The Glory of the LORD Returns to the Temple 1Then the man brought me back to the gate that faces east, 2and 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. 3The vision I saw was like the vision I had seen when He camea to destroy the city and like the visions I had seen by the River Kebar. I fell facedown, 4and the glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east. 5Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 6While the man was standing beside me, I heard someone speaking to me from inside the temple, 7and 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. The house of Israel will never again defile My holy name—neither they nor their kings—by their prostitution and by the funeral offeringsb for their kings at their deaths.c 8When they placed their threshold next to My threshold and their doorposts beside My doorposts, with only a wall between Me and them, they defiled My holy name by the abominations they committed. Therefore I have consumed them in My anger. 9Now let them remove far from Me their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings, and I will dwell among them forever. 10As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. Let them measure the plan, 11and if they are ashamedd of all they have done, then make known to them the design of the temple—its arrangement and its exits and entrances—its whole design along with all its statutes, forms, and laws. Write it down in their sight, so that they may keep its complete design and all its statutes and may carry them out. 12This is the law of the temple: All its surrounding territory on top of the mountain will be most holy. Yes, this is the law of the temple. The Altar of Sacrifice 13These are the measurements of the altar in long cubitse (a cubit and a handbreadth): Its gutter shall be a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of one spanf around its edge. And this is the height of the altar: 14The space from the gutter on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide.g The space from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge shall be four cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide.h 15The altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth. 16The altar hearth shall be square at its four corners, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide.i 17The ledge shall also be square, fourteen cubits long and fourteen cubits wide,j with a rim of half a cubitk and a gutter of a cubit all around it. The steps of the altar shall face east.” 18Then 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 sacrificed on it and blood may be splattered on it: 19You are to give a young bull from the herd as a sin offering to the Levitical priests who are of the family of Zadok, who approach Me to minister before Me, declares the Lord GOD. 20You are to take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar, on the four corners of the ledge, and all around the rim; thus you will cleanse the altar and make atonement for it. 21Then you are to take away the bull for the sin offering and burn it in the appointed part of the temple area outside the sanctuary. 22On the second day you are to present an unblemished male goat as a sin offering, and the altar is to be cleansed as it was with the bull. 23When you have finished the purification, you are to present a young, unblemished bull and an unblemished ram from the flock. 24You must present them before the LORD; the priests are to sprinkle salt on them and sacrifice them as a burnt offering to the LORD. 25For seven days you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both unblemished. 26For seven days the priests are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; so they shall consecrate it.l 27At the end of these days, from the eighth day on, the priests are to present your burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar. Then I will accept you, declares the Lord GOD.’” Footnotes: 3 a Some Hebrew manuscripts and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts when I came 7 b Or the monuments; also in verse 9 7 c Or for their kings on their high places 11 d Hebrew; LXX and Vulgate and they will be ashamed 13 e The long cubit, about 21 inches or 53.3 centimeters, is the basic unit for linear measurement throughout Ezekiel 40–48. 13 f One span is approximately 9 inches or 22.9 centimeters. 14 g The space was to be approximately 3.5 feet (1.1 meters), and the ledge was to be approximately 1.75 feet wide (53.3 centimeters wide). 14 h The space was to be approximately 7 feet (2.1 meters), and the ledge was to be approximately 1.75 feet wide (53.3 centimeters wide). 16 i 12 (long) cubits is approximately 21 feet or 6.4 meters. 17 j 14 (long) cubits is approximately 24.5 feet or 7.5 meters. 17 k A half cubit is approximately 10.5 inches or 26.7 centimeters. 