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Ezekiel 43: Expository Preaching and Study Guide

Overview

Ezekiel 43 marks a climactic moment in the prophet’s vision of the restored temple: the return of the glory of the Lord. After chapters of detailed architectural descriptions (Ezekiel 40-42), chapter 43 shifts the focus to what makes the temple sacred—God’s presence. The chapter unfolds in three main parts:

  1. Verses 1-5: The return of God’s glory through the east gate, reminiscent of Ezekiel’s earlier vision of God’s glory departing (Ezekiel 10-11).

  2. Verses 6-12: A powerful oracle from God emphasizing His holiness and the requirement for Israel’s obedience.

  3. Verses 13-27: Detailed instructions for the altar and sacrificial rituals, including a seven-day ordination process.

This chapter is the theological heart of Ezekiel’s temple vision. It portrays God’s desire to dwell among His people once more—but on the condition of their purity, obedience, and reverence for His holiness.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Setting

  • Timeframe: Ezekiel 43 was written during the Babylonian exile (approx. 573 B.C.). The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed (586 B.C.), and the people were scattered.

  • Audience: Exiled Israelites in Babylon, mourning their national identity and cut off from temple worship.

  • Purpose: To give hope and reassurance of God’s plan to restore worship, covenant relationship, and His dwelling among the people.

Literary Context

  • Ezekiel 40-48 form a visionary section detailing the new temple, land distribution, priesthood, and worship structure.

  • The vision is presented in apocalyptic form with exact measurements and idealized imagery, yet it is not merely symbolic. Conservative evangelicals affirm the literal future fulfillment of these promises, likely in the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20), with the temple either literal or typologically fulfilled in Christ’s reign.

  • Ezekiel 43 follows chapters describing the temple’s layout (chs. 40-42) and precedes chapters prescribing the temple service (chs. 44-46).

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Return of God’s Glory (vv. 1-5)

  • The Shekinah Glory: God’s visible glory reenters the temple from the east—the same direction from which it departed (Ezekiel 10:18-19; 11:23).

  • Application: God’s presence is central to true worship. His glory cannot be presumed; it requires holiness and repentance.

Doctrinal Point: God’s immanence—He desires to dwell among His people—and His holiness, which cannot tolerate sin.

2. God’s Dwelling Among His People (vv. 6-12)

  • Covenantal Relationship: God declares, “This is the place of my throne… where I will live among the Israelites forever” (v. 7).

  • He contrasts this future with past abominations, requiring Israel to put away sin.

  • Application: God’s presence demands purity. Worship and relationship with Him are conditional on obedience.

Doctrinal Point: Sanctification—God’s people must be set apart and reflect His holiness. The believer is called to personal and corporate holiness.

3. The Sacredness of Worship (vv. 13-27)

  • Altar Instructions: Exact dimensions and ordination procedures underscore God’s demand for precision and reverence.

  • Seven-Day Consecration: Mirrors Leviticus 8-9 (Aaronic priesthood), showing continuity with earlier covenantal worship.

  • Sacrifice Restored: Though Christ is the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12), the renewed temple sacrifices may serve as memorials or ceremonial expressions pointing to Christ.

Doctrinal Point: Worship must be God-centered, not man-centered. It must align with God’s standards and not human innovation (cf. Nadab and Abihu, Leviticus 10:1-3).

Doctrinal Emphases from an Evangelical View

  • God’s Sovereignty: He determines the conditions for His presence. Israel cannot manipulate or assume God’s favor without obedience.

  • Holiness and Repentance: Sin drove God’s glory away (chs. 8-11); repentance is necessary for His return (v. 9).

  • God’s Faithfulness: Despite judgment, God promises restoration. This vision affirms His unchanging covenant love.

  • Future Hope: Many evangelicals interpret this as a literal future temple in the Millennial Kingdom where Christ reigns, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel (cf. Zechariah 14:16-21; Revelation 20).

Preaching Notes & Sermon Outline

Sermon Title: “When God Comes Back”

  1. The Glory Returns (vv. 1-5)
  • God’s presence is not abstract—it is personal and powerful.

  • Application: Seek God’s presence above all things. Don’t settle for empty religion.

