1 Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing east.
2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.
3 And it was like the appearance of the vision that I saw, like the vision that I saw when he came to destroy the city, and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the Chebar canal, and I fell on my face.
4 As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east,
5 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
6 And I heard him speaking to me out of the temple, and the man stood by me.
7 And he said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever.
8 by setting their threshold by my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them. They have defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed, so I have consumed them in my anger.
9 Now let them put away their whoring and the dead bodies of their kings far from me, and I will dwell in their midst forever.
10 “As for you, son of man, describe to the house of Israel the temple, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and they shall measure the plan.
11 And if they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the design of the temple, its arrangement, its exits and its entrances, its whole design, and all its regulations and all its laws, and write it down in their sight, so that they may observe all its laws and all its statutes and carry them out.
12 This is the law of the temple: the whole territory on the top of the mountain all around shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the temple.
13 And these are the measurements of the altar by cubits (the cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): its base shall be one cubit high and one cubit broad, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this shall be the height of the altar:
14 And from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a breadth of one cubit.
15 And the altar hearth shall be four cubits, and from the altar hearth shall project upwards four horns.
16 The altar hearth shall be square, twelve cubits long by twelve broad.
17 The ledge also shall be square, fourteen cubits long by fourteen broad, with a rim all around it of half a cubit, and its base one cubit all around. Its steps shall face east.”
18 And he said to me, “Son of man, thus says the Lord God: These are the ordinances for the altar: On the day when it is erected for offering burnt offerings upon it and for throwing blood against it,
19 You shall provide a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to the Lord daily; morning by morning you shall provide it.
20 You shall take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar and on the four corners of the ledge and upon the rim all around. Thus you shall purify the altar and make atonement for it.
21 you shall also take the bull of the sin offering, and it shall be burned in the appointed place belonging to the temple, outside the sacred area.
22 On the second day, you shall offer a male goat without blemish for a sin offering; and the altar shall be purified, as it was purified with the bull.
23 When you have finished purifying it, you shall offer a bull from the herd without blemish and a ram from the flock without blemish.
24 And you shall present them before the Lord, and the priests shall sprinkle salt on them and offer them up as a burnt offering to the Lord.
25 Seven days you shall provide daily a male goat for a sin offering; also, a bull from the herd and a ram from the flock, without blemish, shall be provided.
26 Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and cleanse it, and so consecrate it.
27 And when they have completed these days, then from the eighth day onward the priests shall offer on the altar your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, and I will accept you, declares the Lord God.”
The True Meaning of Ezekiel 43
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was among the first group of Israelites taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC. Ezekiel describes a vision he had of the future temple in Jerusalem, which would be rebuilt after the exile in this chapter.
This vision provides hope and encouragement to the Israelites who were living in a foreign land, separated from their homeland and the temple, which was the center of their worship. Ezekiel’s description of the temple’s grandeur and the return of God’s glory to dwell there foreshadows the restoration of the nation of Israel and their relationship with the Lord.
The chapter also emphasizes the importance of proper worship and obedience to God’s commands, as Ezekiel is given detailed instructions on the layout and regulations of the temple. This echoes the teachings of other prophets, such as Isaiah, who called the people to repentance and a renewed commitment to following God’s ways. Ezekiel’s vision reminds the Israelites of the holiness of God and the need to approach Him with reverence and humility as they look forward to the day when they can return to their land and rebuild the temple.
Ezekiel 43:1-5
The prophet Ezekiel describes a profound vision of the glory of God returning to the temple in Ezekiel 43:1-5. Each section of these verses carries significant meaning. Ezekiel sees the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east in the opening verse. The east was traditionally seen as the direction of divine revelation and new beginnings. This imagery of God’s glory returning to the temple symbolizes the restoration of His presence among His people. It is a powerful reminder that God is faithful to His promises and will not abandon His people forever. This event demonstrates that even in times of exile and darkness, God’s presence can return and bring about renewal.
