Ezekiel 43:5

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

Study Bible

Then the Spirit lifted me up
This phrase indicates a divine action, where the Spirit of God empowers and transports Ezekiel. This is reminiscent of other instances in Ezekiel (e.g., Ezekiel 3:14, 8:3) where the Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and revealing God's will to the prophet. The lifting up signifies a transition from the earthly to the divine realm, emphasizing the supernatural nature of Ezekiel's vision.

and brought me into the inner court
The inner court refers to the area within the temple complex that is closer to the Holy of Holies, where God's presence was believed to dwell. In the context of the temple vision, this movement into the inner court symbolizes a deeper access to God's presence and a closer communion with Him. Historically, the inner court was reserved for priests, highlighting the significance of Ezekiel's prophetic role and the privilege of witnessing God's glory.

and the glory of the LORD filled the temple
The glory of the LORD, often associated with the Hebrew term "Shekinah," represents God's manifest presence. This filling of the temple echoes the dedication of Solomon's Temple in 1 Kings 8:10-11, where the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD, preventing the priests from ministering. It signifies God's approval and presence among His people. This vision also serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the ultimate restoration and indwelling of God's presence, which Christians see fulfilled in Jesus Christ (John 1:14) and the future eschatological hope in Revelation 21:22-23, where God's glory illuminates the New Jerusalem.

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 Spirit
Refers to the Spirit of God, who actively guides and empowers Ezekiel throughout his prophetic ministry.

3. The Inner Court
Part of the temple structure, the inner court is a sacred space closer to the Holy of Holies, symbolizing a deeper communion with God.

4. The Glory of the LORD
Represents God's manifest presence, often depicted as a radiant light or cloud, signifying His holiness and majesty.

5. The Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people and the focal point of His covenant relationship with them.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit's lifting of Ezekiel signifies the empowerment and guidance believers receive from the Holy Spirit today. We are called to be sensitive to His leading in our lives.

God's Desire to Dwell Among His People
The filling of the temple with God's glory underscores His desire for intimate fellowship with His people. We are invited to cultivate a personal relationship with God, allowing His presence to fill our lives.

Holiness and Reverence
The inner court's sacredness reminds us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. Our lives should reflect His holiness as we become living temples of His Spirit.

Transformation Through God's Presence
Just as the temple was transformed by God's glory, our lives are transformed when we invite His presence to dwell within us, leading to spiritual growth and renewal.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the Holy Spirit in Ezekiel's vision relate to the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer today?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, similar to the filling of the temple with His glory?

3. What does the concept of the inner court teach us about the importance of personal holiness and reverence in our relationship with God?

4. How can the transformation of the temple by God's glory inspire us to seek transformation in our own lives?

5. How do the events in Ezekiel 43:5 connect with the New Testament understanding of believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 40:34-35
The glory of the LORD filling the tabernacle parallels the filling of the temple in Ezekiel, emphasizing God's desire to dwell among His people.

1 Kings 8:10-11
The glory of the LORD filling Solomon's temple highlights the continuity of God's presence from the tabernacle to the temple.

Acts 2:1-4
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost signifies the new temple of God in the hearts of believers, echoing the filling of the temple with God's glory.