  1. The Call to Holiness (vv. 6-12)
  • God will dwell with His people only when sin is removed.

  • Application: Clean out personal and corporate sin—no compromise with idolatry or corruption.

III. The Altar of Worship (vv. 13-27)

  • True worship is always God’s way, not man’s.

  • Application: Examine your worship. Is it on God’s terms?

Transition to Christ:

  • Point to Jesus as the ultimate temple (John 2:19), the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12), and the returning King whose glory will fill the earth.

Conclusion / Call to Action:

  • Pursue a life of holiness, reverence, and expectancy. God still desires to dwell among His people.

Broader Biblical Themes

  • Creation and Re-Creation: The temple vision echoes Eden—order, holiness, and God’s presence.

  • Covenant: God keeps His promises even after judgment. This reflects His unshakable covenant love.

  • Redemption: The sacrificial system foreshadows the once-for-all atonement in Christ.

  • Christ as Temple and King: Jesus is the fulfillment of the temple motif (John 1:14; Revelation 21:22).

Verse-by-Verse Analysis of Ezekiel 43 (Key Sections)

Verses 1-5: The Return of God’s Glory

v.1 “Then the man brought me to the gate facing east…”

  • This recalls the east gate from which God’s glory departed in Ezekiel 10:18-19 and 11:23.

  • The east is symbolically significant in Scripture (e.g., the tabernacle faces east – Exodus 27:13-14), representing expectation and new beginnings (see Matthew 24:27 for Christ’s return from the east).

v.2 “…the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east…”

  • God’s glory, or kavod Yahweh, signifies His majestic, visible presence.

  • The sound and brilliance recall Ezekiel 1:4, 24 and Revelation 1:15.

  • Application: God is not distant—His glory comes near when His people are ready.

v.3 “…like the vision I had seen when he came to destroy the city…”

  • Reference to Ezekiel’s earlier visions of judgment (chapters 1 and 10).

  • God’s glory is unchanged—He is both Judge and Redeemer.

  • Cross-reference: See Habakkuk 3:3-6 for another majestic appearance of God.

v.4-5 “The glory of the Lord entered the temple… and the Spirit lifted me up…”

  • A real and literal event in Ezekiel’s vision; not metaphorical.

  • God reoccupies the sanctuary—a reversal of divine abandonment.

  • The Holy Spirit transports Ezekiel, emphasizing God-initiated revelation (cf. Ezekiel 3:14, Revelation 4:1-2).

  • Application: God’s presence is not automatic—it comes where He is honored.

Verses 6-12: God’s Voice and the Call to Holiness

v.7 “This is the place of my throne… where I will live among the Israelites forever…”

  • Clear covenant language: God’s intent is permanent dwelling with His people.

  • Cross-reference: Exodus 25:8, Leviticus 26:11-12, Revelation 21:3.

  • Application: Holiness is the non-negotiable condition for God’s indwelling.

v.8-9 “…they put their threshold next to my threshold… defiling my holy name…”

v.10-11 “Describe the temple to the people of Israel…”

  • The vision is given not just for knowledge but conviction leading to repentance.

  • The details are meant to inspire awe and reverence (cf. Hebrews 8:5).

v.12 “This is the law of the temple: all the surrounding area… is holy.”

  • God’s holiness radiates beyond the inner sanctuary—holiness must shape all of life.

  • Doctrinal insight: God’s transcendence is balanced by His immanence—He dwells with man, but only on His terms.

Verses 13-27: The Altar and Offerings

vv.13-17: Exact dimensions of the altar (in cubits) show God’s order and design.

  • Altars were central in OT worship—place of atonement (cf. Leviticus 1:5, Hebrews 9:22).

  • The “hearth” (Heb. ariel, “lion of God”) may symbolize God’s consuming holiness.

  • Application: Worship that pleases God must be precise, obedient, and reverent.

vv.18-27: The seven-day purification ritual mirrors Levitical consecration (Exodus 29; Leviticus 8).

  • vv.19-21: Blood applied to the altar = purification (Hebrews 9:22).

