Ezekiel's experience, where he is granted a divine vision that reveals God's plans and purposes. It underscores the importance of spiritual perception in understanding God's will.

the glory of the God of Israel
The "glory" here is translated from the Hebrew word "kavod," which signifies weightiness or splendor. In the context of the Old Testament, God's glory often refers to His manifest presence, as seen in the cloud that filled the tabernacle and the temple. This glory is not just a visual phenomenon but a representation of God's holiness, power, and majesty. The "God of Israel" highlights the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people, emphasizing His faithfulness and sovereignty.

coming from the east
The east is significant in biblical symbolism, often associated with the direction from which divine intervention or blessing comes. In the context of the temple, the east gate was the main entrance, symbolizing the arrival of God's presence. Historically, the east also represents the direction of exile and return, as the Israelites were taken to Babylon in the east and later returned. This phrase suggests a restoration of God's presence among His people.

His voice was like the roar of many waters
The comparison of God's voice to "the roar of many waters" conveys power, majesty, and authority. In Hebrew, the word for "roar" is "qol," which can also mean sound or voice. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Revelation 1:15, to describe the overwhelming and awe-inspiring nature of God's communication. It suggests that when God speaks, His voice is commanding and irresistible, echoing through creation with authority.

and the earth shone with His glory
The earth shining with God's glory indicates the transformative impact of His presence. The Hebrew word for "shone" is "or," which means to give light or illuminate. This reflects the idea that God's presence brings enlightenment, purity, and life. The shining earth symbolizes the restoration and renewal that comes when God dwells among His people, fulfilling the prophetic hope of a world filled with His righteousness and peace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one receiving the vision.

2. The Glory of the God of Israel
This refers to the divine presence and majesty of God, often depicted as a radiant light or cloud.

3. The East
Symbolically significant in Scripture, the east often represents the direction from which divine intervention or blessing comes.

4. Voice like the Roar of Many Waters
This imagery conveys the power and majesty of God's voice, emphasizing His authority and might.

5. The Earth Shone with His Glory
This indicates the transformative and illuminating effect of God's presence on creation.

Teaching Points

The Majesty of God's Presence
God's glory is overwhelming and transformative. As believers, we should seek to live in a way that reflects His glory in our lives.

The Power of God's Voice
Just as God's voice is powerful and authoritative, we should listen and respond to His Word with reverence and obedience.

The Significance of Direction
The east, as the direction of God's coming, reminds us to be watchful and expectant for God's intervention and guidance in our lives.

The Impact of God's Glory on Creation
God's presence brings light and transformation. We are called to be agents of His light in a world that often dwells in darkness.

Hope in God's Restorative Power
The vision of God's glory returning signifies hope and restoration. We can trust in God's promise to restore and renew all things.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of God's glory coming from the east challenge or encourage your current understanding of God's presence in your life?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for the power and authority of God's voice in your daily decisions?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's transformative presence. How did it change your perspective or actions?

4. How can you be a reflection of God's glory in your community, bringing light to areas of darkness?

5. Consider the hope of restoration depicted in Ezekiel 43:2. How does this promise influence your outlook on personal or communal challenges you face today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 1:15
The description of Christ's voice as "like the sound of rushing waters" parallels the imagery in Ezekiel, emphasizing divine authority and power.

Exodus 24:16-17
The glory of the Lord appearing on Mount Sinai connects to the manifestation of God's glory in Ezekiel, highlighting His holiness and majesty.

Psalm 29:3-4
The voice of the Lord is described as powerful and majestic, similar to the roaring waters in Ezekiel, underscoring God's sovereign power.

Isaiah 60:1-3
The shining of God's glory upon the earth is echoed in Isaiah's prophecy of God's light rising upon His people, symbolizing hope and restoration.