Ezekiel 3:23

KJV

Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then I arose {H6965}, and went forth {H3318} into the plain {H1237}: and, behold, the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} stood {H5975} there, as the glory {H3519} which I saw {H7200} by the river {H5104} of Chebar {H3529}: and I fell {H5307} on my face {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So I got up and went out to the valley. The glory of ADONAI was there, like the glory I had seen by the K'var River; and I fell on my face.

Berean Standard Bible

So I got up and went out to the plain, and behold, the glory of the LORD was present there, like the glory I had seen by the River Kebar, and I fell facedown.

American Standard Version

Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of Jehovah stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 3:23 marks a profound and pivotal moment in the prophet's early ministry, where, in immediate obedience to a divine command, he experiences a renewed and overwhelming manifestation of God's majestic presence. This encounter, occurring in the desolate plain, serves to reconfirm Ezekiel's prophetic calling and reinforce the awe-inspiring reality of the Lord's glory, compelling the prophet to prostrate himself in profound reverence and submission. It underscores the tangible nature of divine revelation and the appropriate human response to such an encounter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 3:23 immediately follows a crucial sequence in the prophet's commissioning. Having consumed the scroll of lamentations, mourning, and woe (Ezekiel 2:8-3:3) and been given the daunting task of speaking to a rebellious house (Ezekiel 3:4-11), Ezekiel is then appointed as a "watchman" over the house of Israel (Ezekiel 3:16-21). The Lord's hand had come upon him, empowering him, and he was commanded to "arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee" ([Ezekiel 3:22](/ezekiel/3-22 "Ezekiel 3:22 - God's Command to Ezekiel")). This verse, therefore, depicts Ezekiel's immediate and obedient response to this specific divine directive, leading directly to a renewed vision of God's glory, which sets the stage for further divine communication and the subsequent period of silence and symbolic actions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel was a priest among the Jewish exiles by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, deported after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. This was a time of immense national trauma, confusion, and spiritual despondency for the Israelites. They struggled to reconcile their exile with God's covenant promises, often clinging to false hopes of an imminent return to Jerusalem. In this context, Ezekiel's visions served to demonstrate God's sovereignty even in exile, challenging the exiles' complacency and confronting their idolatry. The concept of "glory" (Hebrew *kavod*) was deeply ingrained in Israelite culture, associated with the visible manifestation of God's presence in the Tabernacle and Temple, signifying His holiness, power, and inherent worth. An encounter with such glory was universally understood to demand profound reverence and prostration.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 3:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel. The most prominent is the **Divine Presence and Glory**, specifically the *kavod Yahweh*, which is the central focus of Ezekiel's prophetic experience, from his inaugural vision in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory") to its departure from the Temple and eventual return. Another key theme is **Obedience to God's Command**, as Ezekiel's immediate compliance with the instruction to go to the plain ([Ezekiel 3:22](/ezekiel/3-22 "Ezekiel 3:22 - God's Command to Ezekiel")) directly precipitates this renewed encounter, highlighting the prophet's submission to divine authority. Furthermore, the verse emphasizes the **Continuity of Revelation**, explicitly linking this vision to the earlier, foundational experience by the river Chebar ([Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's Response to God's Glory")), assuring both the prophet and the reader of the consistent and unchanging nature of the God who reveals Himself. Finally, Ezekiel's response of **Humility and Reverence**—falling on his face—is a recurring motif throughout the book, illustrating the appropriate posture of humanity before the overwhelming majesty and holiness of the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **plain (Hebrew, _biqʻâh'_):** From the root meaning "to split," this word refers to a wide, level valley or plain, typically situated between mountains. In Ezekiel 3:23, it denotes a specific, open geographical area where God commanded Ezekiel to go. Its significance lies in its contrast to the river Chebar, indicating that God's glory is not confined to one location but can manifest anywhere He chooses, even in a seemingly ordinary, desolate place.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Derived from a root meaning "weight" or "heaviness," *kâbôwd* in a theological context signifies the visible manifestation of God's splendor, majesty, honor, and inherent worth. It represents the tangible, awe-inspiring presence of God's power and holiness. In this verse, it explicitly links to the previous vision, confirming the identity and consistent nature of the divine being Ezekiel encounters.
* **fell (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fall," with a wide range of applications. In this context, it describes Ezekiel's physical act of prostration. This is a common biblical response to a divine encounter, signifying overwhelming awe, humility, reverence, and sometimes fear, acknowledging the immense power and holiness of God and the creaturely status of the human beholder.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then I arose, and went forth into the plain:"** This clause highlights Ezekiel's immediate and obedient response to the divine command given in the preceding verse. His physical action of rising and going to the designated location demonstrates his submission and readiness to receive further revelation from the Lord, emphasizing that obedience often precedes deeper spiritual encounters.
* **"and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there,"** This marks the central event of the verse: the sudden and powerful manifestation of God's glory. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew *hinneh*) draws attention to the astonishing and immediate nature of this divine appearance. The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew *kavod Yahweh*) refers to the visible, tangible presence of God's majesty and power, which now "stood there," indicating a fixed and undeniable presence in the plain.
* **"as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar:"** This crucial comparative phrase explicitly links the current vision to Ezekiel's inaugural and profoundly impactful encounter described in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory"). It confirms that this is the same divine being, the same overwhelming manifestation of God's presence, ensuring continuity and reinforcing the authenticity and authority of Ezekiel's prophetic commission. It grounds the present experience in a known, powerful revelation.
* **"and I fell on my face."** This concluding clause describes Ezekiel's immediate and instinctive response to the overwhelming divine presence. Falling prostrate on his face is a universal biblical gesture of profound humility, awe, reverence, and submission in the presence of divine majesty. It signifies a recognition of God's absolute sovereignty and holiness, and the prophet's utter unworthiness and dependence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices**. **Repetition** of the word "glory" ("the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw") serves to emphasize the central theme of divine manifestation and to create a direct **Allusion** or **Intertextual Link** to Ezekiel's foundational vision by the river Chebar (Ezekiel 1). This repetition reinforces the continuity and consistency of God's self-revelation. The act of "falling on my face" is a powerful **Symbolism** of human humility, awe, and submission in the presence of the transcendent God. It also functions as a **Motif** that recurs throughout prophetic literature when individuals encounter the divine, underscoring the overwhelming nature of such experiences. The simple, direct narrative style, combined with the sudden "behold," creates a sense of immediacy and dramatic impact, drawing the reader into the prophet's experience of divine encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 3:23 powerfully articulates the reality of God's active presence and His initiative in revealing Himself to His chosen servants. The repeated manifestation of the *kavod Yahweh* underscores that God's glory is not static or confined, but dynamic, moving with His people even into exile, and appearing where and when He wills. This encounter serves as a profound affirmation of Ezekiel's prophetic authority, demonstrating that his messages are not his own, but directly from the sovereign Lord whose glory is undeniable. It teaches that genuine encounters with God's holiness naturally evoke a response of deep reverence and humility, a posture of submission that is essential for receiving divine truth. This verse also highlights the principle that obedience to God's specific commands often opens the door to deeper spiritual experiences and clearer divine communication, preparing the heart and mind for the weight of God's word.