  • v.26: Seven-day period = completion and consecration.

  • Doctrinal Insight: The sacrifices point forward to Jesus, our once-for-all offering (Hebrews 10:10).

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Christ as the Fulfillment of the Temple

2. Jesus and the Glory of God

  • The glory Ezekiel saw reentering the temple is fulfilled in Christ’s first coming (John 1:14) and will be fully realized at His return (Matthew 24:30).

  • Christ is the radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:3).

3. Jesus as the Final Sacrifice and High Priest

4. Jesus Establishes True Worship

  • True worship is no longer confined to a geographic temple (John 4:21-24), but centers on Christ, in Spirit and truth.

  • The altar, blood, and consecration rituals symbolize the holiness required for worship, now fulfilled in Jesus and imparted through the Holy Spirit.

Connection to God the Father

1. The Father’s Desire to Dwell with His People

  • “This is where I will live among the Israelites forever” (v.7) reflects the Father’s eternal purpose: to be with His people.

  • Cross-reference: Leviticus 26:12, Revelation 21:3.

  • God the Father’s faithfulness is evident—though Israel sinned, He promises restoration.

2. The Father’s Holiness

  • The temple and altar details emphasize that the Father is holy and must be worshiped with reverence (Isaiah 6:3, 1 Peter 1:16).

  • Application: Christians today are called to be holy as their heavenly Father is holy (Matthew 5:48).

3. The Father’s Sovereign Plan

  • The temple vision shows the Father’s sovereign orchestration of redemptive history—from exile, to restoration, to the future kingdom.

  • God does not abandon His promises—even after judgment, He brings hope and reestablishes fellowship.

Summary of Redemptive Connection

  • God the Father: Originator of the covenant, holy and sovereign, desiring restored fellowship.

  • God the Son (Jesus Christ): Fulfillment of the temple, sacrifice, and glory of God; the only way to approach the Father (John 14:6).

  • God the Holy Spirit (v.5): The one who lifts Ezekiel and reveals the glory—pointing to His role in empowering worship, sanctifying the believer, and indwelling the Church.

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Ezekiel 43

Though not often highlighted, the Holy Spirit is clearly present and active in Ezekiel 43 and plays a vital role in the chapter’s unfolding message of restoration, holiness, and God’s indwelling.

1. The Spirit Transports the Prophet (v.5)

“Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.”

  • The Spirit acts as the agent of revelation and movement, ushering Ezekiel into deeper understanding and divine presence.

  • This anticipates the New Testament ministry of the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth (John 16:13).

  • Application: The Holy Spirit draws God’s people into intimacy, understanding, and transformation.

2. The Spirit and Worship

  • The glory of the Lord filling the temple through the Spirit symbolizes Spirit-filled worship—reverent, obedient, and God-centered.

  • New Testament connection: Worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:24) is the fulfillment of what Ezekiel saw—where God dwells among His people in purity and power.

3. The Spirit and Sanctification

  • The Spirit convicts and calls Israel to holiness (vv. 7-9). Similarly, the Holy Spirit sanctifies believers today (Romans 8:13; 1 Peter 1:2).

  • The detailed altar ritual represents the inner cleansing work the Spirit does in the believer’s heart.

4. The Spirit as the Presence of God

  • The return of God’s glory through the Spirit foreshadows Pentecost—when God no longer dwelt in a building, but in His people (Acts 2:1-4).

  • Application: Christians are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and our lives must reflect His indwelling holiness.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: “When the Glory Comes Back: A Temple Made Holy Again”

Text: Ezekiel 43:1-27

Big Idea: God desires to dwell with His people—but only in holiness, by His Spirit, and through Christ.

I. The Glory Returns (vv. 1-5)

Transition: After judgment and exile, God’s presence returns to His temple.

  • Main Point: God restores His presence when His people are ready.

  • Illustration: Like a returning king entering a restored palace after years in ruins.

  • Application: Seek God’s presence over programs—no substitute for His glory.

II. The Call to Holiness (vv. 6-12)

Transition: God speaks clearly—He wants to stay, but only if holiness returns.

