Ezekiel Chapter 43 — The Return of God's Glory
Ezekiel witnesses the glory of God returning to the temple and receives specific instructions for the consecration of the altar.
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Notable Verses
Ezekiel 43:2
“Behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth was illuminated with his glory.”
This verse describes the awe-inspiring return of God's presence to His people, mirroring Ezekiel's earlier visions.
Ezekiel 43:7
“He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell among the children of Israel forever.””
It establishes the temple as the permanent dwelling place of God and the seat of His authority among His people.
Ezekiel 43:12
“This is the law of the house. On the top of the mountain the whole limit around it shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.”
This verse emphasizes the absolute holiness required for the entire temple area.
Chapter Summary
In Ezekiel 43, the prophet observes the glory of the God of Israel returning to the temple from the east, an event accompanied by a sound like many waters. God speaks from the house, declaring it the place of His throne and promising to dwell among His people forever, provided they cease their former idolatry. Ezekiel is instructed to share the temple's design with the house of Israel so they may be ashamed of their past sins and follow its laws. The chapter transitions into a detailed description of the altar, providing precise architectural measurements using cubits and handbreadths. It concludes with a mandate for a seven-day ritual of purification and consecration. During this period, the Levitical priests of the line of Zadok are to offer specific sacrifices, including bulls and goats, to cleanse the altar before the people's burnt offerings and peace offerings can be accepted by God.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Ezekiel's earlier visions, the glory of the Lord departed from the temple toward the east because of the people's sins. Its return from the east symbolizes the restoration of God's presence and His favor returning to the sanctuary.
The law of the house refers to the requirement that the entire area surrounding the temple on the mountain be considered 'most holy.' It signifies that the physical structure and the conduct of the people must remain undefiled.
The text identifies these specific Levitical priests as the ones permitted to draw near to God to minister. They are singled out for their faithfulness when other Levites went astray, qualifying them to perform the altar's consecration rituals.
Study Note
The return of the divine glory in verse 2 uses imagery—such as the sound of many waters—that directly connects this vision to Ezekiel’s inaugural vision by the river Chebar.
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