* [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")
* [Isaiah 6:1-5](/isaiah/6-1 "Isaiah 6:1-5 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Glory and Response")
* [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Response to the Glorified Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 3:23 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Ezekiel's obedience in going to the plain led to a fresh and confirming encounter with God's glory, our willingness to heed God's specific instructions, even when they seem mundane or inconvenient, often precedes deeper spiritual experiences and clearer understanding of His will. This verse challenges us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and reverence in our approach to God. In an age where casualness can sometimes infiltrate our worship and prayer, Ezekiel's prostrate response reminds us that God's holiness demands our utmost humility and adoration. Furthermore, the continuity of the glory from Chebar to the plain assures us that the God we worship is unchanging in His character, power, and presence. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and His glory is just as real and accessible to those who seek Him with obedient and humble hearts. This should inspire confidence and a renewed pursuit of His manifest presence in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "arise and go forth" in obedience, even if the destination seems ordinary or uncertain?**
* **How does Ezekiel's profound response of falling on his face challenge your own posture and attitude in worship and prayer?**
* **How can remembering the "continuity of God's glory" (His unchanging character and presence) strengthen your faith during times of doubt or difficulty?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ezekiel commanded to go to the plain, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Ezekiel was commanded to go to the plain in [Ezekiel 3:22](/ezekiel/3-22 "Ezekiel 3:22 - God's Command to Ezekiel") so that the Lord could speak with him there. The plain, a seemingly ordinary and desolate place, holds significance in contrast to the river Chebar where Ezekiel had his initial, elaborate vision. It demonstrates that God's glory and presence are not confined to specific, grand locations or circumstances (like a river with a complex divine chariot), but can manifest anywhere He chooses to reveal Himself, even in common or isolated settings. This underscores God's sovereignty and accessibility.