  • Main Point: God does not dwell where sin is tolerated.

  • Illustration: A surgeon cannot work in a contaminated operating room—neither can God abide in a polluted heart or church.

  • Application: Personal and corporate repentance must precede revival.

III. The Worship God Accepts (vv. 13-27)

Transition: God doesn’t just want us near—He tells us how to approach Him.

  • Main Point: Worship must be on God’s terms, not ours.

  • Example: Uzzah and the Ark (2 Samuel 6) – sincere intentions don’t override holy instructions.

  • Application: We cannot offer God casual, self-designed worship—He is holy.

Conclusion: Let the Glory Fill the Temple Again

  • Call to Action:

    • Repent of sin that defiles God’s temple (your heart, your church).

    • Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life afresh with God’s presence.

    • Return to worship that centers on Christ, honors God’s holiness, and follows His Word.

  • Final Illustration:

    • Imagine a house abandoned for years, reclaimed, cleaned, and finally filled with light and music once more—that’s what happens when God returns to a life or church that’s been renewed.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Personal Story – “The Empty Room”

A pastor once shared how he kept preaching but felt the Spirit had left. He realized he had become performance-driven, not presence-driven. After a season of repentance and surrender, joy and power returned—not because of better strategies, but because the glory returned.

Application: You can have programs and polish, but if God’s glory isn’t there, it’s just noise. The church must hunger again for His presence.

2. Modern Analogy – “The Presidential Visit”

When a head of state visits, everything must be prepared: security, honor guards, a clean venue. Why? Because you don’t welcome royalty casually. How much more the King of Kings?

Application: God’s presence is no casual matter—it demands reverence, holiness, and obedience.

3. Illustration – “Reviving a Burnt-Out Bulb”

A lightbulb can be wired correctly and perfectly placed in the socket, but if there’s no power flowing, it’s still dark. The same is true for many churches—form without power.

Connection: The Holy Spirit is the power source. Holiness is the wiring. When both align, the glory shines.

Application for Today’s Christian

Ezekiel 43 is not merely about a physical temple—it speaks to how God desires to dwell with His people today, in holiness, reverence, and obedience. Its principles are deeply applicable to Christian discipleship, stewardship, and everyday faith.

1. Discipleship: Pursue Holiness Over Comfort

  • God’s return to His temple required repentance, cleansing, and obedience. Discipleship is a daily commitment to spiritual formation through the Word, prayer, and accountability.

  • Application: Examine your life for areas that dishonor God. Seek the Spirit’s help in turning from sin (Romans 8:13). Practice regular confession and repentance (1 John 1:9).

2. Stewardship: Treat Your Body and Church as God’s Temple

  • In the New Testament, believers are called the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Stewardship is not just financial—it includes your body, time, relationships, and worship.

  • Application: Ask: “Does how I manage my time, body, and relationships reflect the holiness of God’s temple?” Live in a way that honors His presence.

3. Worship: Offer God Reverent, Christ-Centered Worship

  • Worship is not about our preferences, but God’s instructions. Casual or self-centered approaches to worship reflect a low view of God’s holiness.

  • Application: Participate in corporate worship with a heart of reverence. Prepare your heart before entering God’s house. Let Christ—not entertainment—be central.

4. Community: Promote Holiness and Unity in the Church

  • Ezekiel was told to describe the temple to Israel so they’d be ashamed of their sins and align with God’s standards (v.10).

  • Application: Encourage spiritual accountability in small groups. Help build a church culture of truth, repentance, and restoration, not appearance or performance.

Connection to God’s Love

Ezekiel 43, though filled with detailed laws and rituals, radiates the compassion and faithfulness of God’s love. After chapters of judgment and exile, this vision reveals His persistent desire to return, restore, and dwell with His people.

1. God’s Desire for Relationship

“This is where I will live among the Israelites forever…” (v.7)

  • Even after their rebellion and defilement of His house, God does not abandon His people. He initiates restoration.

  • This is love in action: not condoning sin, but making a way back through holiness and grace.

  • Cross-reference: Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2. God’s Patience and Mercy

  • The temple vision is given not to punish, but to invite repentance (v.10).