The mention of the sound of the Almighty Voice is significant. This voice is a symbol of divine authority and power, underscoring the magnitude of the moment Ezekiel is witnessing. The voice is like the roar of many waters, indicating its overwhelming nature. This imagery echoes similar descriptions of God’s voice throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 29:3-4, emphasizing the awe-inspiring and majestic nature of God’s presence. Ezekiel falls facedown in response to the vision, highlighting his humility and reverence before the Lord. This act also reflects the proper response of recognizing the holiness and sovereignty of God. It is a reminder for readers to approach God with humility and reverence, acknowledging His greatness and authority over all things. This moment serves as a powerful demonstration of Ezekiel’s devotion and submission to God’s will.
The declaration that the glory of the Lord filled the temple signifies the completion of the vision and the manifestation of God’s presence among His people. The temple, as the dwelling place of God on earth, is now once again filled with His glory. This event foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption and restoration, where His glory will dwell among His people in a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:3). Ezekiel 43:1-5 captures a pivotal moment in the prophet’s vision, depicting the return of God’s glory to the temple and signaling a time of renewal and restoration for His people. This passage conveys themes of divine presence, authority, humility, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. It serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of revering His holiness in all aspects of our lives.
Ezekiel 43:6-9
Several important sections in Ezekiel 43:6-9 can be highlighted for in-depth commentary.
Firstly, in verse 6, the prophet Ezekiel speaks of the glory of the Lord filling the temple. This is a powerful moment symbolizing the return of God’s presence to His people after it had departed due to their disobedience and sin. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, we see the theme of God’s glory departing from the temple because of the wickedness of the people, but here in this verse, we witness the restoration of God’s glory. This restoration signifies God’s mercy, forgiveness, and faithfulness to His covenant with His people.
Secondly, in verse 7, the text mentions the importance of the temple gates. The gates were significant in the Israelite culture as they were not only points of entry and exit but also places of judgment and decision-making. The mention of the temple gates in this verse reminds us of the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and respect. This underscores the idea that worship should be conducted with a sense of awe and reverence for the Lord.
Moving on to verse 8, we see the commandment for the people of Israel to set their hearts on the pattern of the temple and its design. This serves as a reminder for the Israelites to follow God’s instructions carefully and to pay attention to detail in their worship practices. It reflects the importance of obedience and sincerity in worshipping God. God is providing specific details for the reconstruction of the temple in Ezekiel 43, emphasizing the significance of following His prescribed ways.
Lastly, in verse 9, the text mentions the abominations that the people of Israel had committed, causing God to distance Himself from them. This confession of sin and the consequences of disobedience serve as a warning to the Israelites and to all readers of the Bible. It teaches us about the importance of repentance, acknowledging our sins, and turning back to God. The people of Israel strayed from God’s ways, which led to the desecration of the temple and the departure of God’s glory. This serves as a reminder for us to remain faithful to God and to seek forgiveness when we fall short. Ezekiel 43:6-9 is a passage rich in symbolism and significance, reminding us of God’s mercy, the importance of worshiping Him with reverence, the need for obedience to His commands, and the consequences of sin. It underscores the timeless message of God’s faithfulness, the call to repentance, and the promise of restoration for those who turn back to Him.
Ezekiel 43:10-12
The verses in Ezekiel 43:10-12 instruct the son of man to describe the temple to the people of Israel so that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them consider its perfection, and if they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple — its arrangement, its exits and entrances — its whole design and all its regulations and laws. Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations.”
Here, God instructs Ezekiel to describe the layout and regulations of the temple to the people of Israel. The temple is not just a physical structure but held deep spiritual significance for the Israelites. The people were meant to reflect on their sins and the ways in which they had strayed from God’s commands by understanding its perfection and all its laws. This was a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s will.
