Question 1

What does it mean that the glory of God comes from the east and fills the house?

Accepted Answer

The glory coming from the east shows God returning to His people after having departed because of their sin. The sound “like many waters” and the shining earth picture His power and brightness. When the glory enters by the east gate and fills the house, it shows that this temple is now truly God’s dwelling place again. It is a move from judgment to restoration. God is not just visiting; He is coming back to live among His people in a lasting way.

Question 2

Why does God say His people will no more defile His holy name?

Accepted Answer

God reminds Israel that they had defiled His name through idol worship, spiritual “whoredom,” and even by putting royal graves and pagan symbols close to His house. Because of this, He poured out His anger. Now He says that in this renewed relationship they are not to stain His name anymore. This means turning from idols and false worship. If they remove these things and keep themselves for Him, He will stay in their midst forever and His house will be truly holy.

Question 3

What is the “law of the house” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “law of the house” is that the whole area on the top of the mountain around the temple is “most holy.” In simple terms, everything connected with this house belongs to God in a special way and must not be treated as common. This sets clear boundaries between holy and unholy. It means God’s presence shapes how people act, where they place things, and how they worship. Those who come near must respect His holiness in all parts of the temple area.

Question 4

Why are the people told to be ashamed and to measure the pattern of the house?

Accepted Answer

God tells Ezekiel to show the house to Israel so they will be ashamed of their sins. Looking carefully at the plan, the form, and the laws of this new house is meant to wake their conscience. As they see how holy and ordered God’s house is, they should feel how far they had fallen into idolatry and defilement. If they are truly ashamed of all they have done, then the detailed pattern becomes something they are ready to keep and obey, instead of just a bare set of rules.

Question 5

What is the meaning of the detailed altar measurements and steps?

Accepted Answer

The long description of the altar’s height, settles, border, horns, and steps shows that worship is not casual. God cares about how His altar is built, not just that it exists. The square shape, the horns, and the steps facing east all belong to His ordered way of sacrifice. These details teach that coming near to God must follow His design, not human ideas. The solid, measured altar pictures a stable place where sin offerings and burnt offerings can be made in a proper, holy way.

Question 6

Why must the altar be cleansed for seven days with sacrifices?

Accepted Answer

The altar does not start out ready for daily offerings. For seven days, a goat for a sin offering is prepared each day, along with a young bull and a ram without blemish. Their blood is put on the horns, corners, and border. This repeated cleansing shows that sin is serious and that access to God needs purification. The seven days mark a complete setting apart of the altar. After this time of cleansing and consecration, the altar and the priests are ready for regular burnt and peace offerings.

Question 7

Who are the priests of the seed of Zadok in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The priests of the seed of Zadok are the group of Levite priests chosen here to serve at the altar. They are said to be the ones who come near to God to minister to Him. In this vision they receive the sin offering and handle the blood for cleansing the altar. Their role shows that not everyone may serve in this close way. God appoints certain servants, and they must be faithful, clean, and careful in how they offer sacrifices before Him.

Question 8

What does God mean when He says, “I will dwell in the midst of them for ever”?

Accepted Answer

God is promising a lasting presence with His people, not just a short return. He calls this place the spot of His throne and the soles of His feet, like a king sitting and resting among his people. This promise is tied to their putting away idols and not defiling His name. When they live in holiness and turn from their former sins, He will stay with them. It shows God’s desire not only to rule them, but to be near them in a settled, peaceful way.

Question 9

Why does this passage stress turning from idolatry before God dwells with the people?

Accepted Answer

Idolatry put false gods side by side with the true God, even near His own house. The passage speaks of “whoredom” and the bodies of kings in high places, showing how mixed and dirty their worship had become. For God to live among them again, this cannot continue. Sin must be put away, not kept as a secret partner. The call to remove idols and wrong practices shows that a clean heart and pure worship go with God’s presence. He will not share His dwelling with rival gods.

Question 10

How can the vision of God accepting offerings after the eighth day apply today?

Accepted Answer

After the seven days of cleansing, God says that from the eighth day onward the priests will make burnt and peace offerings on the altar, and He will accept the people. The picture is of a new start after a full time of purification. For readers today, this points to the pattern that God first cleanses, then receives. It can remind us that we do not come to God in our own way or goodness. We come as people who need cleansing, so that our worship and our lives may be accepted by Him.

Ezekiel 43:1

Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:

The Glory of the LORD Returns to the Temple

The Altar of Sacrifice

The Glory of the LORD Returns to the Temple

Cross References

Ezekiel 43:1

Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east:

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The Glory of the LORD Returns to the Temple

The Altar of Sacrifice

The Glory of the LORD Returns to the Temple

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