What is the meaning of Ezekiel 43:2? I saw the glory of the God of Israel Ezekiel writes in the first person: “I saw the glory of the God of Israel…”. He is not recounting a vague impression; he is recording an actual vision granted by the Lord. Earlier, Ezekiel had witnessed that same glory depart from Solomon’s temple (Ezekiel 10:18-19; 11:22-23). Now, decades into exile, he is allowed to see the glory return. • This moment assures the prophet—and us—that God’s faithfulness has never lapsed. • The language echoes Ezekiel 1:28, where God’s glory appeared “like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds.” • Like Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:16-17) and John beholding the incarnate Word (John 1:14), Ezekiel experiences the weighty presence of the Lord in real time. coming from the east The glory “coming from the east” deliberately retraces the historic route of departure: the presence left Jerusalem by way of the east gate (Ezekiel 10:19). • God now returns along the same axis, highlighting His covenant resolve to restore what was lost. • The east is the direction of sunrise, signaling new beginnings; Malachi 4:2 calls Messiah “the Sun of Righteousness.” • Jesus later ties His own appearing to the east—“as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west” (Matthew 24:27). • Zechariah 14:4 pictures the Lord standing on the Mount of Olives, east of the city, underscoring one consistent trajectory of divine visitation. His voice was like the roar of many waters Ezekiel hears an overwhelming sound: “His voice was like the roar of many waters.” • God’s voice is never weak or uncertain. Psalm 29:3-4 describes it as “over the waters… powerful.” • In Revelation 1:15, the glorified Christ speaks with the same thunderous resonance, affirming the unity of Father and Son. • Earlier in Ezekiel 1:24 the beating wings of the cherubim sounded “like the roar of rushing waters,” preparing the prophet for this fuller encounter. • The imagery communicates authority that silences every rival claim; when God speaks, creation itself must listen. the earth shone with His glory Finally, Ezekiel notes, “the earth shone with His glory.” • The brilliance is not confined to a temple; it spills across the landscape, prefiguring Habakkuk 2:14: “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD.” • Isaiah 6:3 declares, “the whole earth is full of His glory,” and Revelation 21:23 sees the New Jerusalem illuminated not by sun or moon but by “the glory of God.” • Even Moses’ face glowed after meeting the Lord (Exodus 34:29-30); here the glow is universal, hinting at the coming millennial reign when righteousness lights every corner. • 2 Corinthians 4:6 applies this radiance to believers today—God shines “in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” summary • Ezekiel literally witnesses the return of God’s glory, confirming His unbreakable covenant with Israel. • The eastward approach underscores both restoration and the future appearing of Christ. • The thunderous voice reveals unmatched authority, echoed in both Testaments. • The radiant earth anticipates a day when God’s presence saturates all creation. Taken together, Ezekiel 43:2 assures us that the Lord who once departed will unfailingly return—visibly, audibly, and gloriously—to dwell among His people forever. |
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