The temple was a central place of worship and sacrifice in Israelite religious life, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. God was emphasizing the importance of holiness, reverence, and obedience to His commands by detailing the design, regulations, and laws of the temple. The intricate details of the temple highlighted the necessity of order, organization, and adherence to God’s standards. God’s glory resided in the temple in the Old Testament, and it was a place for the Israelites to offer sacrifices, seek forgiveness, and worship the Lord. Through the temple, God established a way for His people to approach Him and be in relationship with Him. This passage underscores the significance of the temple as a symbol of God’s holiness and the necessity for His people to be faithful and obedient.
This call to faithfulness and obedience echoes throughout the Bible. The apostle Paul in the New Testament describes the believers as the temple of God, where the Holy Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16). Christians are called to honor and respect their bodies as the dwelling place of God’s Spirit, just as the Israelites were to honor and respect the physical temple. This passage reminds us of the importance of living in accordance with God’s will and being faithful to His design for our lives.
Ezekiel 43:13-17
God instructs Ezekiel to build the altar detailed in Ezekiel 43:13-17. Let’s break this down into important sections and analyze each part.
Firstly, the verse states, “And these are the measurements of the altar in cubits (the cubit is a cubit and a handbreadth): the base one cubit high and one cubit broad, with a rim of one span around its edge.” Here, we see a description of the foundation of the altar. The altar is a crucial element in biblical times, where sacrifices were offered to God as a form of worship and atonement for sins. The specific measurements and design of the altar symbolize order, structure, and reverence towards God. The attention to detail in these measurements highlights the importance of honoring God through precise and intentional worship.
Next, the verse continues, “And this is the height of the altar: from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a breadth of one cubit.” The altar is depicted as having multiple levels or ledges, each with its own measurement. These different levels may symbolize the idea of progression in worship or the different stages of spiritual growth. Believers are called to draw nearer to God in their spiritual journeys, just as they ascend the altar to bring sacrifices closer to God.
Further on, the verse states, “The altar hearth is four cubits high, with four horns extending upward from the hearth.” The horns on the altar were a place where the blood of sacrifices was often applied in various rituals. They symbolize power, strength, and protection. The horns of the altar in biblical times were also a place of refuge for those seeking mercy and forgiveness. This imagery of the horns on the altar serves as a reminder of God’s mercy and willingness to forgive those who seek him earnestly.
Lastly, Ezekiel 43:17 concludes, “The ledge also shall be square, fourteen cubits long and fourteen cubits broad, with a rim around it half a cubit broad, and its base one cubit all around. The steps of the altar shall face east.” The altar facing east may hold significance as the direction of the rising sun, symbolizing a new beginning or a fresh start. The square shape of the ledge signifies stability and balance, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in one’s worship and relationship with God. The detailed instructions for the construction of the altar in Ezekiel 43:13-17 represent the reverence, structure, and order that should be present in the worship of God. This passage emphasizes the importance of intentional and sincere worship, as well as the symbolism behind each element of the altar’s design. It encourages believers to approach God with respect, humility, and a desire to draw closer to Him in their spiritual journeys. The altar described in Ezekiel serves as a reminder of the centrality of worship in the lives of believers and the significance of approaching God with awe and reverence.
Ezekiel 43:18-21
God gave Ezekiel instructions regarding the altar in Ezekiel 43:18-21. Let’s break down this passage into key sections and explore their significance:
- “Then He said to me, ‘Son of man, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: These will be the regulations for sacrificing burnt offerings and splashing blood against the altar when it is built: You are to give a young bull as a sin offering to the Levitical priests of the family of Zadok, who come near to minister before me, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”
Here, we see God instructing Ezekiel on the proper procedures for offering sacrifices and splashing blood against the altar. The mention of the Levitical priests of the family of Zadok is significant. The Zadokites were a group of priests descended from Zadok, who was a high priest during the reign of King Solomon. They were known for their faithfulness and loyalty to God. The fact that the sacrifices were to be given specifically to this group of priests emphasizes the importance of obedience and adherence to God’s chosen servants in matters of worship and sacrifice.
- “You are to take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar and on the four corners of the upper ledge and all around the rim, and so purify the altar and make atonement for it.”
