What parallels exist between Ezekiel's vision and the earlier visions in Ezekiel? Setting the Scene “The vision I saw was like the vision I had seen when He came to destroy the city, and like the visions I had seen by the Kebar River. And I fell facedown.” (Ezekiel 43:3) Echoes of the Kebar River • Ezekiel 1:4–28 first unveiled the glory of the LORD: flashing fire, brilliant light, a throne of sapphire, and “the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds.” • In 43:3 Ezekiel instantly recognizes the same glory—same brilliance, same throne, same overwhelming majesty. • The Lord is deliberately linking the new temple vision with Ezekiel’s original call so that no one can mistake whose glory is returning. Parallels to the Judgment Vision • Ezekiel 9:1–11 showed the glory departing while six executioners judged Jerusalem. That scene is what Ezekiel means by “when He came to destroy the city.” • Both moments feature identical heavenly attendants (cherubim and the man in linen) and identical brightness (Ezekiel 10:4). • The difference: in chapter 9 the glory leaves; in chapter 43 it comes back. The parallel underscores how the same God who judged now restores. Consistent Symbolism: Living Creatures and Wheels • Ezekiel 10 repeats the creatures and wheels from chapter 1. • Although chapter 43 does not re-describe every detail, Ezekiel’s “like the vision” language signals those same creatures are present again, carrying the throne back into the temple. • The wheels within wheels and eyes everywhere still proclaim God’s omnipresence and omniscience—unchanged from the first vision. Identical Human Response • Ezekiel 1:28—“I fell facedown.” • Ezekiel 3:23—“I fell facedown.” • Ezekiel 43:3—“I fell facedown.” Whenever the prophet encounters the glory, the reaction is the same: immediate, humbled worship. The repeating posture ties every vision together. From Departure to Return • Departure: Ezekiel 10:18–19, 11:23—glory moves to the east gate, then to the Mount of Olives. • Return: Ezekiel 43:1–2—the glory comes “from the east.” The route is reversed, showing perfect symmetry between judgment’s exit and restoration’s entrance. Continuous Thread of Sound and Light • Ezekiel 1:24—“I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters.” • Ezekiel 43:2—“His voice was like the roar of many waters.” Familiar auditory cues reinforce that the same divine Person is speaking. Why These Parallels Matter • They validate the prophet’s message: one coherent revelation, not random visions. • They highlight God’s faithfulness—He who disciplines also redeems. • They invite the reader to expect the literal fulfillment of restoration promises just as the judgment promises were literally fulfilled. The visions match in setting, appearance, attendants, sound, and Ezekiel’s response, forming an unbroken narrative thread from the riverbank to the future temple. |
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