Ezekiel 43 describes the glory of the LORD returning to the temple through the east gate, and then gives instructions for the altar that will be used to worship him. These questions are for small groups, Sunday classes, and personal study, and each one gives a leader something to say in the room. You do not need a separate commentary to use them.
Ezekiel 43 at a Glance
The chapter opens with Ezekiel led to the east gate, where he sees the glory of God come back into the house the way it had left in chapter 10. The LORD speaks to him from inside the temple, declaring that this is the place of his throne and that his people will no longer defile his holy name. The second half shifts to measurements and rules for the altar, including its dimensions, the sin offerings for its consecration, and the seven days of purification before the priests can offer sacrifices on it.
In other words, the chapter moves from God’s presence to God’s requirements. Holiness is shown first as a gift of God’s nearness and then as a set of practices that let people live near him. Keep that movement in mind as you work through the questions.
Observation Questions
Use these first to make sure everyone has read the text closely and agrees on what it says. Keep answers tied to the words on the page before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask one question at a time and let the room answer before moving on.
Ezekiel 43:2
Behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth was illuminated with his glory.
(WEB)
Read this verse early so the group hears the sound and brightness of the glory before discussing it. Its sensory details help people picture the scene, which the rest of the chapter builds on.
Ezekiel 43:4-5
4 The LORD’s glory came into the house by the way of the gate which faces toward the east. 5 The Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the LORD’s glory filled the house.
(WEB)
These verses describe the central moment when the glory fills the house. Reading them together helps the group see the arrival as the turning point of the chapter.
Ezekiel 43:7
He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell among the children of Israel forever. The house of Israel will no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their prostitution, and by the dead bodies of their kings in their high places…
(WEB)
This is the LORD’s own declaration that the temple is the place of his throne and where he will dwell forever. It anchors the discussion of God’s presence and the people’s responsibility.
Ezekiel 43:10-11
10 “You, son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern. 11 If they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the form of the house, and its fashion, and its exits, and its entrances, and all its forms, and all its ordinances, and all its forms, and all its laws; and write it in their sight; that they may keep the whole form of it, and all its ordinances, and do them.
(WEB)
Reading the call to show the house and measure the pattern reminds the group that God’s plan was meant to be known and studied. It sets up the application questions about honest self-examination.
Ezekiel 43:27
When they have accomplished the days, it shall be that on the eighth day, and forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings on the altar, and your peace offerings. Then I will accept you,’ says the Lord the LORD.”
(WEB)
Ending the reading with the LORD’s words of acceptance gives the session a note of grace. It is a good verse to close on before the prayer.
Memory Verse for Ezekiel 43
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you as people who have been invited to draw near to your holy presence. Thank you that your glory is not distant but has come close to dwell among those who belong to you. Search our hearts as you searched the house of Israel, and show us the places where we have built walls or kept other loves in your place. Make us willing to put those things far from us so that you may dwell with us forever. Teach us to worship with reverence and to trust your cleansing before we serve. We ask this in the name of Jesus, who makes us clean. Amen.
