# Overview Ezekiel Chapter 43 marks a significant moment in the prophetic vision of #Ezekiel as he witnesses the return of the glory of the #LORD to the #Temple. This event is monumental, as the glory had previously departed from the Temple due to the people's unfaithfulness, as described earlier in the book (Ezekiel 10). The vision begins with Ezekiel observing the glory of the God of #Israel coming from the east, accompanied by a sound like the roar of rushing waters. The earth is illuminated by His glory, symbolizing the restoration of God's presence among His people. As the glory of the LORD enters the Temple through the east gate, Ezekiel is transported by the Spirit into the inner court, where he sees the glory of the LORD filling the Temple. This return signifies God's renewed covenant relationship with Israel and His promise to dwell among them forever, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of the Temple. In the latter part of the chapter, the focus shifts to the regulations concerning the altar of burnt offering. The #LORD provides Ezekiel with specific instructions for its construction and consecration, ensuring that it meets the standards of holiness required for proper worship. The detailed description of the altar and its consecration process underscores the importance of ritual purity and obedience to God's commands. These instructions serve as a reminder to the Israelites of the necessity of holiness in their worship and daily lives. The chapter concludes with a promise that, if the people remain faithful and adhere to God's statutes, He will dwell among them forever, reaffirming His commitment to be their God and they His people. This chapter highlights the themes of restoration, holiness, and the abiding presence of God, which are central to Ezekiel's prophetic message. ## Theological Insights Ezekiel 43 presents a profound vision of the return of the #glory of the #LORD to the #Temple, symbolizing the restoration of God's presence among His people, #Israel. This chapter is pivotal in understanding the reestablishment of the divine-human relationship, which had been fractured due to #Israel's sin and subsequent exile. ### The Return of God's Glory The re-entry of the glory of the LORD into the Temple (Ezekiel 43:1-5) signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people, as seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25|Exodus 25:8]], where God instructed the building of a sanctuary so that He may dwell among them. This vision of restoration echoes the initial departure of God's glory in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 10|Ezekiel 10]], where the glory left the Temple due to the idolatry and abominations committed by the Israelites. The return of God's glory marks a new beginning and a renewal of the covenant relationship. ### The Holiness of God The emphasis on the holiness of God is paramount in this chapter, particularly in the detailed instructions for the altar (Ezekiel 43:13-27). The meticulous design and the consecration of the altar underscore the necessity of purity and reverence in worship. The holiness of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 19|Leviticus 19:2]], which calls for the people to be holy because God is holy. This call to holiness challenges the Israelites to uphold the sanctity of the Temple and their worship practices. ### Atonement and Sacrifice The instructions for the altar highlight the importance of atonement and sacrifice (Ezekiel 43:18-27). The offerings serve as a means for the people to reconcile with God and purify themselves from sin. The sacrificial system is a critical component of the Old Testament, as seen in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 16|Leviticus 16]], where the Day of Atonement is instituted. These sacrifices prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who, as the Lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling and superseding the Old Testament sacrificial system (see [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:29]]). ### The Promise of Restoration Ezekiel 43 not only looks forward to the physical restoration of the Temple but also points to a deeper, spiritual renewal for the people of Israel. This vision is a promise of hope and restoration, reflecting God's unwavering faithfulness and commitment to His covenant people. The theme of restoration is echoed in other prophetic books, such as [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]], which speaks of a new covenant where God's law is written on the hearts of His people. Overall, Ezekiel 43 encapsulates the profound hope and assurance of God's presence, holiness, and the ultimate restoration of His people, which is fully realized in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. ## Thematic Connections ### The Return of God's Glory Ezekiel 43 marks the return of the #glory of the #LORD to the #temple, a powerful theme that resonates with the departure and return of God's presence throughout the Bible. The glory of God departing from the temple is previously described in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 10|Ezekiel 10]], and its return signifies God's renewed relationship with His people. This theme parallels the indwelling of the #HolySpirit in believers as described in the #NewTestament, particularly in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 3|1 Corinthians 3:16]], where Paul declares that believers are the temple of God. ### Holiness and the House of God The emphasis on the