43:2

Ezekiel 43:3

43:4

And [it was] according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, [even] according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions [were] like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.

And it was according to the appearance {H4758} of the vision {H4758} which I saw {H7200}, even according to the vision {H4758} that I saw {H7200} when I came {H935} to destroy {H7843} the city {H5892}: and the visions {H4759} were like the vision {H4758} that I saw {H7200} by the river {H5104} Chebar {H3529}; and I fell {H5307} upon my face {H6440}.

The vision seemed like the vision I had seen when I came to destroy the city; also the visions were like the vision I had seen by the K'var River; and I fell on my face.

The vision I saw was like the vision I had seen when He came to destroy the city and like the visions I had seen by the River Kebar. I fell facedown,

And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city; and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.

Ezekiel 43:3 (KJV) describes the prophet Ezekiel’s profound experience of witnessing the glory of God returning to the newly revealed temple, a vision he explicitly connects to his earlier encounters with divine glory.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel’s extensive visions of a new, glorious temple (chapters 40-48), given to him during the Babylonian exile. It serves as a powerful echo and reversal of earlier visions. The prophet recalls the initial vision he saw by the river Chebar, where he first encountered the awesome glory of God and received his prophetic call. More significantly, he connects it to the terrifying vision he experienced when God’s glory departed from the temple just before the destruction of Jerusalem. Now, in chapter 43, Ezekiel witnesses the same glory, but this time it is returning, symbolizing God’s faithfulness and the promise of future restoration for Israel.

Key Themes

Several profound themes emerge from this verse:

  • The Return of God's Glory: The primary focus is the majestic return of God’s presence, often referred to in Hebrew as kavod, signifying His weighty splendor and honor. This return is a sign of hope and renewal after judgment.
  • Continuity of Divine Revelation: Ezekiel emphasizes that these visions are "like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar" and "when I came to destroy the city." This continuity assures the reader that God's actions are consistent and part of an overarching divine plan, linking past judgment with future restoration.
  • Reversal of Judgment: The departure of God's glory in Ezekiel 10 symbolized judgment and abandonment. Its return in Ezekiel 43 signifies the reversal of that judgment and the promise of God’s renewed presence among His people, offering a glimpse into a future of peace and fellowship.
  • Profound Reverence: Ezekiel's act of falling "upon my face" is a recurring response in the Bible to direct encounters with God’s overwhelming holiness and power. It demonstrates humility, awe, and submission before the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "according to the appearance of the vision" uses the Hebrew word mar'eh, which denotes not just a sight but a visible manifestation or spectacle. This emphasizes the tangible and overwhelming nature of what Ezekiel witnessed. The repeated phrase "the vision that I saw" underscores the authenticity and personal experience of the prophet, drawing a direct line between his past encounters with God's glory and this culminating vision of its return.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 43:3 offers enduring truths for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness in Restoration: Just as God promised to return His glory to Israel after a period of judgment, we can trust in His faithfulness to restore and renew, even after periods of hardship or spiritual desolation. His presence is our ultimate hope.
  • The Importance of God's Presence: The emphasis on God's glory returning highlights that His presence is what truly sanctifies and gives life to any spiritual endeavor or community. Our focus should always be on seeking and cherishing God’s manifest presence in our lives and churches.
  • Awe and Reverence: Ezekiel's response reminds us of the proper posture before God. When we truly grasp His majesty and holiness, our natural response should be one of profound awe, humility, and worship. This reverence cultivates a deeper relationship with the Almighty.
  • Continuity of God's Plan: Understanding that God's past actions and promises are consistent with His future plans provides assurance. We can look back at His faithfulness in scripture and history to inform our trust in His future work, including the ultimate promise of God dwelling with humanity in the new heavens and new earth.
Note: Commentary is generated by a large language model with a directive for Biblical fidelity. While we find the analysis helpful, always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 9:1

    ¶ He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man [with] his destroying weapon in his hand.

  • Ezekiel 9:5

    ¶ And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

  • Ezekiel 1:3

    The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 1:10

    See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

  • Ezekiel 3:23

    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.

  • Ezekiel 32:18

    Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, [even] her, and the daughters of the famous nations, unto the nether parts of the earth, with them that go down into the pit.

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