September 10

Ezekiel 42-43 (biblegateway.com)

The Return of God’s Glory

After precisely describing the temple’s structure in chapters 40–41, Ezekiel 42–43 turns first to the holy chambers set apart for priestly duties and then to the climactic moment when God’s glory returns to dwell in the temple.

In chapter 42, the prophet is shown the temple chambers reserved for the priests, emphasizing the holiness of the space and the separation between the sacred and the common. These details underscore that God’s house is to be approached with reverence and order, reflecting His holiness. The vision then culminates in chapter 43, when the glory of the Lord enters the temple from the east, filling it as it had once filled Solomon’s temple. This vision affirms God’s faithfulness, His holiness, and His desire to dwell among His people. It reassures believers that God’s presence will not abandon them permanently, and His plans for restoration are certain.

Ezekiel 42: Chambers for the Priests

In Ezekiel 41, the prophet concludes his detailed description of the temple’s structure, emphasizing its design, the Most Holy Place, and the side chambers. Building on this, Ezekiel 42 focuses on the practical and sacred use of the temple by the priests, particularly the chambers where they carried out their duties and ate the holy offerings.

Leaving the temple proper, Ezekiel was brought out into the outer court by way of the north and led to the chambers opposite the separate yard and the northern building (v. 1). The chamber block measured one hundred cubits in length and fifty cubits in breadth (v. 2). The chambers facing the inner court were twenty cubits long, while those facing the outer court were fifty cubits long. They rose three stories high, with the upper level narrower due to the galleries above (v. 3-6). In front of the chambers was a passage ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long, with doors opening to the north (v. 4). A wall ran along the outside, parallel to the chambers, fifty cubits in length (v. 7).

Opposite the outer-court chambers, there was a structure one hundred cubits long, with entrances on the north side (v. 8-9). Ezekiel was then shown the corresponding chambers on the south side, facing the separate yard and the building to the south (v. 10-12). These chambers had the same dimensions and arrangement as those on the north, maintaining balance and order in the temple complex.

The guide explained that these north and south chambers were set apart as holy spaces where the priests who approached the Lord would eat the most holy offerings (v. 13). These included the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, sacrifices that God gave to Israel for covenant fellowship and the covering of sin. Yet, as the wider testimony of Scripture shows, these offerings ultimately pointed forward to Christ, whose once-for-all sacrifice provides true and final atonement. In Ezekiel’s vision, such offerings function as memorials and teaching aids, reminding worshipers of the Messiah’s suffering and death—much like the Lord’s Supper serves as a memorial for the church today.

Some interpreters view these offerings as literal future sacrifices, while others emphasize their symbolic meaning; regardless, the theological emphasis remains the same: God’s holiness, the call to reverent worship, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. By eating them in this sacred setting, the priests participated in the holiness of the offerings, affirming their role in the service of the sanctuary while also pointing forward to the greater reality fulfilled in Christ.

When leaving these chambers, the priests were required to remove the garments they had worn while ministering in the holy place and put on other garments before entering areas used by the people (v. 14). This change of clothing emphasized the separation of the sacred and the common, reminding Israel that God’s holiness cannot be treated casually. It also illustrated that those who serve before the Lord must maintain purity and reverence in every aspect of their service.

When the guide had finished measuring the inner temple area, he led Ezekiel out by the east gate and measured all around the temple (v. 15). He measured the east side, five hundred cubits (v. 16), the north side, five hundred cubits (v. 17), the south side, five hundred cubits (v. 18), and the west side, five hundred cubits (v. 19). In this way, the entire temple area was enclosed by a wall five hundred cubits long on each side, separating the holy from the common (v. 20). These measurements equal roughly 875 feet (about 265 meters) on each side, giving an area of approximately 765,625 square feet—over 13 football fields in size.

The vision in Ezekiel 42 reminds us that approaching God requires reverence, purity, and careful preparation. The precise measurements and orderly design of the temple highlight God’s holiness and intentional plan for His dwelling among His people, emphasizing that nothing in His presence is casual or accidental. The chambers reserved for the priests, and the command to change garments before ministering, show that service before God must be conducted with integrity and devotion.

Beyond the physical structure, Ezekiel 42 points forward to Christ, the true temple in whom God’s presence fully dwells, and calls all believers to live as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (1 Peter 2:5). For us today, this chapter challenges us to examine our worship, our service, and our daily lives, to pursue faithfulness, and to reflect God’s holiness in every action.

