Ezekiel 43
BSB1 Then the man brought me back to the gate that faces east, 2 and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory. 3 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, 4 and the glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east. 5 Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 6 While the man was standing beside me, I heard someone speaking to me from inside the temple, 7 and He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the Israelites forever. The house of Israel will never again defile My holy name—neither they nor their kings—by their prostitution and by the funeral offerings for their kings at their deaths. 8 When they placed their threshold next to My threshold and their doorposts beside My doorposts, with only a wall between Me and them, they defiled My holy name by the abominations they committed. Therefore I have consumed them in My anger. 9 Now let them remove far from Me their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings, and I will dwell among them forever. 10 As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. Let them measure the plan, 11 and if they are ashamed of all they have done, then make known to them the design of the temple—its arrangement and its exits and entrances—its whole design along with all its statutes, forms, and laws. Write it down in their sight, so that they may keep its complete design and all its statutes and may carry them out. 12 This is the law of the temple: All its surrounding territory on top of the mountain will be most holy. Yes, this is the law of the temple. 13 These are the measurements of the altar in long cubits (a cubit and a handbreadth): Its gutter shall be a cubit deep and a cubit wide, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this is the height of the altar: 14 The space from the gutter on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. The space from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge shall be four cubits, and the ledge one cubit wide. 15 The altar hearth shall be four cubits high, and four horns shall project upward from the hearth. 16 The altar hearth shall be square at its four corners, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide. 17 The ledge shall also be square, fourteen cubits long and fourteen cubits wide, with a rim of half a cubit and a gutter of a cubit all around it. The steps of the altar shall face east." 18 Then He said to me: “Son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘These are the statutes for the altar on the day it is constructed, so that burnt offerings may be sacrificed on it and blood may be sprinkled on it: 19 You are to give a young bull from the herd as a sin offering to the Levitical priests who are of the family of Zadok, who approach Me to minister before Me, declares the Lord GOD. 20 You are to take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar, on the four corners of the ledge, and all around the rim; thus you will cleanse the altar and make atonement for it. 21 Then you are to take away the bull for the sin offering and burn it in the appointed part of the temple area outside the sanctuary. 22 On the second day you are to present an unblemished male goat as a sin offering, and the altar is to be cleansed as it was with the bull. 23 When you have finished the purification, you are to present a young, unblemished bull and an unblemished ram from the flock. 24 You must present them before the LORD; the priests are to sprinkle salt on them and sacrifice them as a burnt offering to the LORD. 25 For seven days you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both unblemished. 26 For seven days the priests are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it; so they shall consecrate it. 27 At the end of these days, from the eighth day on, the priests are to present your burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar. Then I will accept you, declares the Lord GOD.’"
Study Notes — Ezekiel 43
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezekiel 43
- Themes from Ezekiel 43
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Ezekiel 43
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel 43 begins with the prophet's vision of the glory of God returning to the temple, which had been absent since Ezekiel 10. The Lord's voice is heard, and the prophet is instructed to observe and report all that he sees. The chapter then describes the altar of burnt offering, the ordinances for the priests, and the prince's role in the worship of the temple. The emphasis is on the importance of proper worship, the need for holiness, and the restoration of Israel's spiritual life. Key verses, such as Ezekiel 43:1-5, highlight the return of God's glory, while verses like Ezekiel 43:18-27 provide details on the consecration of the altar and the ordinances for the priests.
Context for the Chapter
Ezekiel 43 is part of a larger vision that begins in Ezekiel 40, where the prophet is given a tour of the future temple. The chapter is set in the context of Israel's restoration, which is a major theme in the book of Ezekiel. The return of God's glory to the temple serves as a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people. The chapter also looks forward to the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, who is the fulfillment of God's presence among His people.
Heart Application
The chapter challenges readers to prioritize proper worship and to seek holiness in their lives. As believers, we are called to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ. The chapter also reminds us of the importance of the Spirit's presence in our lives, empowering us for worship and service.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ezekiel 43 describes the return of God's glory to the temple, which is a pivotal moment in Israel's restoration. The chapter emphasizes the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness, highlighting the role of the Spirit in empowering the prophet for his ministry. As believers, we are called to prioritize proper worship and to seek holiness in our lives, remembering that we are a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 43:1-5).
