Ezekiel 40:4

"Son of man," he said to me, "look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report to the house of Israel everything you see."

Study Bible

And the man said to me
This phrase introduces the divine messenger, often understood as an angelic figure or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who guides Ezekiel through the vision. The Hebrew word for "man" here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can denote a human or a figure of authority. This highlights the importance of the message being delivered, as it comes from a figure of divine authority.

Son of man
This title, "בֶּן־אָדָם" (ben-adam), is frequently used in Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of mankind. It underscores the humility and frailty of Ezekiel compared to the divine revelations he receives, reminding readers of the grace involved in God choosing to communicate with humanity.

look with your eyes
The command to "look" (רָאָה, ra'ah) signifies more than just seeing; it implies perceiving and understanding. In the context of a vision, it calls for spiritual insight, urging Ezekiel to discern the deeper meanings behind what is shown to him. This reflects the biblical theme of seeking wisdom and understanding beyond the surface.

hear with your ears
Hearing (שָׁמַע, shama) in the Hebrew context often implies obedience. It is not merely about auditory reception but involves an active response to what is heard. This phrase calls Ezekiel to attentiveness and readiness to act upon the divine instructions he receives, a principle echoed throughout Scripture.

pay attention to everything
The phrase "pay attention" (שִׂים לֵב, sim lev) literally means to "set your heart." It suggests a deep, intentional focus and commitment to understanding the vision. This reflects the biblical call to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, engaging fully with His revelations.

I am going to show you
The act of showing (הִרְאָה, hir'ah) indicates a divine initiative. God is the revealer of mysteries, and this phrase underscores His sovereignty in choosing what to reveal and to whom. It reminds believers of the privilege and responsibility of receiving divine insight.

for that is why you have been brought here
This phrase highlights divine purpose and calling. Ezekiel's presence in the vision is not accidental but orchestrated by God for a specific reason. It speaks to the broader Christian understanding of vocation and divine purpose in each believer's life.

Report everything you see
The command to report (נָגַד, nagad) emphasizes the prophetic role of Ezekiel as a communicator of God's message. It underscores the responsibility of those who receive divine revelation to share it faithfully with others, a principle that resonates with the Great Commission in the New Testament.

to the house of Israel
This phrase identifies the primary audience of Ezekiel's message. "House of Israel" (בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, beit Yisrael) refers to the covenant community, God's chosen people. It serves as a reminder of God's enduring covenant with Israel and His desire for their restoration and obedience. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's visions and messages, tasked with conveying them to the Israelites.

2. The Man
Often interpreted as an angelic figure or a divine messenger, this man guides Ezekiel through the vision of the new temple, providing instructions and measurements.

3. The Vision of the Temple
This vision, beginning in Ezekiel 40, describes a future temple, symbolizing God's presence and the restoration of Israel.

4. The House of Israel
Refers to the people of Israel, who are the intended audience for Ezekiel's messages and visions, representing God's covenant people.

Teaching Points

Attentiveness to God's Revelation
Just as Ezekiel was instructed to look, hear, and pay attention, believers are called to be attentive to God's Word and His revelations in their lives.

Responsibility to Share God's Message
Ezekiel's task to report everything he saw to the house of Israel highlights the responsibility of believers to share God's truth with others.

Hope in Restoration
The vision of the temple serves as a reminder of God's promise to restore and dwell with His people, offering hope and encouragement in times of trial.

Symbolism of the Temple
Understanding the temple as a symbol of God's presence encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Him, recognizing that they are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ezekiel's role as a prophet during the exile inform our understanding of his vision in Ezekiel 40:4?

2. In what ways can we apply the instruction to "look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention" in our daily walk with God?

3. How does the vision of the temple in Ezekiel 40 relate to the concept of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21?

4. What responsibilities do we have as modern-day believers to "report everything" we learn from God's Word to others?

5. How can the promise of restoration and God's presence in Ezekiel's vision encourage us in our current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 1
The initial vision of God's glory sets the stage for Ezekiel's prophetic ministry, emphasizing God's sovereignty and holiness.

Revelation 21
The vision of the New Jerusalem parallels Ezekiel's temple vision, symbolizing God's ultimate plan for restoration and dwelling with His people.

Hebrews 8-10
Discusses the new covenant and the heavenly sanctuary, connecting the idea of a perfect, eternal dwelling place with God.