Chapter Summary

Vision of God's glory filling the temple. Place of the throne of the future kingdom. The altar and offerings.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 43

1. In chapters 40-42 we see the overall scheme of the temple, yet something is missing. After reading 43:1-5, what was missing? Why must God be present in order for it to be considered a temple? Name a time in your life where you felt far from God because of your sin.
2. Compare 43:4 with 10:18. Note the differences. What would those hearing this message think about the return of God’s glory? How are you doing at seeking God's glory? Do you give him glory even when things don't go your way?
3. What is Ezekiel's reaction upon seeing the glory of the Lord? Can you think of other instances in the Bible where people saw the glory of the Lord? Why do people fall face down? Are they afraid? Do they realize they are unclean? Out of reverence? Something else? Imagine your reaction of seeng God in heaven.
4. Is there any symbolism or meaning behind the 7 days of purification in order for normal activities to be carried out there? Do you ever take for granted everything that God had to do in order for your sins to be forgiven?
5. In verse 7 God says “This is the place of my throne.” Thus, God is emphasizing he is king. What happened when human kings ruled over Israel? Imagine you are king or president. How may the country you live in benefit from your rule? How do you think it may go bad with you as king?
6. In v. 2 Ezekiel says that God’s voice was “like the roar of rushing waters.” (NIV) Have you ever sat and listened to a rushing waterfall or crashing waves? How did you feel? This was written before loud machines or booming speakers existed. Do you think Ezekiel may have used other metaphors to describe the voice of God if he wrote his book today?
7. In v. 3 Ezekiel says that his vision of God’s glory coming to fill the temple was similar to that when he saw God destroying the city out of judgment. How is God’s nature the same when he is casting judgment and restoring?
8. How many times does this chapter call Ezekiel “Son of man?” As Son of man he is shown God’s throne (verse 7) and he communicates God’s law of the temple (verse 12). How does Jesus, who called himself the Son of man, fulfill these attributes? Have you ever studied how the Old Testament points to Christ? If so, how did it grow your faith? If not, is this a topic you think you would enjoy studying? Why or why not?
9. Speaking of the temple, verse 11 says that the Israelites were to be “faithful to its design.” Does this mean that there was purpose and functionality related to its design? How is it possible to be faithful to a design? How can you be faithful with your body in the way it is designed?
10. Verses 18-26 give specific instructions on how the altar is to be purified and atoned for. Why do you think the altar needed to be purified? Think about when you became a Christian, what was it that made you see yourself as totally dirty and in need of purification?

Key Words/Phrase

Temple, glory (v. 2), throne (v. 7), offerings (vv. 18-27).

Characters

God, Holy Spirit, Ezekiel.

Strong Verse(s)