God’s Glory Returns: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Ezekiel 43

Executive Summary

Ezekiel 43, a pivotal chapter in the book of Ezekiel, narrates the glorious return of God’s presence to the newly rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. This isn’t merely a physical return; it signifies the restoration of God’s covenant with His people and the renewal of spiritual life. The chapter meticulously details the prophet’s vision of the Lord’s glory entering the Temple through the east gate, echoing His departure years prior. This return emphasizes God’s unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to dwell among His chosen people. Within the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this event points towards the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the true Temple, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. The measurements and regulations presented foreshadow the spiritual temple of the Church, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone. Discover how understanding Ezekiel 43 illuminates God’s enduring promise to be present with us.

Ezekiel 43 marks a watershed moment in the prophet’s vision, the glorious re-entry of God’s presence into the Temple after its long absence. This event symbolizes hope, restoration, and the renewed covenant between God and His people. Let us delve into this chapter, verse by verse, uncovering its rich theological significance through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition and Patristic wisdom. We will see how God’s Glory Returns not just to a physical structure but to the hearts of believers.

Commentary: Ezekiel 43:1-5 – The Glory Enters the Temple

Ezekiel 43:1-5 (KJV): Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: 2 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. 3 And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. 4 And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. 5 So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house.

Ezekiel’s journey to the east gate is significant. The east, traditionally associated with the rising sun, symbolizes new beginnings and resurrection. The arrival of God’s glory from the east, accompanied by a voice “like a noise of many waters,” evokes awe and power. This echoes imagery found throughout the Old Testament (Psalm 29:3; Revelation 1:15) depicting God’s majestic presence. The prophet’s falling on his face indicates the overwhelming nature of this divine encounter, mirroring similar experiences of prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5) and Daniel (Daniel 10:8). This also recalls the transfiguration of Christ, where the disciples fell on their faces, overwhelmed by divine glory (Matthew 17:6).

The description of God’s glory is consistent with Ezekiel’s previous visions by the River Chebar (Ezekiel 1). This consistency affirms the authenticity and continuity of the prophetic revelation. This is not a different God, but the same God, now returning to dwell in His Temple. The fact that Ezekiel recognizes it from the past is very important.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius the Apostolic teaches us that God’s glory, though manifested in different ways, always points to His immutable essence. As he states in *De Incarnatione*, “Οὐ γὰρ ἄλλο τι ἐδείκνυτο τότε, ἀλλ’ αὐτὸς ὁ Λόγος ἦν, ὁ ἐκ Θεοῦ Θεός, ὁ φανερῶν τὴν δόξαν τοῦ Πατρός.” (“For nothing else was shown then, but the Word Himself, God from God, revealing the glory of the Father.”) (Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 16).

• Spiritual Application: The return of glory reminds us that God desires to dwell within us, making our hearts temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We should strive to purify our hearts to receive His presence.
• Practical Application: Start and end your days with prayer so God’s glory remains with you, and use website builder dohost to build a site for your church.

Commentary: Ezekiel 43:6-9 – God’s Rebuke and Demand for Purity

Ezekiel 43:6-9 (KJV): And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me. 7 And he said unto me, Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and my holy name, shall the house of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoredom, nor by the carcases of their kings in their high places. 8 In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: wherefore I have consumed them in mine anger. 9 Now let them put away their whoredom, and the carcases of their kings, far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever.

Here, God speaks directly to Ezekiel from within the Temple, emphasizing the sacredness of His dwelling place. He identifies the Temple as “the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet,” stressing both His sovereignty and His intimate presence. The Lord rebukes the Israelites for defiling His holy name through idolatry (“whoredom”) and the placement of “carcases of their kings in their high places,” potentially referring to burial sites within or near the Temple precinct, considered unclean according to Levitical law (Numbers 19:11-13). God’s anger, though severe, is presented as a consequence of their actions and a call to repentance. The promise of eternal dwelling is conditional upon their obedience and purification. They must put these things away.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Isaiah, speaks of idolatry as a spiritual adultery, breaking the covenant relationship with God. He notes, “Τὴν γὰρ εἰδωλολατρίαν, ὡς πορνείαν πνευματικὴν, ἐμίσησεν ὁ Θεός.” (“For God hates idolatry as spiritual fornication.”) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah*, Book 4).

• Spiritual Application: We are called to examine our own hearts, removing any “idols” that compete with our devotion to God. This could be material possessions, personal ambitions, or unhealthy relationships.
• Practical Application: Regularly examine your conscience and confess any sins that separate you from God, seeking His forgiveness and cleansing.

Commentary: Ezekiel 43:10-12 – The Temple’s Design and Holy Law

Ezekiel 43:10-12 (KJV): Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern. 11 And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. 12 This is the law of the house; Upon the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.

