What does Ezekiel 43:3 mean?
“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.” — Ezekiel 43:3
Ezekiel 43:3 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "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."
This verse is part of the vision of the glory of God that Ezekiel sees in the latter part of his book. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, the prophet has been given visions from God, and in these final chapters, he describes a glorious vision of the Lord's presence filling the temple.
To truly understand the meaning of this verse, it's important to consider the context in which it is found. In the preceding chapters, Ezekiel sees a vision of the glory of the Lord entering the temple, filling it with His presence, and then departing. The vision is a powerful demonstration of God's holiness, majesty, and sovereignty.
In Ezekiel 43:3, the prophet is recalling this vision and comparing it to a previous vision he had received by the river Chebar. He falls on his face in awe and reverence, overwhelmed by the glory of what he has seen.
The themes present in this verse include the holiness and glory of God, the overwhelming nature of experiencing His presence, and the need for humble reverence in His presence. The passage serves as a reminder of the greatness of God and the appropriate response of humanity in the face of His majesty.
The river Chebar is mentioned in other parts of Ezekiel, and it is the place where Ezekiel first received his prophetic call from God. The reference to this earlier vision serves to show the consistency and reliability of God's revelation to the prophet. The vision by the river Chebar was the beginning of Ezekiel's ministry, and now, as he approaches the end of his book, he recalls that initial encounter with God as he experiences this powerful vision of the Lord's glory in the temple.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the posture of Ezekiel falling upon his face. This physical gesture communicates humility, awe, and reverence. It is a common response in the Bible when someone encounters the presence of God or receives a revelation from Him. It acknowledges the incomprehensible greatness of God and the unworthiness of humanity in comparison.
The overarching message of Ezekiel 43:3 is a reminder of the greatness and holiness of God. It serves as a call to humility and reverence in our approach to Him. The verse challenges us to consider the awesomeness of God's presence and to respond with reverence and worship.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 43:3 is a powerful verse that captures the overwhelming experience of encountering the glory of God. It reminds us of the holiness and majesty of God and calls us to respond with humility and reverence. The verse is a poignant moment in the book of Ezekiel, and it challenges us to consider our own response to the greatness of God. It serves as a reminder to approach God with awe and reverence, acknowledging His majesty and sovereignty.
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Artwork for Ezekiel 43:3
Ezekiel 43:3 - "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."
"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." - Ezekiel 43:3
Ezekiel 43:1 - "Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:"
Ezekiel 43:4 - "And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east."
Ezekiel 43:16 - "And the altar shall be twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof."
Ezekiel 43:15 - "So the altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar and upward shall be four horns."
Ezekiel 43:6 - "And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me."
Ezekiel 23:43 - "Then said I unto her that was old in adulteries, Will they now commit whoredoms with her, and she with them?"
Ezekiel 40:43 - "And within were hooks, an hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables was the flesh of the offering."
Ezekiel 43:5 - "So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house."
Ezekiel 43:21 - "Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary."
Ezekiel 43:10 - "¶ 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."
Ezekiel 43:22 - "And on the second day thou shalt offer a kid of the goats without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bullock."
Ezekiel 43:12 - "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 43:26 - "Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves." The image should not depict explicit or offensive content but be symbolic.
Ezekiel 43:9 - "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."
Ezekiel 43:2 - "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."
Ezekiel 43:23 - "When thou hast made an end of cleansing it, thou shalt offer a young bullock without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish."
Ezekiel 43:24 - "And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the LORD."
"Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves." - Ezekiel 43:26
Lamentations 3:43 - "Thou hast covered with anger, and persecuted us: thou hast slain, thou hast not pitied."
"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." - Ezekiel 43:2
Ezekiel 43:25 - "Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish."
Ezekiel 43:20 - "And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it."
"Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:" - Ezekiel 43:1
Ezekiel 43:19 - "And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering."
"And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east." - Ezekiel 43:4
"And I heard him speaking unto me out of the house; and the man stood by me." - Ezekiel 43:6
"And the altar shall be twelve cubits long, twelve broad, square in the four squares thereof." - Ezekiel 43:16
"So the altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar and upward shall be four horns." - Ezekiel 43:15