What does Ezekiel 43:5 teach about God's presence in our lives?

◄ Ezekiel 43:5: God's presence lesson? ►

The Verse at a Glance

“Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” (Ezekiel 43:5)

The Story Behind the Verse

• Ezekiel had earlier watched the glory depart from Solomon’s temple because of Israel’s sin (Ezekiel 10–11).

• In chapter 43, God gives him a vision of a future, restored temple where His glory returns.

• Verse 5 captures the climactic moment: the Spirit transports the prophet inside, and God’s radiant presence fills every part of the house.

What the Verse Declares About God’s Presence

• God personally restores what sin once drove away—He takes the initiative.

• The Spirit is the One who grants access to that presence, lifting, guiding, and positioning the believer in the “inner court.”

• God’s glory does not just appear; it “filled the temple.” His presence is total, weighty, unmistakable.

• The verse showcases God’s desire for permanent, not occasional, residence among His people.

How This Shapes Our Daily Walk

• Confidence: Because God initiates, we rest in His promise that He will never abandon those who belong to Him (Hebrews 13:5).

• Holiness: The inner court was a holy space; when He brings us close, we respond by living set-apart lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).

• Expectation: We look for the fullness of His presence—not a faint trace—whether gathered for worship or alone in prayer (Psalm 16:11).

• Empowerment: The same Spirit who lifted Ezekiel now indwells believers (Romans 8:11), enabling us to live and serve in His strength.

• Hope: Just as glory returned to the temple, Jesus will return in glory to dwell forever with His people (Revelation 21:3).

Connecting Scriptures That Echo the Same Truth

• Exodus 40:34-35—“Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.”

• 1 Kings 8:10-11—At the temple dedication, “the priests could not stand to minister… for the glory of the LORD filled the house.”

• 1 Corinthians 3:16—“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”

• 2 Corinthians 6:16—“I will dwell among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

• John 14:17—The Spirit “lives with you and will be in you.”