Ezekiel 11:23

And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which [is] on the east side of the city.

And the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} went up {H5927} from the midst {H8432} of the city {H5892}, and stood {H5975} upon the mountain {H2022} which is on the east side {H6924} of the city {H5892}.

Next, the glory of ADONAI rose from within the city and stood over the mountain which is on the east side of the city.

And the glory of the LORD rose up from within the city and stood over the mountain east of the city.

And the glory of Jehovah went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.

Commentary

Ezekiel 11:23 describes a poignant moment in the prophet Ezekiel's vision, detailing the symbolic departure of God's manifest presence from Jerusalem. This verse marks a significant stage in the unfolding judgment against the city due to the persistent idolatry and rebellion of its inhabitants.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel, exiled in Babylon, received a series of visions revealing the spiritual state of Jerusalem and the impending divine judgment. Leading up to this verse, Ezekiel had witnessed various abominations being committed within the temple itself, signaling the deep spiritual corruption of the people. The "glory of the LORD" β€” the tangible manifestation of God's presence and power, often depicted as a brilliant light or cloud β€” had already begun its departure in stages, as seen in Ezekiel 10:18, moving from the temple to the city gate. Here, it completes its exit from the city proper, pausing on the Mount of Olives, which lay to the east. This withdrawal of divine protection and presence foreshadowed the imminent destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian forces, emphasizing that the city's defenses would crumble because God Himself had removed His protective hand.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Holiness: The departure of the glory signifies God's righteous judgment against sin. His holiness cannot abide persistent iniquity, and His presence is withdrawn when His people continually defy His commands. This act underscores the severe consequences of spiritual rebellion.
  • God's Reluctant Departure: The glory's gradual movement, pausing on the Mount of Olives, suggests a divine reluctance to abandon His chosen city. It's not a hasty retreat but a deliberate, sorrowful withdrawal, as if God was taking one last look at Jerusalem before judgment fully descended.
  • Symbolism of the Mount of Olives: The specific location on the "mountain which is on the east side of the city" (the Mount of Olives) is highly significant. In later prophecy, this same mountain is identified as the place where the Lord's feet will stand when He returns to establish His kingdom (Zechariah 14:4). This dual symbolism hints that even in judgment, there is a future hope of God's ultimate return and restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "glory of the LORD" translates the Hebrew term kavod Yahweh (Χ›ΦΌΦ°Χ‘Χ•ΦΉΧ“ Χ™Φ°Χ”Χ•ΦΈΧ”). Kavod literally means "weight" or "heaviness," but in a theological context, it refers to God's manifest presence, splendor, majesty, and visible power. It's not merely an abstract concept but a discernible manifestation of God Himself. Its "going up" and "standing upon" denote a deliberate, observable action, emphasizing the reality of God's withdrawal from the city.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 11:23 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God. When humanity persists in rebellion and idolatry, the consequence can be the withdrawal of God's manifest presence and blessing. This doesn't mean God ceases to exist or care, but His active, protective presence may be diminished or removed. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of:

  • Reverence for God's Holiness: A constant awareness that God is holy and cannot tolerate sin.
  • Repentance and Obedience: The need for ongoing repentance and striving for obedience to maintain a close walk with Him.
  • God's Presence as a Blessing: Recognizing that God's presence is our greatest treasure and protection, and its absence is the most severe form of judgment.

Ultimately, while Ezekiel saw the glory depart, the New Testament reveals that God's glory came to dwell among humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, offering a path to renewed fellowship and eternal presence for all who believe.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Zechariah 14:4 (6 votes)

    And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

  • Ezekiel 8:4 (4 votes)

    And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

  • Ezekiel 10:4 (3 votes)

    Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, [and stood] over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

  • Ezekiel 43:2 (3 votes)

    And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

  • Ezekiel 9:3 (2 votes)

    And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which [had] the writer's inkhorn by his side;

  • Ezekiel 43:4 (2 votes)

    And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect [is] toward the east.

  • Ezekiel 10:18 (2 votes)

    Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.