Voices from the Church
“The glory of God is the ultimate goal of all creation, and it is the believer's privilege to behold that glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The temple was a symbol of God's presence among His people, and the return of God's glory to the temple is a reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Return of God's Glory (43:1-5) — The chapter begins with the return of God's glory to the temple, which is a pivotal moment in Israel's restoration. The presence of God's glory signifies His approval and blessing, and it serves as a reminder of His covenant faithfulness.
- The Altar of Burnt Offering (43:13-17) — The altar of burnt offering is described in detail, highlighting the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. The ordinances for the priests serve as reminders of the importance of proper worship.
- The Ordinances for the Priests (43:18-27) — The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness among those who serve as mediators between God and His people. The prince's role in worship serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and the need for those in positions of authority to model proper worship and obedience to God's commands.
- The Prince's Role in Worship (43:18-27) — The prince's role in worship emphasizes the importance of leadership and the need for those in positions of authority to model proper worship and obedience to God's commands. The prince's participation in worship serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the need for leaders to prioritize proper worship.
- Conclusion (43:1-27) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. The return of God's glory to the temple serves as a reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
Core Doctrines
- The Glory of God
- The chapter highlights the importance of the glory of God, which is the ultimate goal of all creation. The return of God's glory to the temple serves as a reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
- Proper Worship
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of proper worship, highlighting the need for holiness and obedience to God's commands. The ordinances for the priests and the prince's role in worship serve as reminders of the importance of proper worship.
- The Role of the Spirit
- The Spirit plays a significant role in the chapter, empowering the prophet for his ministry and facilitating the return of God's glory to the temple. The Spirit's presence is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
- The Importance of Leadership
- The prince's role in worship emphasizes the importance of leadership and the need for those in positions of authority to model proper worship and obedience to God's commands. The prince's participation in worship serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the need for leaders to prioritize proper worship.
Lessons from Ezekiel 43
- The Importance of Proper Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of proper worship, highlighting the need for holiness and obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to prioritize proper worship and to seek holiness in our lives.
- The Role of the Spirit — The Spirit plays a significant role in the chapter, empowering the prophet for his ministry and facilitating the return of God's glory to the temple. The Spirit's presence is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
- The Importance of Leadership — The prince's role in worship emphasizes the importance of leadership and the need for those in positions of authority to model proper worship and obedience to God's commands. The prince's participation in worship serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the need for leaders to prioritize proper worship.
- The Ultimate Goal of All Creation — The chapter highlights the importance of the glory of God, which is the ultimate goal of all creation. The return of God's glory to the temple serves as a reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
- The Need for Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the need for holiness in approaching God, highlighting the importance of proper worship and obedience to God's commands. As believers, we are called to prioritize proper worship and to seek holiness in our lives.
Themes from Ezekiel 43
- Restoration — The chapter is part of a larger vision of restoration, which is a major theme in the book of Ezekiel. The return of God's glory to the temple serves as a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
- Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of proper worship, highlighting the need for holiness and obedience to God's commands. The ordinances for the priests and the prince's role in worship serve as reminders of the importance of proper worship.
- The Glory of God — The chapter highlights the importance of the glory of God, which is the ultimate goal of all creation. The return of God's glory to the temple serves as a reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
- The Role of the Spirit — The Spirit plays a significant role in the chapter, empowering the prophet for his ministry and facilitating the return of God's glory to the temple. The Spirit's presence is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.
- Leadership — The prince's role in worship emphasizes the importance of leadership and the need for those in positions of authority to model proper worship and obedience to God's commands. The prince's participation in worship serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the need for leaders to prioritize proper worship.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the return of God's glory to the temple in Ezekiel 43?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of proper worship?
- What is the role of the Spirit in the chapter?
- How does the prince's role in worship serve as a reminder of the importance of leadership?