26 l Hebrew fill its hand Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Ezekiel 43 Summary The Glory of the LORD Returns to the TempleVerses 1–5 – The Glory Returns Verses 6–9 – A Call to End Defilement Verses 10–12 – Show Them the Plan Verses 13–17 – Dimensions of the Altar Verses 18–27 – Altar Dedication Rituals 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. Historical Setting • Ezekiel 40-48 was received in 573 BC, fourteen years after Jerusalem’s fall (40:1). • The exiles had lost Solomon’s temple in 586 BC; Ezekiel’s vision gives them hope of God’s return and a future restoration greater than the past (Haggai 2:9). The Return of Glory • Departure: Ezekiel 10:18-19; 11:22-23—glory left by the east gate, paused on the Mount of Olives. • Return: 43:1-5—glory reenters by the east gate. This reversal shows God’s willingness to forgive. • Parallel: When Solomon finished the first temple, “the glory of the LORD filled the house” (1 Kings 8:11). Why the East Gate Matters • Ancient cities faced east for light and welcome; temples of other nations imitated the sunrise. • Messiah’s entrance: Zechariah 14:4 links the LORD’s feet standing on the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem. • Jesus’ triumphal entry began on that mountain (Matthew 21:1). Ezekiel’s gate foreshadows His ultimate arrival as King. Holiness: The Law of the Temple • Central truth: “The whole area… is most holy” (43:12). No casual approach to God. • Israel’s past failures: high places near royal tombs (43:7). Compare 2 Kings 21:7-9, when Manasseh defiled Solomon’s temple. • New covenant echo: 1 Peter 1:16, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Altar Architecture 1. Base: one cubit high, one cubit wide ledge—foundation of righteousness (Psalm 89:14). 2. Lower ledge: two cubits high, one cubit wide—progressive closeness. 3. Upper ledge: four cubits high—culmination. 4. Hearth: “har’el” (mountain of God), four horns—power for atonement (Exodus 27:2). Measurements stress perfection and symmetry, pointing to God’s order. Seven-Day Dedication Day 1: Bull sin offering for the priests (Leviticus 9). Days 2-7: Daily male goat sin offering plus burnt offerings of bulls and rams. Blood dashed on the four altar horns, the ledge corners, and the rim (v. 20). Lessons: • Sin must be dealt with first (Hebrews 9:22). • Seven days symbolize completeness. • At the end, God’s acceptance foretells restored fellowship. Connections to Other Scripture • Exodus 40:34-35—glory fills tabernacle. • Isaiah 60:1-2—God’s glory rising upon Zion. • Revelation 21:3—“Behold, the dwelling of God is with men.” Ezekiel foreshadows the final, eternal temple where no sin remains. Archaeological Notes • Cubit used: “long cubit” (approx. 21 in / 53 cm, 40:5). Excavations at the Temple Mount indicate Herod’s builders still marked off spaces in cubits, showing continuity. • Horned altars have been unearthed at Beersheba and Tel Dan, confirming their common use in Israel. • East-facing gates with triple entry chambers match Iron Age gateways at Gezer and Hazor, giving Ezekiel’s vision credible physical features. Prophetic and Messianic Hints • The phrase “I will dwell among them forever” (v. 9) harmonizes with John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” • The seven-day consecration looks beyond animal sacrifice to Christ’s once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:12-14). • “The prince” in later chapters (44-46) walks through the east gate—anticipating the righteous Davidic ruler (Jeremiah 23:5-6). Living the Passage Today • God’s glory returns where sin is repented of; personal revival begins with genuine turning away from idols. • Holiness is not confined to buildings; believers are “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). • Precise obedience matters—Ezekiel records exact dimensions because details reveal God’s character. • Hope fuels obedience: the exiles were more likely to walk uprightly when they envisioned God’s future home among them; likewise, our vision of Christ’s return motivates daily faithfulness (1 John 3:2-3). Key Takeaways • God’s glory departed because of sin but is eager to return when sin is removed. • Holiness saturates every inch of God’s dwelling. • Sacrifice prepares for fellowship; ultimate fulfillment is in Jesus’ cross. • The vision supplies certainty that God will keep His promises—to Israel and to all who trust Him. Connections to Additional Scriptures Exodus 40:34-35The 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. Teaching Points The Vision of God's GloryEzekiel 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 PresenceJust 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 EastThis 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 TempleEzekiel 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." Topics 1. The Glory of the LORD Returns to the TempleEzekiel 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 GloryEzekiel 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. Answering Tough Questions 1. Ezekiel 43:2 references a voice “like the roar of rushing waters.” How could such a phenomenon occur naturally without modern technology or amplification? Bible Study Discussion 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? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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