Ezekiel 43:4

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

And the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} came {H935} into the house {H1004} by the way {H1870} of the gate {H8179} whose prospect {H6440} is toward {H1870} the east {H6921}.

ADONAI's glory entered the house through the gate facing east.

and the glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east.

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

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 43:4 is part of Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a new temple and restored Israel, described in chapters 40-48. This vision occurs after the destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem and the exile of the Israelites to Babylon. The earlier chapters of Ezekiel recount the departure of the glory of the LORD from the first temple (Ezekiel 10:18-19, 11:23) due to the people's idolatry and sin. This verse marks a dramatic and hopeful turning point in the vision, signifying the return of God's presence to His sanctuary.

Key Themes

  • The Return of God's Glory: The central theme is the re-entry of the visible manifestation of God's presence and power into the temple. This is a sign of restoration, forgiveness, and God's renewed commitment to dwell with His people. It contrasts sharply with the departure described earlier in the book.
  • The Significance of the East Gate: The fact that the glory returns through the gate facing east is highly symbolic. It was through this same gate that the glory had departed. Its use for the return signifies a complete reversal of the past judgment and a triumphant re-establishment of God's dwelling place. This gate holds special significance in later parts of this vision, notably being shut and reserved (Ezekiel 44:1-3).
  • Divine Presence and Restoration: The vision emphasizes God's desire to be present with His people. The return of the glory signifies the culmination of the restoration described throughout Ezekiel, promising a future where God resides among a sanctified community in a holy place.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "glory" is the Hebrew word kabod (Χ›ΦΈΦΌΧ‘ΦΉΧ•Χ“). It literally means "weight" or "heaviness," but in a theological context, it refers to the tangible, awe-inspiring presence, majesty, and honor of God. It's the visible manifestation of His being.

Reflection and Application

While Ezekiel's temple vision has various interpretations regarding its literal or symbolic fulfillment, the core message of God's desire for and promise of His presence is profound. For believers today, this finds its ultimate fulfillment not in a physical building, but first in Jesus Christ, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), and then in the church and individual believers who are called the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This verse reminds us that God's presence is the most valuable treasure and the source of life and holiness for His people, a promise that gives hope even in times of desolation.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 44:2 (3 votes)

    Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.

  • Ezekiel 10:18 (3 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 10:19 (3 votes)

    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 43:2 (2 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.