Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryEzekiel 43

The Vision of the TempleAfter Ezekiel carefully examines every part of the temple, he is shown something even greater—the arrival of God’s glory. All the beautiful details of the temple would be empty without God’s presence. Now, Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord

v. 3: Ezekiel falls on his face, overwhelmed by God’s glory, just as he was before by the river Chebar. God’s glory appears the same whether he brings judgment or comfort, because he is always the same. The same God who judges also saves (Ezekiel 43:3; Deuteronomy 32:39 ).

v. 4-5: The glory of the Lord

v. 6: From inside the temple, Ezekiel hears God’s voice speaking directly to him. Just as Moses received instructions when God’s glory filled the tabernacle, Ezekiel now receives new messages for God’s people. The man who guided Ezekiel now stands by him, reminding us that we need help to understand God’s words, and even angels learn from what God reveals to his people (Ezekiel 43:6; Ephesians 3:10 ).

The Vision of the TempleIn this section, God renews his covenant with Israel as he takes possession of the temple once again. Ezekiel acts as a messenger, much like Moses did before. God reminds the people of their past sins, calls them to repentance, and promises his presence if they will be faithful. This message was important for the exiles returning to their land, but it also points forward to the blessings and responsibilities of all who belong to God’s church.v. 7-8: God reminds Israel of how they had defiled his holy name in the past. They and their kings brought shame to God by worshipping idols and mixing their own ways with God’s commands. They even set up idols close to God’s temple, which was a great insult. Because of this, God became angry and punished them. Being close to God’s house does not mean we are close to God if our hearts are far from him (Ezekiel 43:7-8; Isaiah 29:13 ; Psalm 48:2 ).

v. 9: God calls the people to repent and turn away from their idols. Now that God is showing them mercy and restoring his sanctuary, they must put away everything that offends him. If they do this, they will not lose the blessings God wants to give them .

v. 10-11: God tells Ezekiel to show the people the pattern of the new temple. When they see how great God’s mercy is, they should be ashamed of their sins. If they are truly sorry, God will show them even more about his plans and his house. God wants his people to know both his blessings and his rules, so they can obey him and enjoy his presence (Ezekiel 43:10-11 ).

v. 12: God gives a new law for his house: now the whole mountain where the temple stands is most holy, not just the inner sanctuary. This means that in the time of the gospel, all believers have the privilege of coming close to God. Everyone in the church is called to be holy, because God’s house must always be holy (Ezekiel 43:12; Hebrews 10:19 ).

The Vision of the TempleThis passage describes the altar in Ezekiel’s vision of the temple. The altar is a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is our true altar. The details about the altar teach us about the importance of sacrifice, purity, and dedication to God. The instructions also show that all our worship and service must be made holy through Jesus.v. 13-17: The measurements of the altar are given. It is large and has several levels, with platforms for the priests to stand on as they serve. The sacrifices are handed up from one level to another, showing how people work together in serving God. The altar is carefully built, reminding us that our worship should be orderly and respectful (Ezekiel 43:13-17; Ezra 3:3 ).

v. 18-21: God gives instructions for dedicating the altar. The priests from the family of Zadok must offer a young bull for a sin offering. The altar is cleansed and made holy with the blood of the sacrifice. This points to Jesus, whose blood makes us and our worship acceptable to God (Ezekiel 43:18-21 ).

v. 22-24: On the second day, a goat is offered for a sin offering, and then a bull and a ram are given as burnt offerings. These sacrifices are to be sprinkled with salt, showing that all our offerings to God should be pure and lasting. Salt also reminds us that God’s covenant is unbreakable (Ezekiel 43:22-24; Leviticus 2:13 ; Colossians 4:6 ).

v. 25-26: For seven days, sacrifices are made to dedicate and cleanse the altar. The priests must consecrate themselves, giving themselves and their offerings to God. Before serving God, we must prepare our hearts and lives to be holy (Ezekiel 43:25-26 ).

v. 27: After the altar is dedicated, the priests will offer burnt offerings and peace offerings on it. God promises, I will accept you, which means he receives both the people and their sacrifices when they come to him through Jesus (Ezekiel 43:27 ).