Main Highlights
The glory of God returns to the rebuilt temple, signifying God's presence and the restoration of true worship in Israel.
Key Verses
And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory.- Ezekiel 43:2
And the glory of Yahweh entered the house by the way of the gate facing toward the east.- Ezekiel 43:4
Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the sons of Israel forever. And the house of Israel will no longer defile My holy name, neither they nor their kings, by their prostitutions and by the corpses of their kings in their high places.- Ezekiel 43:7
Son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the plan."- Ezekiel 43:10
And I heard one speaking to Me from the house, while a man was standing beside Me."- Ezekiel 43:6
These are the measurements of the altar in cubits (each cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): its base shall be one cubit, and its height one cubit; and its border around its edge shall be one span."- Ezekiel 43:13
Now, put away your prostitution and the corpses of your kings far from Me, and I will dwell in your midst forever."- Ezekiel 43:9
Related Scripture
I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God.- Exodus 29:45
Scholar Insight
"“The vision of the Lord’s return is the climax of the section. In a reversal of the vision of the Lord’s departure in Ezekiel 10:1-22 and Ezekiel 11:22-25, the glory of the Lord returns from the east (Ezekiel 43:1-5).” - Daniel I. Block, The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 25–48 (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998), 605."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
We learn about the holiness of God and His desire to dwell among His people when they are purified and obedient. God's glory is a powerful and awe-inspiring presence, and He desires to restore His relationship with Israel.
Christological Connection
This passage can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus's incarnation, as the glory of God dwells among humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people.
Systematic Theology
The passage teaches about the concept of God's presence and His temple. The restored temple symbolizes God's dwelling place among His people and the restoration of true worship. This relates to the doctrine of the church as the temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.
Law & Grace
Law and grace are intertwined. The regulations for the temple and its services represent God's law and the need for holiness. The return of God's glory represents His grace and His willingness to restore His relationship with Israel despite their past sins.
Personal Application
People should respond by seeking to purify themselves and live in obedience to God's commands, recognizing that God desires to dwell within them. They should strive to maintain a right relationship with God through worship and obedience.