Ezekiel 43: The Return of the Glory of the Lord

The Return of God’s Glory

After a detailed vision of the temple’s structure, the chambers, and the priestly duties, the stage is set for the most awe-inspiring moment: the return of God’s glory to dwell among His people. Ezekiel 43 captures the climactic fulfillment of God’s promise to restore His presence, a moment that inspires reverence, hope, and worship. As the glory of the Lord enters the temple from the east, it reminds us that God’s holiness is majestic and unchanging, and that His desire to dwell with His people is steadfast. This chapter invites readers to stand in awe of God’s faithfulness, to anticipate His presence, and to reflect on the profound blessing of His restoration.

In a dramatic reversal of the departure recorded in chapters 10–11, Ezekiel witnesses the glory of God returning from the east, entering the temple through the very gate from which He had previously departed (v. 1; 10:19, 43:4). The approach of God’s glory was sudden and overwhelming, accompanied by the roar of many waters—a sound recalling the sensory power of Ezekiel’s inaugural vision at the Kebar River (v. 2; 1:4–28). Its brilliance illuminated the temple and caused the earth to shine, displaying God’s majesty and holiness (v. 2; 1:27–28). As in prior visions, Ezekiel fell on his face in awe before the holiness and glory of God (v. 3), but the Spirit lifted him and brought him into the inner court, where God’s glory filled the temple proper (v. 5).

This moment marks the culmination of the temple visions in chapters 40–42, completing the sacred space that had previously lacked God’s presence. The return of God’s glory mirrors earlier historical instances of His presence dwelling among Israel, including the filling of the tabernacle at Sinai (Exod. 24:9–17; 34:29–30), the dedication of Solomon’s temple (1 Kgs 8:10–11; 2 Chr 5:13–14), and the restoration of the ark and glory during the Davidic covenant (1 Sam 4:19–22; 2 Sam 6:7–13). Unlike the later temple built under Zerubbabel, which lacked Solomon’s earlier splendor, the glory of this eschatological temple surpasses all others, ultimately fulfilled in Christ and His body, the Church, highlighting God’s desire to dwell fully with His people.

The eastward movement of God’s glory is both majestic and awe-inspiring, signifying judgment overturned and restoration fulfilled, a vivid demonstration of His covenant faithfulness. God’s presence will no longer depart, filling the hearts of His people with joy, reverence, and awe. As the glory moves through the inner court and fills the sanctuary, it illuminates the holiness of God, the perfection of divine order, and the dawning of a new era of blessing and fellowship for His people.

God’s Voice and the Holiness of the Temple

Ezekiel then heard a voice from within the temple declaring that this place would be God’s throne—the place of the soles of His feet—where He will dwell among the Israelites forever (v. 6–7). The Lord commanded the removal of previous abominations, including idolatry and the placement of dead bodies or memorials near His dwelling (v. 7–9). This signifies that the sins and unfaithfulness of His people will no longer drive Him away from His sanctuary.

The Lord instructed Ezekiel to describe the temple to the house of Israel, so that they might be ashamed of their iniquities, and to measure its design so that they could see its perfection (v. 10). If they were truly ashamed, they were to make known the design, its arrangement, exits and entrances, and all its statutes and laws, so that the people would carefully observe them (v. 11). God also revealed the law of the temple: the whole territory on the top of the mountain all around was most holy (v. 12). This vision provided a clear template of God’s ideal plan, convicting the people of their past unfaithfulness while offering a model for faithful obedience.

The Altar and Sacrificial System

Ezekiel was then shown the altar and its detailed measurements (v. 13–17). The base, or hearth, was one cubit high, with a one-cubit rim and a one-span border (v. 13). Successive ledges rose from the base: the first two cubits high and one cubit broad, the second four cubits high and one cubit broad, culminating in a hearth four cubits high with four projecting horns (v. 13–15). The altar was square, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide, with a surrounding ledge of fourteen cubits, a half-cubit rim, and a one-cubit base, while steps faced east (v. 16–17). Using the standard cubit, the altar stood approximately 17½ feet high, slightly taller than Solomon’s altar, which measured 15 feet due to the shorter 18-inch cubit of his time (2 Chr. 3:3; 4:1).