- What is the ultimate goal of all creation, according to the chapter?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Return of God's Glory (43:1-5)
| 43:1 | The chapter begins with the return of God's glory to the temple, which is a pivotal moment in Israel's restoration. The presence of God's glory signifies His approval and blessing, and it serves as a reminder of His covenant faithfulness. |
| 43:2 | The voice of the Lord is heard, and the prophet is instructed to observe and report all that he sees. The voice of the Lord is a reminder of His sovereignty and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people. |
| 43:3 | The prophet is struck by the appearance of the glory of the Lord, which is similar to what he saw by the Chebar Canal. The glory of the Lord is a reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people. |
| 43:4 | The glory of the Lord fills the temple, and the prophet is instructed to observe and report all that he sees. The presence of God's glory serves as a reminder of His approval and blessing. |
| 43:5 | The Spirit lifts up the prophet and brings him into the inner court, where he sees the glory of the Lord filling the house. The Spirit's presence is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people. |
2. The Altar of Burnt Offering (43:13-17)
| 43:13 | The altar of burnt offering is described in detail, highlighting the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. The ordinances for the priests serve as reminders of the importance of proper worship. |
| 43:14 | The altar is to be used for burnt offerings and sin offerings, which are essential for atonement and forgiveness. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 43:15 | The altar is to be consecrated, and the priests are to be ordained to serve at the altar. The consecration of the altar serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness and the need for proper worship. |
| 43:16 | The altar is to be square, with a horn at each corner. The design of the altar serves as a reminder of the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 43:17 | The altar is to be used for burnt offerings and sin offerings, which are essential for atonement and forgiveness. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
3. The Ordinances for the Priests (43:18-27)
| 43:18 | The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness among those who serve as mediators between God and His people. The prince's role in worship serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and the need for those in positions of authority to model proper worship and obedience to God's commands. |
| 43:19 | The priests are to be given a young bull as a sin offering, which is essential for atonement and forgiveness. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 43:20 | The priests are to put some of the blood on the horns of the altar and pour out the rest at the base of the altar. The consecration of the altar serves as a reminder of the importance of holiness and the need for proper worship. |
| 43:21 | The priests are to take the bull outside the sanctuary and burn it, which is a reminder of the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness among those who serve as mediators between God and His people. |
| 43:22 | The priests are to offer a goat as a sin offering, which is essential for atonement and forgiveness. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 43:23 | The priests are to offer a bull and a ram as burnt offerings, which are essential for atonement and forgiveness. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 43:24 | The priests are to offer the bull and the ram as burnt offerings, which are essential for atonement and forgiveness. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 43:25 | The priests are to offer the bull and the ram as burnt offerings for seven days, which is a reminder of the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness among those who serve as mediators between God and His people. |
| 43:26 | The priests are to offer the bull and the ram as burnt offerings for seven days, which is a reminder of the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 43:27 | The priests are to offer the bull and the ram as burnt offerings for seven days, which is a reminder of the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. The ordinances for the priests emphasize the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness among those who serve as mediators between God and His people. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the return of God's glory to the temple in Ezekiel 43?
The return of God's glory to the temple is a pivotal moment in Israel's restoration, signifying God's approval and blessing. It serves as a reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people (Ezekiel 43:1-5).
How does the chapter emphasize the importance of proper worship?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of proper worship by highlighting the need for holiness and obedience to God's commands. The ordinances for the priests and the prince's role in worship serve as reminders of the importance of proper worship (Ezekiel 43:13-27).
What is the role of the Spirit in the chapter?
