Ezekiel 43:7

and He said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the Israelites forever. The house of Israel will never again defile My holy name--neither they nor their kings--by their prostitution and by the funeral offerings for their kings at their deaths.

Study Bible

and He said to me, “Son of man,
The term "Son of man" is a title used frequently in Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It underscores the divine-human interaction, where God communicates His will through a chosen servant.

this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet,
This phrase refers to the temple as the dwelling place of God, symbolizing His sovereign rule and presence among His people. The imagery of God's throne and feet suggests His authority and intimate connection with the earth. The temple is seen as the earthly representation of God's heavenly throne, aligning with the vision of God's glory returning to the temple.

where I will dwell among the Israelites forever.
This promise of God's eternal presence among His people echoes the covenantal relationship established with Israel. It reflects the eschatological hope of a restored relationship between God and His people, reminiscent of the promises in Leviticus 26:11-12 and Revelation 21:3, where God dwells with humanity.

The house of Israel will never again defile My holy name—
This statement anticipates a future time of purity and faithfulness, contrasting with Israel's past idolatry and rebellion. It implies a transformation in the hearts of the people, aligning with the new covenant promise of a heart of flesh in Ezekiel 36:26-27.

neither they nor their kings—
The mention of kings highlights the historical context of Israel's monarchy, where leaders often led the nation into idolatry. This future vision includes a purified leadership, possibly alluding to the Messianic King who will rule in righteousness.

by their prostitution and by the funeral offerings for their kings at their deaths.
Prostitution here is a metaphor for idolatry, a recurring theme in the prophetic literature. The reference to funeral offerings suggests practices that were contrary to God's commands, possibly involving necromancy or ancestor worship. This phrase underscores the need for spiritual reform and the elimination of pagan practices.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Temple
The vision of the temple represents God's dwelling place among His people, symbolizing His presence and holiness.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who are being called to repentance and holiness, with a promise of restoration and divine presence.

4. God's Throne
Symbolizes God's sovereign rule and authority, emphasizing His rightful place among His people.

5. High Places
Locations where idolatrous worship occurred, representing the spiritual unfaithfulness of Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Holiness and Presence
God's desire to dwell among His people underscores His holiness and the need for His people to be set apart.

Repentance and Restoration
The promise of God's presence is contingent upon Israel's repentance and rejection of idolatry, reminding us of the importance of turning away from sin.

The Sovereignty of God
The imagery of God's throne emphasizes His ultimate authority and the need for His people to submit to His rule.

The Call to Holiness
As believers, we are called to live lives that honor God's holy name, avoiding spiritual compromise and idolatry.

Eternal Promise
The assurance of God's eternal dwelling with His people points to the hope of eternal life and communion with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of God's throne in Ezekiel 43:7 shape our understanding of His sovereignty and holiness?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not defiling God's holy name in our daily lives?

3. How does the promise of God's presence in Ezekiel 43:7 encourage us in our walk with Christ today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the idolatry of Israel and the temptations we face in modern society?

5. How do the themes of repentance and restoration in Ezekiel 43:7 connect with the message of the Gospel in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:8
This verse speaks of God’s desire to dwell among His people, similar to the promise in Ezekiel 43:7.

Revelation 21:3
This verse echoes the theme of God dwelling with His people, highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of this promise in the new creation.

1 Kings 8:13
Solomon's dedication of the temple as a dwelling place for God connects to the vision of the temple in Ezekiel.

Leviticus 26:11-12
God's promise to dwell among His people if they obey His commands, paralleling the call to holiness in Ezekiel.