The Lord then gave instructions for consecration (v. 18–27). On the first day, the priests of Zadok offered a bull for a sin offering, applying its blood to the four horns, the ledge corners, and the rim to purify the altar (v. 18–20). The bull was then burned outside the sanctuary (v. 21). On the second day, a male goat was offered for sin, repeating the purification (v. 22). Following this, a bull and a ram without blemish were offered as burnt offerings to the Lord, with salt applied (v. 23–24). This cycle continued for seven days, ensuring the altar was purified and prepared for service (v. 25–26). From the eighth day onward, burnt and peace offerings were made, and God declared, “I will accept you, declares the Lord God” (v. 27).

Interpretive note: The careful process of consecration highlights the holiness of God and the reverence required for approaching Him. While these offerings served to purify the altar and the sanctuary under the covenant, they also point forward to Christ, who provides ultimate purification and access to God for His people. The repeated emphasis on cleansing, preparation, and divine acceptance reminds believers today of the need for holiness, reverence, and faithfulness in worship and service.

Theological Significance and Pre-Millennial Perspective

From a pre-millennial perspective, the sacrifices described in Ezekiel 43 are understood as literal acts in a future millennial temple, serving to instruct Israel in worship, obedience, and reverence for God’s holiness. They do not replace Christ’s once-for-all atoning work but point forward to His redemptive work, much like baptism and the Lord’s Supper commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice. In this context, the millennial temple allows Israel to fulfill its priestly and missionary calling, with sacrifices and rituals acting as instructional and commemorative acts highlighting God’s mercy, grace, and redemption. For believers today, these passages provide spiritual guidance, encouraging faithfulness, reverence, and wholehearted devotion in following God (Cooper, 379–382; Alexander, 946–952)..

Various Christian theological frameworks offer distinct interpretations of Ezekiel's vision of the temple and its associated rituals. Amillennialists interpret these chapters symbolically, viewing the detailed descriptions of the temple and its rituals as representations of spiritual truths rather than literal future events (Monergism, “Amillennial Interpretation of Ezekiel 40–48”). They argue that these chapters depict the ideal temple, symbolizing the presence of God among His people, and are fulfilled in the spiritual reality of the Church. This interpretation aligns with the amillennial understanding that the millennium is not a future physical reign but a present spiritual reality (CBT Seminary, “Ezekiel 40–48: A Troublesome Temple Vision”).

Postmillennialists often see Ezekiel's temple vision as symbolic, representing the progressive establishment of God's kingdom through the spread of the gospel (Christian Research Institute, “Making Sense of Ezekiel's Temple Vision”). They interpret the temple and its rituals as illustrations of spiritual truths, emphasizing moral transformation and the fulfillment of God's promises in the present age (GotQuestions.org, “What is the significance of Ezekiel's temple?”).

Both perspectives share a symbolic interpretation, focusing on the spiritual and covenantal significance of the vision rather than anticipating a literal fulfillment in a future millennium.

Ultimately, Ezekiel 43 is a climactic moment in the book: the glory of God, which had departed in judgment, now returns in mercy. The temple becomes the throne of God, His permanent dwelling among His people, pointing forward to Christ, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14), and to the final reality in the new creation, where God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).

Conclusion: Ezekiel 42–43

Ezekiel 42–43 presents a powerful vision of God’s restored presence among His people, emphasizing His holiness, order, and the reverence required in approaching Him. The detailed descriptions of the temple, the chambers for the priests, and the consecrated altar all remind us that God is not indifferent to sin or casual worship. These chapters call God’s people to purity, obedience, and intentional devotion, showing that true worship requires both respect for God’s holiness and faithful service.

The return of God’s glory to the temple underscores a profound theological truth: God desires to dwell among His people, yet His presence is not forced upon anyone. We have the responsibility to choose obedience, reverence, and holiness in response to His call. The instructions regarding the priests’ garments, the separation of sacred from common, and the careful attention to ritual all point to the broader principle that approaching God must be done with conscious, faithful choice, in integrity and devotion.

For believers today, these chapters challenge us to examine our worship, our service, and our daily walk with the Lord. They remind us that holiness is a choice, and God’s presence transforms the lives of those who deliberately seek Him. As we reflect on Christ as the ultimate High Priest and perfect sacrifice, we are called to live as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (1 Peter 2:5). Ezekiel’s vision encourages us to pursue obedience, honor God in every area of life, and actively embrace the opportunity to dwell in His presence.

In sum, Ezekiel 42–43 calls us to choose worship marked by reverence, service marked by faithfulness, and lives shaped by the holiness of God—timeless truths that remain relevant for every generation.