**What does "the glory of the LORD" (kavod Yahweh) truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "The glory of the LORD" (Hebrew *kavod Yahweh*) refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of God's inherent majesty, splendor, weight, and holiness. It's not merely an abstract concept but a powerful, often overwhelming, display of His presence. In Ezekiel, it is often associated with brilliant light, fire, and a cloud, similar to its appearances at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 24:16](/exodus/24-16 "Exodus 24:16 - The Glory of the LORD on Mount Sinai")) and in the Tabernacle and Temple. In Ezekiel 3:23, it signifies the re-appearance of this same awesome divine presence that Ezekiel first witnessed, confirming the reality and authority of his prophetic calling.

**Why did Ezekiel fall on his face upon seeing the glory of the LORD?**

Answer: Ezekiel's act of falling on his face is a common and profound biblical response to encountering the overwhelming presence and glory of God. It signifies deep humility, reverence, awe, and sometimes fear in the face of divine majesty. It is a physical posture that acknowledges God's supreme power, holiness, and sovereignty, and the creaturely, dependent status of humanity. Prophets like Isaiah ([Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah 6:5 - Isaiah's Response to God's Holiness")) and Daniel ([Daniel 8:17](/daniel/8-17 "Daniel 8:17 - Daniel's Response to a Heavenly Vision")) similarly prostrated themselves when confronted with divine or angelic beings, illustrating the appropriate human response to such transcendent encounters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's repeated encounter with the "glory of the LORD" in the plain, mirroring his initial vision by the Chebar, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel saw the *kavod Yahweh* as a visible, yet veiled, manifestation of God's splendor, the New Testament proclaims that Jesus is the very "radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). In Christ, the invisible God became visible, and His glory was not merely a transient appearance but "dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The plain, a simple, unadorned place where God chose to reveal Himself to Ezekiel, foreshadows how God's glory would be revealed not in a magnificent temple, but in the humble humanity of Jesus, born in a manger and ministering among ordinary people. The Transfiguration, where Jesus' face "shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light" ([Matthew 17:2](/matthew/17-2 "Matthew 17:2 - The Transfiguration of Jesus")), offers a glimpse of this divine glory veiled in flesh. Ultimately, the glory of the Lord that caused Ezekiel to fall on his face is fully revealed in Christ's sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, through which God's love, power, and holiness are perfectly displayed. Our response to the revealed glory of God in Christ should likewise be one of profound awe, worship, and humble submission, as seen in John's response to the glorified Christ in [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "Revelation 1:17 - John's Response to the Glorified Christ").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 1:28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Acts 7:55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

Ezekiel 10:18

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

Numbers 16:42

And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.

Revelation 5:14

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Daniel 8:17

So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end [shall be] the vision.