What does the "glory of the God of Israel" signify in Ezekiel 9:3? Setting the Scene • Ezekiel is in Babylonian exile when God opens a window into happenings at the Jerusalem temple (Ezekiel 8–11). • Chapter 9 unfolds immediately after Ezekiel witnesses gross idolatry in the very courts of God’s house. • In this setting we read: “Then the glory of the God of Israel rose from above the cherubim where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple…” (Ezekiel 9:3). Understanding “Glory” (Hebrew: kābōd) • Literal meaning: “weight,” “heaviness,” conveying substance, worth, honor. • Visibly manifested as radiant light-cloud—often called the Shekinah. • It is God’s own personal presence made perceptible (Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:10-11). • Not a mere symbol; Scripture treats it as God Himself arriving, acting, departing. Why Ezekiel Calls It “the Glory of the God of Israel” • “God of Israel” anchors the vision in covenant history: the same Lord who redeemed from Egypt still deals with His people. • The expression reinforces that the God who now judges is the very One who once filled the tabernacle and temple in blessing; His character has not changed—Israel has. What the Glory Signifies in Ezekiel 9:3 1. God’s Personal Presence – The glory is not an impersonal force but the Lord showing up to act. 2. Holiness Exposed to Sin – By rising from above the cherubim (the mercy seat), God signals that sin has driven a wedge between Him and the sanctuary (cf. Isaiah 59:2). 3. Impending Judgment – Moving to the threshold pictures God “stepping out” to oversee the marking of the righteous and the slaying of the wicked (Ezekiel 9:4-6). 4. Withdrawal of Protection – The Holy of Holies had been Israel’s safest place; once the glory leaves that inner room, the city is vulnerable (Ezekiel 10:18-19; 11:23). 5. Covenant Faithfulness – Even while judging, God orders the protection of those “who sigh and groan over all the abominations” (9:4). His glory never abandons covenant promises. Progression of the Glory in Ezekiel’s Vision • 9:3 – From above the cherubim to the threshold. • 10:18-19 – From the threshold to the east gate. • 11:23 – From the city to the Mount of Olives. The step-by-step departure dramatizes a reluctant but righteous withdrawal—God giving every opportunity before judgment falls in 586 BC. Across the Canon • Exodus 25:22 – God’s glory dwells “between the cherubim” above the mercy seat. • 1 Samuel 4:21-22 – “Ichabod” (“glory departed”) after the ark is captured; a foretaste of Ezekiel’s scene. • Ezekiel 43:1-5 – Promise of the glory’s future return to a cleansed temple. • John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3 – In Jesus, “we have seen His glory”; the ultimate, bodily dwelling of God with man. • Revelation 21:22-23 – The New Jerusalem needs no temple, “for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp.” Timeless Truths to Embrace • God’s presence is a tangible reality, not an abstract idea. • Holiness and sin cannot coexist; persistent rebellion drives away manifest blessing. • Judgment is never impersonal—God Himself oversees it, ensuring mercy for the repentant. • The same glory that once departed will finally return in fullness through Christ, guaranteeing hope beyond discipline. |
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