Ezekiel 43:2

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.

Study Bible

and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east.
The phrase "the glory of the God of Israel" refers to the divine presence, often associated with the Shekinah glory, which signifies God's dwelling among His people. In the context of Ezekiel, this vision occurs after the prophet's earlier visions of the departure of God's glory from the temple (Ezekiel 10:18-19). The return of God's glory from the east signifies restoration and hope for Israel. The east is significant as it is the direction from which the sun rises, symbolizing new beginnings and divine intervention. Biblically, the east is also where the Garden of Eden was located (Genesis 2:8) and where the wise men saw the star heralding Jesus' birth (Matthew 2:1-2), linking this vision to themes of redemption and messianic prophecy.

His voice was like the roar of many waters,
The comparison of God's voice to "the roar of many waters" emphasizes His power and majesty. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Revelation 1:15 and 14:2, to describe the overwhelming and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence. The sound of many waters can be both comforting and terrifying, reflecting God's ability to bring peace and judgment. In the ancient Near East, water was a symbol of chaos and power, and God's voice overpowering the waters signifies His sovereignty over creation.

and the earth shone with His glory.
The earth shining with God's glory indicates the transformative impact of His presence. This echoes the experience of Moses, whose face shone after encountering God (Exodus 34:29-35), and foreshadows the New Jerusalem, where God's glory provides light (Revelation 21:23). The shining earth symbolizes the restoration and renewal that comes with God's presence, pointing to the ultimate redemption of creation. This phrase also highlights the universal scope of God's glory, extending beyond Israel to encompass the entire earth, fulfilling the promise that "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one receiving the vision.

2. The Glory of the God of Israel
This refers to the divine presence and majesty of God, often depicted as a radiant light or cloud.

3. The East
Symbolically significant in Scripture, the east often represents the direction from which divine intervention or blessing comes.

4. Voice like the Roar of Many Waters
This imagery conveys the power and majesty of God's voice, emphasizing His authority and might.

5. The Earth Shone with His Glory
This indicates the transformative and illuminating effect of God's presence on creation.

Teaching Points

The Majesty of God's Presence
God's glory is overwhelming and transformative. As believers, we should seek to live in a way that reflects His glory in our lives.

The Power of God's Voice
Just as God's voice is powerful and authoritative, we should listen and respond to His Word with reverence and obedience.

The Significance of Direction
The east, as the direction of God's coming, reminds us to be watchful and expectant for God's intervention and guidance in our lives.

The Impact of God's Glory on Creation
God's presence brings light and transformation. We are called to be agents of His light in a world that often dwells in darkness.

Hope in God's Restorative Power
The vision of God's glory returning signifies hope and restoration. We can trust in God's promise to restore and renew all things.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of God's glory coming from the east challenge or encourage your current understanding of God's presence in your life?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for the power and authority of God's voice in your daily decisions?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's transformative presence. How did it change your perspective or actions?

4. How can you be a reflection of God's glory in your community, bringing light to areas of darkness?

5. Consider the hope of restoration depicted in Ezekiel 43:2. How does this promise influence your outlook on personal or communal challenges you face today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 1:15
The description of Christ's voice as "like the sound of rushing waters" parallels the imagery in Ezekiel, emphasizing divine authority and power.

Exodus 24:16-17
The glory of the Lord appearing on Mount Sinai connects to the manifestation of God's glory in Ezekiel, highlighting His holiness and majesty.

Psalm 29:3-4
The voice of the Lord is described as powerful and majestic, similar to the roaring waters in Ezekiel, underscoring God's sovereign power.

Isaiah 60:1-3
The shining of God's glory upon the earth is echoed in Isaiah's prophecy of God's light rising upon His people, symbolizing hope and restoration.