Ezekiel 8:4

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

And, behold, the glory {H3519} of the God {H430} of Israel {H3478} was there, according to the vision {H4758} that I saw {H7200} in the plain {H1237}.

There before me was the glory of the God of Isra'el, as in the vision I had seen in the valley.

And there I saw the glory of the God of Israel, like the vision I had seen in the plain.

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the appearance that I saw in the plain.

Ezekiel 8:4 is a pivotal verse within a profound prophetic vision, marking a significant moment in the prophet Ezekiel's encounter with the divine. The KJV text states, "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain." This verse immediately establishes the divine presence and power at the heart of the unfolding revelation.

Context

This verse is part of a series of visions Ezekiel received while in Babylonian exile, living among the Jewish captives by the Kebar River. In Ezekiel 8, God transports the prophet in a spiritual vision from Babylon to Jerusalem, specifically to the temple precincts. The phrase "the glory of the God of Israel [was] there" signifies the immediate manifestation of God's active presence within the temple, even as it was being desecrated by idolatry. This vision sets the stage for God to reveal the abominations taking place within His holy house, which ultimately led to the departure of His glory from the temple.

The reference "according to the vision that I saw in the plain" directly links this current experience to Ezekiel's initial, powerful commissioning vision near the Kebar River, described in Ezekiel 1 and specifically the appearance of the glory in the plain in Ezekiel 3:23. This continuity underscores the authenticity and consistency of God's communication with His prophet.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Sovereignty: The verse emphasizes that God's glory, His majestic presence, was fully manifest and active in Jerusalem, despite the city's spiritual decay and the people's exile. This highlights His unwavering sovereignty over His people and their land.
  • Continuity of Revelation: By connecting to previous visions, Ezekiel 8:4 assures the reader that God's message and manifestations to Ezekiel are consistent and part of a continuous divine narrative.
  • Setting the Stage for Judgment: The presence of God's glory in a place soon to be revealed as filled with idolatry creates a stark contrast, foreshadowing the divine judgment and the eventual departure of that glory.

Linguistic Insights

The term "glory" (Hebrew: kavod) in this context refers to the weighty, visible manifestation of God's presence, often associated with a brilliant light or cloud. It signifies His inherent majesty, honor, and power. The phrase "God of Israel" stresses His unique covenant relationship with His chosen people, even as they were failing to uphold their end of the covenant.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 8:4 reminds us that God's presence is not confined by human actions or physical locations. Even in times of spiritual decline or personal hardship, God remains sovereign and present. His glory is a testament to His faithfulness, but also to His holiness, which will ultimately bring accountability for sin. For believers today, this verse can serve as a reminder that the Spirit of God dwells within us, making us temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This presence demands reverence and a commitment to holiness, just as God's glory demanded purity in the ancient temple.

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.

  • Ezekiel 3:22

    ¶ And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:18

    But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord.

  • Hebrews 1:3

    Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

  • 2 Corinthians 4:4

    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

  • Ezekiel 1:26

    ¶ And above the firmament that [was] over their heads [was] the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne [was] the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.

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