The Spirit plays a significant role in the chapter, empowering the prophet for his ministry and facilitating the return of God's glory to the temple. The Spirit's presence is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people (Ezekiel 43:5).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 43:1 → Ezekiel 10:18 | The return of God's glory to the temple in Ezekiel 43:1 is a reversal of the departure of God's glory in Ezekiel 10:18. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 43:5 → John 1:14 | The glory of the Lord filling the temple in Ezekiel 43:5 is a picture of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among His people (John 1:14). |
| 3 | Ezekiel 43:13 → Exodus 27:1-8 | The altar of burnt offering in Ezekiel 43:13 is similar to the altar of burnt offering in Exodus 27:1-8, highlighting the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 43:18 → Leviticus 1:1-17 | The ordinances for the priests in Ezekiel 43:18 are similar to the ordinances for the priests in Leviticus 1:1-17, emphasizing the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness among those who serve as mediators between God and His people. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 43:22 → Hebrews 9:11 | The use of a goat as a sin offering in Ezekiel 43:22 is a picture of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of all sin offerings (Hebrews 9:11). |
| 6 | Ezekiel 43:25 → Exodus 29:35-37 | The consecration of the altar in Ezekiel 43:25 is similar to the consecration of the altar in Exodus 29:35-37, highlighting the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 43:1-5 → Revelation 21:22-27 | The return of God's glory to the temple in Ezekiel 43:1-5 is a picture of the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, where God will dwell among His people forever (Revelation 21:22-27). |
| 8 | Ezekiel 43:13-17 → 1 Peter 2:5 | The altar of burnt offering in Ezekiel 43:13-17 is a picture of the spiritual sacrifices that believers offer to God through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5). |
| 9 | Ezekiel 43:18-27 → Hebrews 10:1-25 | The ordinances for the priests in Ezekiel 43:18-27 are a reminder of the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness among those who serve as mediators between God and His people, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:1-25). |
| 10 | Ezekiel 43:1-27 → John 14:23 | The return of God's glory to the temple in Ezekiel 43:1-27 is a picture of the ultimate dwelling of God among His people, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (John 14:23). |
Sermons on Ezekiel 43
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ezekiel: Vision of the Temple by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the visions that God gave to the prophet Ezekiel while he was among the captives by the river Chiba. One of the visions was of the glory of t |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 9 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. They describe a house as a channel through which God's life flows, and this life is not |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the problem of interpretation in the prophecies of Israel, specifically focusing on the later visions in the book of Ezekiel. The speaker emph |
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The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 10 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the instructions given to the Prophet in the book of Ezekiel. The Prophet is told to behold with his eyes, hear with his ears, and set his he |
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Ever Increasing River by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a generous person who donated a large sum of money to a missionary organization. Despite lacking formal education and considering h |
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A Revelation of Christ by B.H. Clendennen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ in practical life situations, highlighting the transformative power of truly seeing and knowing |
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Studies in Zechariah 13 Zechariah 14: by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the coming glory and victory of the light that will overcome the world's darkest night of history. He emphasizes that there will be physical |
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Holy Moments by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the scripture lesson from the seventh chapter of the Gospel of John. Jesus speaks on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, inviting thos |
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Zadok Priesthood by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of ministering to the Lord before going out to the mission field. He encourages pastors to prioritize their ministry to God an |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's messages of warning, hope, and restoration for God's people. It emphasizes the importance of humility, holin |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 43
In Ezekiel 43, we see the return of God's glory to the temple, which is a pivotal moment in Israel's restoration. The chapter emphasizes the importance of proper worship and the need for holiness in approaching God. The ordinances for the priests and the prince's role in worship serve as reminders of the importance of proper worship. The return of God's glory to the temple is a picture of the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, where God will dwell among His people forever. As believers, we are called to prioritize proper worship and to seek holiness in our lives, remembering that we are a holy priesthood offering spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 43:1-5, Hebrews 10:1-25). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Return of God's Glory
The chapter begins with the return of God's glory to the temple, which is a pivotal moment in Israel's restoration. This event is marked by the presence of the Spirit and the prophet's obedience to God's commands.
The Importance of Proper Worship
The chapter emphasizes the importance of proper worship, highlighting the need for holiness and obedience to God's commands. The ordinances for the priests and the prince's role in worship serve as reminders of the importance of proper worship.
The Role of the Spirit
The Spirit plays a significant role in the chapter, empowering the prophet for his ministry and facilitating the return of God's glory to the temple. The Spirit's presence is a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people.