Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, November 21st, 2024
the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Commentaries
Layman's Bible Commentary Layman's Bible Commentary
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Bibliographical Information
"Commentary on Ezekiel 43". "Layman's Bible Commentary". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/lbc/ezekiel-43.html.
"Commentary on Ezekiel 43". "Layman's Bible Commentary". https://www.studylight.org/
Whole Bible (34)Old Testament (1)Individual Books (7)
Verses 1-12
Appearance of the Glory of the Lord (43:1-12)
The Lord, whose departure from the city was the signal for its destruction and the destruction of the Temple in its midst, now returns to the restored Temple via the East Gate whence he had left (Ezekiel 10:18-19; Ezekiel 11:22-23). Ezekiel explains that his vision is the same which he saw at Chebar on the occasion before the city fell. The Spirit of the Lord lifts the prophet up and brings him to the inner court within the East Gate (vs. 5).
God now sets forth the conditions for his return: "Now let them put away their idolatry and the dead bodies of their kings far from me, and I will dwell in their midst forever" (vs. 9).
God’s commission to Ezekiel is a simple one: to describe the Temple structure and its operating functions. When the people are willing to submit to God, it will be restored. Shame will lead them to repentance (vss. 10-12). Now that the glory of the Lord rests once more in the Temple, making it again the place of meeting between God and Israel, the promise of restoration is given a new dimension.
Verses 13-27
Regulations for the Temple Service (43:13-46:24)
The Altar and Its Use (43:13-27)
The altar consists of a series of platforms placed one on the other, with the hearth at the top measuring 12 x 12 cubits. The steps are facing eastward, as is the front door of the Temple.
On this altar the sons of Zadok will make burnt offerings to God. Procedure for sacrifice during eight days of atonement ritual is listed, paralleling the account in Exodus (Exodus 29:35-37). Seven days are set aside for consecration of the altar itself, culminating with burnt offerings and peace offerings being made for the people, "from the eighth day onward."