Ezekiel 43:3

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 River Kebar. I fell facedown,

Study Bible

The vision I saw
Ezekiel, a prophet and priest, often received divine revelations through visions. These visions were a primary means by which God communicated His messages to Ezekiel, providing insight into spiritual realities and future events. Visions in the Bible often signify a deeper spiritual truth or a forthcoming divine action.

was like the vision I had seen when He came to destroy the city
This refers to the earlier vision Ezekiel had in chapters 8-11, where he witnessed the glory of the Lord departing from the temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing impending judgment and destruction due to the people's idolatry and sin. The destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonians fulfilled this vision, emphasizing God's holiness and justice.

and like the visions I had seen by the River Kebar
The River Kebar was in Babylon, where Ezekiel was among the exiles. The initial vision by the Kebar (Ezekiel 1) introduced the glory of God in a dramatic and awe-inspiring manner, with the appearance of the living creatures and the wheels. This setting underscores the theme of God's presence with His people, even in exile, and His sovereignty over all nations.

I fell facedown
Ezekiel's response of falling facedown is a common biblical reaction to divine encounters, signifying reverence, awe, and submission to God's overwhelming presence. This posture reflects the appropriate human response to the holiness and majesty of God, seen in other biblical figures such as Daniel and John in Revelation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of divine visions and messages, tasked with conveying God's words to the Israelites.

2. The Vision
This refers to the divine revelation Ezekiel receives, which is consistent with previous visions, particularly those concerning God's glory and judgment.

3. The River Kebar
A location in Babylon where Ezekiel received earlier visions, symbolizing a place of divine encounter and revelation.

4. The City
Refers to Jerusalem, which faced destruction as a consequence of the Israelites' disobedience and idolatry.

5. God's Glory
The manifestation of God's presence, often depicted as a radiant and overwhelming force, central to Ezekiel's visions.

Teaching Points

The Consistency of God's Revelation
God's messages and visions are consistent and reliable. Just as Ezekiel's visions align with previous ones, we can trust in the unchanging nature of God's word.

The Importance of God's Presence
The return of God's glory signifies restoration and hope. In our lives, seeking God's presence should be a priority, as it brings guidance and peace.

The Response to Divine Revelation
Ezekiel's response of falling facedown demonstrates reverence and humility. We should approach God's word with the same attitude, ready to listen and obey.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The destruction of the city serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls us to examine our lives and align with His will.

Hope in Restoration
Despite past judgments, God's ultimate plan is one of restoration and renewal. This offers hope and encouragement for personal and communal renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's vision in chapter 43 compare to his earlier visions, and what does this teach us about the nature of God's communication?

2. In what ways can we seek and recognize God's presence in our daily lives, similar to Ezekiel's encounters by the River Kebar?

3. How does the theme of restoration in Ezekiel 43:3 connect with the promises found in Revelation 21, and what hope does this offer us today?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our response to God's word is one of reverence and obedience, as demonstrated by Ezekiel?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a sense of God's presence or guidance. How did it impact your life, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence moving forward?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 1
The initial vision by the River Kebar, where Ezekiel first encounters the glory of God, establishing a thematic link to Ezekiel 43:3.

Ezekiel 10
Describes the departure of God's glory from the temple, which is a precursor to the vision of restoration in Ezekiel 43.

Revelation 21
The vision of the New Jerusalem, where God's presence is fully restored among His people, echoing the themes of restoration and divine presence in Ezekiel.