Ezekiel is commanded to show the design of the Temple to the Israelites, not simply as a blueprint, but as a means of inspiring shame for their past transgressions and a renewed commitment to obedience. The detailed measurements and instructions are meant to serve as a visual reminder of God’s holiness and the need for meticulous adherence to His laws. The phrase “This is the law of the house” emphasizes the importance of maintaining the Temple’s sanctity. The designation of the entire area as “most holy” underscores the absolute purity required within God’s presence.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa, in *Life of Moses*, interprets the detailed instructions given to Moses and Ezekiel as symbolic of the spiritual life, where every detail must be carefully considered and ordered according to God’s will. He connects this idea with the concept of *theosis* – becoming like God through grace, and shares his insights on God’s divine nature and his own journey of spiritual transformation through his interpretation of scripture.

• Spiritual Application: We must diligently study God’s Word, not merely for intellectual understanding, but for transformative application in our lives. We should embrace the guidance found there.
• Practical Application: Make time daily to read and meditate on Scripture, seeking to understand God’s will for your life and striving to obey His commandments.

Commentary: Ezekiel 43:13-27 – The Altar and its Consecration

Ezekiel 43:13-27 (KJV): And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar. … (Detailed measurements follow)… 26 Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves. 27 And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, saith the Lord God.

This section provides precise measurements for the altar, highlighting its significance as the place of sacrifice and atonement. The detailed instructions underscore the meticulousness with which God requires worship. The seven-day purification and consecration process emphasizes the need for ritual cleansing and dedication before offerings can be accepted. The promise of God’s acceptance on the eighth day signifies a new beginning and the restoration of fellowship. This elaborate ritual foreshadows Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, which purifies us and makes us acceptable to God.

Patristic Insight: Origen, in his homilies on Leviticus, sees the altar as a type of the cross, where Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. He remarks, “Ara crucis Christus est.” (“Christ is the altar of the cross.”) (Origen, *Homilies on Leviticus*, Homily 1).

• Spiritual Application: We are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). This involves dedicating every aspect of our lives to His service.
• Practical Application: Engage in regular acts of worship, prayer, and service, offering your time, talents, and resources to God as a sign of your devotion.

The Eastern Gate: Symbol of Hope and Resurrection ✨

The Eastern Gate plays a prominent role in Ezekiel’s vision, serving as the entry point for God’s glory. This orientation is not arbitrary; it holds deep symbolic significance within both Jewish and Christian traditions. Why is the eastern gate so important?

• Sunrise and New Beginnings: The east is associated with the rising sun, symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the dawn of a new era. The sun’s daily resurrection mirrors the promise of spiritual renewal.
• The Second Coming: Christian tradition associates the Second Coming of Christ with the east (Matthew 24:27). The Eastern Gate, therefore, becomes a symbol of expectant hope for His return.
• Resurrection of the Dead: In Jewish eschatology, the resurrection of the dead is often linked to the Mount of Olives, located east of Jerusalem. The Eastern Gate thus carries connotations of resurrection and eternal life.
• Entrance of God’s Glory: Ezekiel’s vision confirms the Eastern Gate as the ordained entrance for God’s glory into the Temple, signifying divine favor and restoration.

The Importance of Temple Measurements 📏

The detailed measurements provided in Ezekiel 40-43 might seem tedious to some, but they hold profound theological weight. These measurements are not merely architectural specifications; they are symbolic representations of God’s perfect order and design.

• Divine Order: The meticulous measurements reflect God’s meticulousness and attention to detail. They demonstrate that God is a God of order, not chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33).
• Symbolic Significance: Each measurement likely holds symbolic meaning, representing spiritual realities and divine principles. Further study is required to fully understand the symbolism.
• Blueprint for Worship: The measurements serve as a blueprint for proper worship, emphasizing the need for reverence, precision, and adherence to God’s instructions.
• Future Fulfillment: Some interpret the measurements as foreshadowing the spiritual temple of the Church, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

FAQ ❓

Q: What does the return of God’s glory signify for us today?

A: The return of God’s glory symbolizes the restoration of God’s presence in our lives and the Church. It reminds us that God desires to dwell within us, transforming us into temples of the Holy Spirit. This is a powerful message that we can use in our daily lives.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Ezekiel 43 to our spiritual lives?

A: We can apply the lessons of Ezekiel 43 by purifying our hearts, removing any idols that compete with our devotion to God, and dedicating every aspect of our lives to His service. We can do this through prayer, confession, repentance and service.

Q: What is the significance of the Temple’s design and measurements?

A: The Temple’s design and measurements symbolize God’s perfect order and design. They emphasize the need for meticulous adherence to His laws and serve as a blueprint for proper worship. This attention to detail is important for us to take note of.

Conclusion

Ezekiel 43 offers a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the unwavering presence of God. The glorious return of God’s glory to the Temple is not just a historical event; it’s a timeless reminder of His faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His people. By examining the chapter’s detailed descriptions and heeding its call to purity and obedience, we can experience the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we recognize that the true Temple is now Christ and His Church, and we strive to be living stones built into that holy dwelling place. Let us embrace the promise of God’s Glory Returns, allowing Him to purify our hearts and fill us with His Spirit, that we may become beacons of His light in the world.

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Ezekiel, Ezekiel 43, God’s Glory, Temple, Coptic Orthodox, Commentary, Bible, Scripture, Theology, Resurrection

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Explore Ezekiel 43: God’s Glory Returns! A deep Coptic Orthodox commentary on the Temple’s restoration, revealing its spiritual meaning for today.