The act of putting blood on the horns of the altar was a symbolic way of purifying and consecrating it for sacred use. Blood was seen as a powerful symbol of atonement and forgiveness of sins in the Old Testament. The use of blood in sacrifices was essential for the Israelites to seek forgiveness and restore their relationship with God. This ritual of purifying the altar with blood was a visible reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.
- “You are to take the bull for the sin offering and burn it in the designated part of the temple area outside the sanctuary.”
The burning of the sin offering outside the sanctuary was a symbolic act of removing sin and impurity from the sacred space. The sin offering was a way for the Israelites to acknowledge their sins and seek reconciliation with God. They signified the separation of sin from the holy place where God dwelt by burning the sin offering outside the sanctuary. This separation was crucial in maintaining the purity and sanctity of the temple. Ezekiel 43:18-21 provides insight into the importance of proper worship and atonement in the sight of God. The detailed instructions for sacrifices and rituals emphasize the need for obedience, repentance, and purification in approaching the divine. This passage serves as a reminder of the significance of rituals in expressing devotion and seeking forgiveness, as well as the symbolism of blood in the context of atonement. The overarching timeless message here is the importance of approaching God with humility, reverence, and a contrite heart in all aspects of worship and offerings.
Ezekiel 43:22-27
Ezekiel is witnessing a detailed description of the consecration of the altar in the temple vision in Ezekiel 43:22-27. Let’s break down these verses to gain a deeper understanding of their significance.
Verse 22 initiates the consecration process by instructing sacrifices to be offered on the altar for seven days. The significance of this length of time reflects the idea of completeness or perfection in biblical numerology. It symbolizes the thoroughness of the consecration process, emphasizing the importance of being fully dedicated to God’s service. This mirrors the dedication required of believers in their worship and service to God. It reminds us that our commitment should be wholehearted and lasting, not fleeting or superficial.
Continuing to verse 23, we see the detailed instructions for the sacrificial offerings that are to be made each day during the consecration period: a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. These sacrifices were crucial in the Old Testament for atonement and reconciliation with God. The sin offering symbolized the removal of sin and the burnt offering symbolized total surrender and dedication to God. These sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered himself once and for all for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 10:10). We encounter the actions of sprinkling blood on the altar and anointing it to consecrate it in verses 24 and 25. The sprinkling of blood was a common practice in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, signifying purification and the covering of sin. The anointing oil was used to set apart and dedicate the altar to God’s service. These actions underline the importance of holiness and purity in approaching God. They remind us that our worship should be marked by reverence and a sense of awe, recognizing God’s holiness and our need for redemption.
Finally, in verses 26 and 27, we observe the affirmation of God’s presence in the consecrated altar: “I will make the temple and the altar holy.” This declaration signifies God’s sanctifying presence among His people. It emphasizes the idea that true consecration comes from God Himself, who sanctifies His chosen ones for His divine purposes. It echoes similar promises throughout the Bible, such as God’s presence in the tabernacle (Exodus 29:43-46) and the dedication of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10-11), highlighting the continuity of God’s presence and work in the lives of His people. Ezekiel 43:22-27 depicts the sacred process of consecrating the altar in the temple vision, emphasizing the themes of dedication, sacrifice, purification, and divine presence. These verses point to the overarching message of the Bible: the need for true worship and devotion to God, the atoning work of Christ, and the sanctifying power of God’s presence in the lives of believers. May these verses inspire us to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God as we reflect on them (Romans 12:1).
After Ezekiel 43
The Lord’s glory had returned to the temple, filling the house with its radiance. Ezekiel marveled at the sight, his heart swelling with reverence. The voice of the Lord spoke to him once more as he stood in awe, revealing the sacred ordinances and rituals that were to be observed within these hallowed walls. The prophet listened intently, for he knew that the instructions he received would guide the people in their worship and devotion to the Almighty. With a renewed sense of purpose, Ezekiel prepared to share the Lord’s message, eager to see the temple restored to its former glory and the people’s hearts turned back to their God.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.