Ezekiel 43:2

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Ezekiel 43:2 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's vision of the new temple, signifying the triumphant return of God's presence to His dwelling place among His people.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel's extended vision of a new temple (chapters 40-48), given to him while in Babylonian exile. Earlier in his prophecy, Ezekiel witnessed the glory of the LORD departing the first temple due to Israel's idolatry and sin (Ezekiel 11:23). The return of God's glory in chapter 43, specifically from the east, directly parallels its departure and signifies divine restoration, renewal, and a future hope for Israel. This vision follows detailed descriptions of the temple's layout and measurements in Ezekiel 40, setting the stage for the re-inhabitation of the sacred space by God Himself.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Restoration: The central theme is the glorious return of God's presence (the Shekinah glory) to His sanctuary. This assures Israel that despite their exile and the destruction of the first temple, God's covenant faithfulness endures, and He will dwell among them once more. It's a powerful message of hope and future blessing.
  • Sovereignty and Majesty of God: The description of God's voice "like a noise of many waters" emphasizes His overwhelming power, authority, and majesty. This imagery evokes a sense of awe and immensity, portraying a God whose presence fills and transforms everything.
  • Global Impact of God's Glory: "And the earth shined with his glory" indicates that God's presence is not confined to the temple but has a transformative effect on the entire world. This foreshadows a time when the knowledge of God's glory will cover the earth (Habakkuk 2:14), suggesting a universal manifestation of His divine light and truth.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "glory" is kavod (כָּבוֹד), which literally means "heaviness" or "weight." In a theological context, it refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and honor. When God's kavod returns, it is a weighty, undeniable, and powerful display.
  • The phrase "voice like a noise of many waters" (קֹול כְּקֹול מַיִם רַבִּים - qol k'qol mayim rabbim) is used elsewhere in scripture to describe a mighty, thundering sound, often associated with divine power and authority. It suggests an overwhelming, majestic sound that cannot be ignored, much like the roar of a mighty waterfall or ocean waves. This imagery is also used to describe Christ's voice in Revelation 1:15 and the voice from heaven in Revelation 14:2.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel 43:2 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak or His presence feels distant. Just as His glory departed but then returned, so too can we trust in His restorative power in our lives and in the world. This verse encourages us to long for God's manifest presence, knowing that where His glory dwells, there is light, life, and transformation. It also points to the ultimate hope of a future where God's glory will fully encompass all creation, bringing about complete restoration and peace.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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