holiness of the temple underscores the theme of God's holiness and the requirement for His dwelling place to be pure. This theme is consistent with the instructions given for the construction of the tabernacle in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25|Exodus 25-31]] and the temple in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 6|1 Kings 6]]. The meticulous details in Ezekiel 43:10-12 highlight the standard of holiness that God demands, echoing the call for believers to be holy, as found in [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 1|1 Peter 1:15-16]]. ### Restoration and Renewal The chapter also foreshadows themes of restoration and renewal, as the return of God's glory indicates a new beginning for #Israel. This is a recurring theme throughout the prophets, where God promises to restore His people and renew their covenant relationship. Similar promises of restoration can be found in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]] with the New Covenant and in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 40|Isaiah 40]], which speaks of comfort and renewal for God's people. ### Sacrifice and Atonement The detailed instructions for the #altar and sacrifices in Ezekiel 43:18-27 emphasize the themes of sacrifice and atonement. This mirrors the sacrificial system established in the #Law, specifically in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 1|Leviticus 1-7]], which outlines various offerings for atonement. This theme finds its fulfillment in the #NewTestament with the ultimate sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world as described in [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:29]] and [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 10|Hebrews 10:10]]. ### God's Eternal Covenant Ezekiel 43 reaffirms God's eternal covenant with His people, a theme that is central to the entire biblical narrative. This is reminiscent of God's covenant with #Abraham in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 17|Genesis 17]], the Davidic covenant in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 7|2 Samuel 7]], and the promise of a new covenant in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]]. The establishment of God's eternal dwelling among His people points to the ultimate fulfillment of His covenant promises in the #NewJerusalem described in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21|Revelation 21]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Return of God's Glory In [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 43]], the prophet #Ezekiel witnesses the return of the glory of the Lord to the temple, a fulfillment of earlier prophecies concerning the restoration of #Israel. This event is a significant reversal of the vision in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 10]], where the glory of the Lord departs from the temple due to Israel's unfaithfulness. The return of God's glory signifies not only the physical restoration of the temple but also God's renewed presence among His people, echoing the promises found in passages such as [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 60|Isaiah 60:1-3]] and [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 2|Zechariah 2:10-11]], where God's presence is a source of light and blessing. ### The Promise of a New Covenant The vision of the new temple in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 43]] can also be seen as a precursor to the promise of a new covenant, as outlined in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31:31-34]] and [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 36|Ezekiel 36:26-28]]. The return of God's glory is a tangible manifestation of this new relationship between God and His people, characterized by a transformed heart and a direct, unmediated relationship with God. This fulfillment is ultimately realized in the New Testament through the life and work of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who inaugurates the new covenant through His death and resurrection, establishing a direct and eternal connection between God and humanity. ### The Establishment of God's Eternal Kingdom Ezekiel's vision of the temple and the return of God's glory also points to the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This is in line with the prophetic visions of an everlasting dominion seen in passages like [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7|Daniel 7:13-14]], where the Son of Man is given authority, glory, and a kingdom that will never pass away. The depiction of a restored temple serves as a symbol of God's unending presence and reign, a theme that finds its culmination in the New Testament's portrayal of the New Jerusalem in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21|Revelation 21]], where God dwells with His people forever. ### The Role of the Messianic Prince In [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 43]], the mention of ordinances and the role of the prince in the temple service points to the Messianic expectations surrounding the future leadership of Israel. This aligns with the prophecies regarding a coming ruler from the line of #David, who will shepherd God's people with justice and righteousness, as seen in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 34|Ezekiel 34:23-24]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 9|Isaiah 9:6-7]]. The prince's role in the temple highlights the integration of spiritual leadership with the fulfillment