Ezekiel 8 4

Ezekiel 8:4 kjv

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

Ezekiel 8:4 nkjv

And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the vision that I saw in the plain.

Ezekiel 8:4 niv

And there before me was the glory of the God of Israel, as in the vision I had seen in the plain.

Ezekiel 8:4 esv

And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the vision that I saw in the valley.

Ezekiel 8:4 nlt

Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel was there, just as I had seen it before in the valley.

Ezekiel 8 4 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Ezekiel 43:1-2And afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: 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.Prophetic fulfillment
Isaiah 2:2-3And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains... And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord... and he will teach us of his ways...Messianic prophecy
Revelation 21:23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.New Jerusalem
John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.Incarnation
John 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.Christ's prayer
Acts 7:49Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: and what is the place of my rest?Stephen's speech
Revelation 4:3And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.Heavenly throne
Revelation 15:8And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.Divine judgment
Hebrews 1:3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;Christ's glory
Psalm 96:6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.Divine worship
Psalm 132:13-14For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.God's dwelling
Jeremiah 14:21Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us.Covenant faithfulness
2 Chronicles 7:1-3And when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord was upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces toward the pavement upon the house, and worshipped, and thanked the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.Solomon's Temple
Ezekiel 1:28As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.Divine appearance
Matthew 24:30And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.Second coming
Mark 13:26And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.Second coming
Luke 21:27And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.Second coming
Acts 1:11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.Ascension promise
Zechariah 8:3Thus saith the Lord; I will return unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.Future restoration
Song of Solomon 5:14His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.Beloved's beauty

Ezekiel 8 verses

Ezekiel 8 4 Meaning

The verse describes a glorious divine manifestation. The appearance of the Lord's glory is seen as entering the temple from the east, specifically through the eastern gate. This signifies God's presence, power, and judgment returning to His dwelling place.

Ezekiel 8 4 Context

This verse is situated within the latter part of the book of Ezekiel, following visions of Jerusalem's destruction and the subsequent exile. Ezekiel has been shown the abominations within the temple, leading to God's departure (chapters 8-11). Chapter 43 shifts to visions of the future, depicting the restored temple and God's glorious return. This specific verse marks the glorious presence of God entering the temple through the eastern gate, signaling a new era of divine dwelling and holiness for His people. The historical context for the original audience would have been one of despair and a longing for God's presence and restoration after the destruction of the first temple.

Ezekiel 8 4 Word analysis

  • וְהִנֵּה (vehinnéh): "and behold" - An interjection used to draw attention to something important or a new revelation.
  • כְּבוֹד (k'vod): "glory" - Refers to God's manifest presence, honor, majesty, and inherent radiance. It signifies His awesome attributes and powerful being.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH): "the LORD" - The covenant name of God.
  • בָּא (ba): "came" - The past tense verb, indicating the arrival or entrance of God's glory.
  • מִדֶּרֶךְ (midérekh): "from the way" or "from the direction of" - Specifies the origin or path.
  • הַשַּׁעַר (hasha'ar): "the gate" - Refers to a specific gateway.
  • הַפֶּנֶה (hapenéh): "that looketh" or "facing" - Indicates orientation or direction.
  • קָדִימָה (kadimá): "eastward" or "toward the east" - The specific direction. This eastward orientation is highly symbolic.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And behold, the glory of the LORD came": This phrase signifies a dramatic and visually impressive arrival. "Behold" emphasizes that this is a crucial event to observe. The "glory of the LORD" returning is a central theme of hope for the post-exilic community.
  • "from the way of the gate that looketh eastward": The eastern gate was historically significant. In Solomon's Temple, it was the gate through which the high priest would pass. Ezekiel's visions depict this eastern gate being sealed in chapters 44:2-3, signifying that only God Himself can enter and depart through it, thus preserving its sanctity. Its openness here signals God's initiative and sovereign re-entry.

Ezekiel 8 4 Bonus section

The imagery of God's glory entering the temple is deeply symbolic. The eastern gate in Ezekiel's vision (chapters 40-48) is eventually described as remaining shut (Ezekiel 44:2-3), with the Lord declaring, "This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut." This paradox highlights that God Himself is the one who sanctifies the sanctuary and who, through His own movement, secures its holiness. The entrance of His glory signifies His sovereign right to access His own dwelling place, making it distinct from any humanly constructed entry or access. This points towards Christ as the true gate and entrance to God.

Ezekiel 8 4 Commentary

This verse announces the return of God's presence to His temple in a powerful and awe-inspiring manner. The "glory of the LORD" returning from the east, through a specific gate, signifies God's faithfulness and His ultimate redemptive plan. It is a stark contrast to His departure seen earlier in the book due to the people's sin. The eastward direction is often associated with the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings and the inextinguishable light of God's presence. This vision serves as a powerful assurance of God's desire to dwell with His people again, but on His own terms and through a purified sanctuary. It points forward to the ultimate manifestation of God's glory in Jesus Christ and His eternal kingdom.