Ezekiel 43:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, the glory {H3519} of the God {H430} of Israel {H3478} came {H935} from the way {H1870} of the east {H6921}: and his voice {H6963} was like a noise {H6963} of many {H7227} waters {H4325}: and the earth {H776} shined {H215} with his glory {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There I saw the glory of the God of Isra'el approaching from the east. His voice was like the sound of rushing water, and the earth shone with his glory.

Berean Standard Bible

and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:2 vividly portrays the magnificent return of the Lord's glory to the new temple, a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's vision of restoration. This divine manifestation, arriving from the east, is characterized by an overwhelming sound like many waters and a radiance so intense that it illuminates the entire earth, signaling God's triumphant re-establishment of His presence among His people after a period of absence due to their sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a dramatic climax within Ezekiel's extensive vision of the new temple, spanning chapters 40-48. Following meticulous descriptions of the temple's architecture and dimensions in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - Vision of the New Temple") and [Ezekiel 41](/ezekiel/41 "Ezekiel 41 - Temple Structure Details"), and the temple's function in [Ezekiel 42](/ezekiel/42 "Ezekiel 42 - Priests' Chambers and Outer Court"), chapter 43 marks the moment of divine re-inhabitation. Earlier in the prophecy, Ezekiel had witnessed the [glory of the Lord departing the first temple](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18 - The Glory Departs the Threshold") and then the city of Jerusalem itself ([Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - The Glory Departs the City")) due to Israel's idolatry and rebellion. The return of this glory in Ezekiel 43:2, specifically from the east, directly reverses the direction of its departure, symbolizing complete spiritual restoration and the renewal of God's covenant presence with His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC was seen as the ultimate sign of God's judgment and the withdrawal of His presence. For the exiles, the absence of the temple and the land meant a perceived absence of God. In this context, Ezekiel's vision served as a powerful message of hope, assuring the disheartened exiles that God had not abandoned them permanently. The "east" held significant meaning: it was the direction from which the sun rose, symbolizing new beginnings, and also the direction from which the Babylonian invaders had come, making the return of God's glory from that same direction a poignant reversal and reclamation of sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Central is the theme of **Divine Presence and Restoration**, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to dwell among His people, even after judgment. This vision offers a future hope of complete spiritual renewal and the re-establishment of a right relationship between God and Israel, contrasting sharply with the earlier accounts of divine departure in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs"). Another key theme is the **Sovereignty and Majesty of God**, powerfully conveyed by the overwhelming sound of His voice and the earth-filling radiance of His glory. This imagery emphasizes God's immense power and authority, reminding the exiles that His plans transcend human circumstances. Finally, the verse highlights the **Universal Impact of God's Glory**, as the earth "shined with his glory." This suggests that God's presence is not confined to a single structure or people but has a transformative, illuminating effect that will ultimately extend to all creation, echoing prophecies like [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with God's Glory") where the knowledge of the Lord's glory will cover the earth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** H3519. Derived from a root meaning "weight" or "heaviness," *kâbôwd* in a theological context refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, majesty, honor, and splendor. It denotes the tangible, weighty presence of God, indicating His inherent worth and the awe-inspiring nature of His being. Its return signifies the re-establishment of God's full, powerful, and undeniable presence.
* **East (Hebrew, _qâdîym'_):** H6921. This term refers to the fore or front part, and by orientation, the direction of the sunrise. In the context of Ezekiel, the east is highly significant as it was the direction from which the glory of the Lord departed Jerusalem in [Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - The Glory Departs the City"). Its return from the east thus symbolizes a deliberate, divinely orchestrated reversal of judgment and a restoration of covenant relationship.
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** H6963. Meaning a "voice" or "sound," *qôwl* here describes the auditory aspect of God's manifestation. The comparison to "a noise of many waters" evokes a sound of immense power, authority, and overwhelming presence, much like the roar of a mighty waterfall or crashing ocean waves, signifying an undeniable and majestic divine utterance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east:":** This opening clause announces the dramatic arrival of God's manifest presence. The "behold" (Hebrew *hinneh*) draws immediate attention to the awe-inspiring event. "The glory of the God of Israel" explicitly identifies the returning presence as the *kâbôwd* of Yahweh, the covenant God who had previously departed. The specific direction, "from the way of the east," is highly symbolic, mirroring the direction of its departure in earlier visions, thereby signifying a complete reversal of divine judgment and the initiation of restoration.
* **"and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters:":** This clause describes the auditory impact of God's arrival. The "voice" of God is not merely a sound but an expression of His power and authority. The simile "like a noise of many waters" conveys an overwhelming, thundering, and immense sound, suggesting an unstoppable force and an undeniable presence that commands attention and inspires awe, reminiscent of the power of creation itself.
* **"and the earth shined with his glory.":** This final clause emphasizes the pervasive and transformative visual impact of God's return. The radiance of His glory is not confined to the temple or a specific location but extends to illuminate the entire earth. This signifies the universal scope of God's majesty and His intention for His presence to bring light, truth, and transformation not only to Israel but to the whole world, foreshadowing a future where His glory will be universally acknowledged.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:2 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the majesty and significance of God's return. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "glory of the God of Israel" representing God's manifest presence and divine essence. The "east" is a potent symbol of reversal and restoration, directly contrasting with the direction of the glory's departure. The **Simile** "his voice [was] like a noise of many waters" creates a vivid auditory image, comparing the sound of God's voice to an overwhelming natural force, emphasizing His immense power, authority, and majesty. This **Hyperbole** of the earth shining with His glory underscores the boundless and pervasive nature of God's radiance, suggesting a light that transcends physical boundaries and fills all creation. The use of "behold" (an **Interjection**) serves as an attentional signal, drawing the reader into the immediate, dramatic impact of the vision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:2 is a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to restore His people. It reassures the exiles that despite their sin and the devastating consequences, God's covenant promises endure. The return of His glory signifies not just a physical re-inhabitation of a temple, but a spiritual renewal and a re-establishment of intimate fellowship. This passage underpins the biblical truth that God desires to dwell among His people and that His presence brings light, life, and transformation. It points to a future hope where God's glory will not only fill a temple but ultimately encompass all creation, bringing about complete restoration and universal acknowledgment of His reign.

* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory Fills the Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory Fills Solomon's Temple")
* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God is the Light of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 43:2 offers a powerful message of hope and divine faithfulness for believers today. In moments of spiritual barrenness, personal failure, or societal decay, this verse reminds us that God's glory, though it may seem distant, is destined to return and fill all things. It encourages us to cultivate a longing for God's manifest presence in our lives, our churches, and our world, knowing that His glory brings light, healing, and transformation. Just as the earth shined with His glory, we are called to be reflections of His light, allowing His presence within us to radiate outwards and impact our surroundings. This passage instills confidence that God is actively working to restore what is broken and to bring about His perfect will, ultimately leading to a future where His glory will fully encompass all creation, ushering in an era of complete peace and righteousness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the departure and return of God's glory in Ezekiel's prophecy speak to periods of spiritual dryness or perceived absence of God in our own lives?**
* **What does the description of God's "voice like a noise of many waters" reveal about His character, and how should this shape our reverence and obedience?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, participate in the "shining" of God's glory upon the earth today, and what practical steps can we take?**

### FAQ
**Why did God's glory depart the temple in the first place, and why is its return significant?**

Answer: God's glory departed the first temple and Jerusalem as a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry, rebellion, and moral corruption, as detailed in [Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple"). This departure symbolized God's judgment and the withdrawal of His protective presence, leading to the temple's destruction and the people's exile. The return of His glory in [Ezekiel 43:2](/ezekiel/43-2 "Ezekiel 43:2 - The Glory Returns") is profoundly significant because it signals God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failure. It represents divine restoration, forgiveness, and the renewed commitment of God to dwell among His people, offering hope for a future of spiritual renewal and blessing.

**What is the meaning of the glory coming "from the way of the east"?**

Answer: The direction "from the way of the east" holds deep symbolic meaning in Ezekiel's prophecy. In [Ezekiel 10:19](/ezekiel/10-19 "Ezekiel 10:19 - Glory Departs to the East Gate") and [Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - Glory Departs the City"), the glory of the Lord departed Jerusalem by way of the east gate. Therefore, its return from the east in [Ezekiel 43:2](/ezekiel/43-2 "Ezekiel 43:2 - The Glory Returns") is a deliberate and powerful reversal. It signifies that God is returning precisely from where He departed, completing the cycle of judgment and restoration. It also hints at new beginnings, as the sun rises in the east, and perhaps even alludes to the Messiah's future return, often associated with the east (e.g., [Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - For as the lightning comes from the east")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel's vision describes the return of God's glory to a physical temple, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Himself is the true temple—the dwelling place of God among humanity. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus is the incarnate *kâbôwd*, the very radiance of God's glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). His coming from the "east" can be seen spiritually in the dawning of a new age, a new creation inaugurated by His arrival. The "voice like a noise of many waters" foreshadows the powerful, authoritative voice of Christ, which commands creation ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and will one day summon the dead ([John 5:28](/john/5-28 "John 5:28 - The Voice of the Son of God")). Furthermore, the promise that "the earth shined with his glory" is ultimately fulfilled in the global impact of the Gospel, as the light of Christ spreads to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")), and will culminate in the New Jerusalem, where the glory of God Himself is its light, and the Lamb is its lamp ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God is the Light of the New Jerusalem")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision of returning glory is not merely about a building, but about the living presence of God, fully realized in Christ, who brings light, life, and ultimate restoration to all creation.

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

Revelation 18:1

¶ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

Isaiah 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.

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.

Ezekiel 10:18

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

Ezekiel 10:19

And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

Ezekiel 10:4

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 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.