Departure of the Glory of the LORD
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The "Departure of the Glory of the LORD" is a significant theological event described in the book of Ezekiel, where the visible manifestation of God's presence leaves the Temple in Jerusalem. This event is pivotal in understanding the relationship between God and His people, particularly in the context of judgment and exile.

Biblical Context

The departure of the Glory of the LORD is primarily detailed in Ezekiel chapters 8 through 11. Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, receives a series of visions from God. These visions reveal the abominations and idolatry being committed in the Temple, which ultimately lead to the withdrawal of God's presence.

Ezekiel's Vision

In Ezekiel 8, the prophet is transported in a vision to Jerusalem, where he witnesses various forms of idolatry within the Temple precincts. The elders of Israel are seen worshiping idols, and women are weeping for Tammuz, a Babylonian deity. The vision culminates with men facing east, worshiping the sun. These acts of idolatry provoke the LORD to anger, as they defile the sacred space meant for His worship alone.

The Departure

The actual departure of the Glory of the LORD is described in Ezekiel 10 and 11. In Ezekiel 10:18-19 , it is written: "Then the glory of the LORD moved away from the threshold of the temple and stood above the cherubim. As I watched, the cherubim lifted their wings and rose up from the earth, with the wheels beside them; and they stood at the entrance to the east gate of the house of the LORD, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them."

This movement signifies the gradual withdrawal of God's presence, indicating His judgment upon the people for their persistent unfaithfulness. The final departure is noted in Ezekiel 11:23 : "And the glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood over the mountain east of the city."

Theological Significance

The departure of the Glory of the LORD is a profound moment of divine judgment. It symbolizes the severing of the covenant relationship due to Israel's repeated disobedience and idolatry. The presence of God, which once dwelt among His people in the Temple, is no longer there to protect and bless them. This event foreshadows the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.

Hope and Restoration

Despite the severity of this judgment, the book of Ezekiel also contains promises of hope and restoration. God assures the exiles that He will be a sanctuary for them even in foreign lands (Ezekiel 11:16). Furthermore, He promises to gather His people back to their land and give them a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 11:19-20). This future restoration is ultimately fulfilled in the return from exile and points forward to the coming of the Messiah, who will establish a new covenant with God's people.

Conclusion

The departure of the Glory of the LORD serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the holiness of God. It underscores the importance of faithfulness and the need for repentance. Yet, it also highlights God's enduring mercy and His commitment to restore and renew His people.
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