of God's promises concerning a restored and righteous governance under the Messiah's reign. ## Verses - **Ezekiel 43:1** - "After this, the man brought me back around to the east gateway." - **Ezekiel 43:2** - "Suddenly, the glory of the God of #Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory." - **Ezekiel 43:3** - "This vision was just like the others I had seen, first by the #Kebar River and then when he came to destroy #Jerusalem. I fell face down on the ground." - See also [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 1]], [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 10]] - **Ezekiel 43:4** - "And the glory of the Lord came into the Temple through the east gateway." - **Ezekiel 43:5** - "Then the Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner courtyard, and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple." - See also [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8]] - **Ezekiel 43:6** - "And I heard someone speaking to me from within the Temple, while the man who had been measuring stood beside me." - **Ezekiel 43:7** - "The Lord said to me, 'Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place where I will rest my feet. I will live here forever among the people of Israel. They and their kings will not defile my holy name any longer by their adulterous worship of other gods or by honoring the relics of their kings who have died.'" - See also [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 66]], [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 21]] - **Ezekiel 43:8** - "'They put their idol altars right next to mine with only a wall between them and me. They defiled my holy name by such detestable sin, so I consumed them in my anger.'" - **Ezekiel 43:9** - "'Now let them stop worshiping other gods and honoring the relics of their kings, and I will live among them forever.'" - **Ezekiel 43:10** - "Son of man, describe to the people of Israel the Temple I have shown you, so they will be ashamed of all their sins. Let them study its plan," - **Ezekiel 43:11** - "and they will be ashamed of what they have done. Describe to them all the specifications of the Temple—including its entrances and exits—and everything else about it. Tell them about its decrees and laws. Write down all these specifications and decrees as they watch, so they will be sure to remember and follow them." - **Ezekiel 43:12** - "And this is the basic law of the Temple: absolute holiness! The entire top of the mountain where the Temple is built is holy. Yes, this is the basic law of the Temple." - **Ezekiel 43:13** - "These are the measurements of the altar: There is a gutter all around the altar 21 inches deep and 21 inches wide, with a curb 9 inches wide around its edge. And this is the height of the altar:" - **Ezekiel 43:14** - "From the gutter, the altar rises 3½ feet to a lower ledge that surrounds the altar and is 21 inches wide. From the lower ledge, the altar rises 7 feet to the upper ledge that is also 21 inches wide." - **Ezekiel 43:15** - "The top of the altar, the hearth, rises another 7 feet higher, with a horn rising up from each of the four corners." - **Ezekiel 43:16** - "The top of the altar is square, measuring 21 feet by 21 feet." - **Ezekiel 43:17** - "The upper ledge also forms a square, measuring 24½ feet by 24½ feet, with a 21-inch gutter and a 10½-inch curb all around the edge. There are steps going up the east side of the altar." - **Ezekiel 43:18** - "Then he said to me, 'Son of man, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: These will be the regulations for the burning of offerings and the sprinkling of blood when the altar is built.'" - **Ezekiel 43:19** - "'At that time, the Levitical priests of the family of #Zadok, who minister before me, are to be given a young bull for a sin offering, says the Sovereign Lord.'" - See also [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 2]] - **Ezekiel 43:20** - "'You will take some of its blood and smear it on the four horns of the altar, the four corners of the upper ledge, and the curb that runs around that ledge. This will purify the altar and make it holy.'" - **Ezekiel 43:21** - "Then take the young bull for the sin offering and burn it at the appointed place outside the Temple area." - See also [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 4]] - **Ezekiel 43:22** - "'On the second day, sacrifice as a sin offering a young male goat that has no physical defects. Then the altar will be purified, as it was with the bull.'" - **Ezekiel 43:23** - "'When you have finished the cleansing ceremony, offer another young bull that has no defects and a perfect ram from the flock.'" - **Ezekiel 43:24** - "'You are to present them to the Lord, and the priests are to sprinkle salt on them and offer them as a burnt offering to the Lord.'" - See also [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 2]] - **Ezekiel 43:25** - "'Every day for seven days a male goat, a young bull, and a ram from the flock will be sacrificed as a sin offering. None of these animals may have physical defects of any kind.'" - **Ezekiel 43:26** - "'Do this each day for seven days to cleanse and make the altar holy. Then on the eighth day and on each day afterward, the priests will sacrifice on the altar the burnt offerings and peace offerings of the people. Then I will accept you. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!'" - See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 29]], [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 8]]