  • God gives instructions so His people can understand His ways and be transformed.

  • Cross-reference: 2 Peter 3:9 – God is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

3. God’s Faithful Covenant Love

  • This chapter shows a faithful God who keeps His covenant, even after His people have broken it.

  • Hesed—God’s covenantal, loyal love—is behind the return of His glory.

Broader Biblical Themes

Ezekiel 43 sits within the grand storyline of Scripture—from creation to new creation, from covenant breakdown to covenant restoration, all fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

1. Creation and Presence

  • In Eden, God walked with man (Genesis 3:8). Sin disrupted that fellowship.

  • The temple represents a new “Eden”—a place where God’s presence dwells again.

  • The filling of the temple with glory echoes God’s filling of creation with purpose.

2. Redemption and Sacrifice

  • The altar and sacrifices in Ezekiel point forward to Christ’s atonement.

  • God does not abandon sinners—He provides a way back through substitutionary sacrifice.

  • Hebrews 10:14 – “For by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”

3. Covenant and Kingdom

  • The chapter reinforces God’s covenant promise to dwell among His people (Exodus 29:45-46).

  • This vision anticipates the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20), when Jesus rules from a holy temple with glory filling the earth.

  • Final fulfillment comes in the New Jerusalem—no temple, because God Himself is the temple (Revelation 21:22-23).

Ezekiel 43: Reflection Questions

For personal study, discipleship, or small group discussion

These questions are designed to draw out personal conviction, deeper understanding of God’s Word, and a stronger walk with Christ through the truth of Ezekiel 43.

1. How does the return of God’s glory in Ezekiel 43 challenge your view of God’s presence in your life and in your church?

  • In what ways have you perhaps grown casual or distant in how you approach God?

  • What does it mean to hunger for the presence of God today?

2. God’s glory departed in earlier chapters of Ezekiel because of sin. What sins in your own life might hinder the Spirit’s full work in you today?

  • Is there something you need to confess or surrender so that the Lord might renew His work in you?

  • Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. How does this shape how you live daily?

3. How do the temple, altar, and sacrifices in Ezekiel 43 help you appreciate the work of Jesus more deeply?

  • Read Hebrews 9:11-14 and 10:10. What stands out to you about Jesus as your final and perfect sacrifice?

  • What does it mean for your worship to be based on Christ’s finished work?

4. The Lord says in verse 7, “I will live among the Israelites forever.” What does this tell you about God’s desire for relationship with His people—even after judgment?

  • How does this reflect God’s love, patience, and willingness to restore?

  • Do you believe God truly desires to dwell with you? Why or why not?

5. What does Ezekiel 43 teach you about holiness? Why is holiness essential if we want to experience the fullness of God’s presence?

  • Read 1 Peter 1:15-16. How can you grow in holiness without falling into legalism?

  • What steps can you take this week to align your life more fully with God’s holy standards?

6. How can this vision of a renewed, holy temple shape the way your church thinks about worship, discipleship, and obedience today?

  • What changes might your community need to make to prioritize God’s presence over programs?

  • What role can you play in helping your church grow in purity, prayer, and truth?

7. The Spirit lifted Ezekiel and brought him into the inner court (v.5). In what ways are you listening to and following the Holy Spirit in your walk with God?

  • Are you sensitive to the Spirit’s leading in your worship, relationships, or decisions?

  • What does it look like to live daily as someone indwelt by the Holy Spirit?

8. In light of Ezekiel 43, how can you better steward your life, your body, and your resources as part of God’s holy dwelling?

  • Read Romans 12:1. What does it mean to present your body as a living sacrifice?

  • Are there any areas of stewardship you need to submit more fully to the Lord?

9. What encourages you most about God’s desire to dwell with His people again—even after rebellion and exile?

  • How does this help you understand grace and restoration more fully?

  • Who around you needs to hear this message of hope?

10. As a follower of Christ, how can you help others experience the reality of God’s glory and holiness in their lives?

  • Think about your family, workplace, or ministry. How can you be a living witness of the presence and purity of God?

  • What practical step will you take this week to reflect His glory?

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