The departure of God's glory from Jerusalem is a significant event described in the book of Ezekiel, highlighting the spiritual decline and impending judgment upon the city and its inhabitants. This event is a profound moment in biblical history, symbolizing the withdrawal of God's presence due to the persistent idolatry and rebellion of His people.

Biblical Context

The prophet Ezekiel, a contemporary of Jeremiah, was among the exiles taken to Babylon during the early stages of the Babylonian captivity. While in Babylon, Ezekiel received visions from God concerning the fate of Jerusalem and the temple. One of the most striking visions is recorded in Ezekiel chapters 8 through 11, where the prophet is shown the abominations being committed in Jerusalem and the subsequent departure of God's glory from the temple.

Vision of Abominations

In Ezekiel 8, the prophet is transported in a vision to Jerusalem, where he witnesses various forms of idolatry being practiced within the temple precincts. These abominations include the worship of images, the lamentation for the god Tammuz, and the worship of the sun. Each of these acts represents a direct violation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as outlined in the Mosaic Law.

The Departure of God's Glory

The climax of this vision occurs in Ezekiel 10 and 11, where the glory of the Lord, which had filled the temple since the days of Solomon, begins to depart. Ezekiel 10:18-19 states, "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, moving from the Holy of Holies to the threshold, and finally to the east gate of the temple. In Ezekiel 11:23 , the glory of the Lord departs from the city entirely: "The glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood over the mountain east of the city." This mountain is traditionally understood to be the Mount of Olives.

Theological Significance

The departure of God's glory from Jerusalem serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment. It underscores the seriousness of Israel's sin and the consequences of breaking the covenant with God. The presence of God's glory had been a source of protection and blessing for Israel, and its departure signaled the removal of divine favor and the inevitability of Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians.

This event also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's glory in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John speaks of Jesus as the Word made flesh, who "dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). The departure and eventual return of God's glory highlight the overarching biblical narrative of redemption and restoration.

Implications for Believers

For believers, the account of God's glory leaving Jerusalem serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. It calls for self-examination and repentance, urging the faithful to avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and to seek a genuine relationship with God. The narrative also offers hope, pointing to the promise of restoration and the ultimate return of God's presence among His people through the Messiah.