Ezekiel 3:23 - Then I arose, and went out into the plain, and behold, Yahweh’s glory stood there, like the glory which I saw by the river Chebar. Then I fell on my face.
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What does "Ezekiel 3:23" mean?
Ezekiel 3:23 describes a powerful and overwhelming encounter Ezekiel has with the glory of Yahweh (God). Let's break it down:
"Then I arose, and went out into the plain...": Ezekiel, likely instructed by God, physically moves to a plain, an open and exposed area. This suggests a place designated for a divine revelation. It symbolizes Ezekiel's obedience and willingness to meet God.
"...and behold, Yahweh’s glory stood there...": Here's the key event. Ezekiel sees "Yahweh's glory." The word "glory" (Hebrew: kavod) refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and majesty. It's not simply light, but a radiant, awe-inspiring display. It signifies God's weightiness, importance, and holiness. The phrase "stood there" conveys a sense of stability and permanence.
"...like the glory which I saw by the river Chebar.": This is a crucial connection. Ezekiel is directly comparing this new vision to a previous, similar encounter described in Ezekiel 1. The "river Chebar" was in Babylon, where Ezekiel was in exile. This reference suggests that despite being in exile and far from the temple in Jerusalem, God's presence and glory are not limited geographically. It also validates the authenticity and consistency of Ezekiel's prophetic experiences. The reader is directed back to the incredibly vivid and symbolic description of God's glory in Ezekiel 1 (wheels within wheels, living creatures, etc.).
"Then I fell on my face.": This is the immediate and natural response to such an overwhelming display of divine glory. Falling prostrate is a common posture of humility, reverence, and submission in the presence of God. It underscores Ezekiel's recognition of his own insignificance compared to the immense power and holiness of God. The act of falling on his face demonstrates both respect and fear, a common reaction to a theophany (a visible manifestation of God).
In Summary:
This verse describes a moment where Ezekiel is deliberately placed in a position to experience a direct encounter with God's glory. The vision reminds him of his initial call and commissioning by the Chebar River. Ezekiel's reaction of falling on his face emphasizes the overwhelming nature of God's presence and the appropriate response of humility and submission. This verse reinforces the themes of God's sovereign presence, his commitment to his prophet, and the divine authority of Ezekiel's message, even in exile. It serves to authenticate Ezekiel's prophetic calling and prepare him for further messages and missions from God. It also indicates that God's presence transcends geographic boundaries and that He is available to those who seek Him, even in exile and difficult circumstances.
Ezekiel 3:23 - Then I arose, and went out into the plain, and behold, Yahweh’s glory stood there, like the glory which I saw by the river Chebar. Then I fell on my face.
What does "Ezekiel 3:23" mean?
Ezekiel 3:23 describes a powerful and overwhelming encounter Ezekiel has with the glory of Yahweh (God). Let's break it down:
"Then I arose, and went out into the plain...": Ezekiel, likely instructed by God, physically moves to a plain, an open and exposed area. This suggests a place designated for a divine revelation. It symbolizes Ezekiel's obedience and willingness to meet God.
"...and behold, Yahweh’s glory stood there...": Here's the key event. Ezekiel sees "Yahweh's glory." The word "glory" (Hebrew: kavod) refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and majesty. It's not simply light, but a radiant, awe-inspiring display. It signifies God's weightiness, importance, and holiness. The phrase "stood there" conveys a sense of stability and permanence.
"...like the glory which I saw by the river Chebar.": This is a crucial connection. Ezekiel is directly comparing this new vision to a previous, similar encounter described in Ezekiel 1. The "river Chebar" was in Babylon, where Ezekiel was in exile. This reference suggests that despite being in exile and far from the temple in Jerusalem, God's presence and glory are not limited geographically. It also validates the authenticity and consistency of Ezekiel's prophetic experiences. The reader is directed back to the incredibly vivid and symbolic description of God's glory in Ezekiel 1 (wheels within wheels, living creatures, etc.).
"Then I fell on my face.": This is the immediate and natural response to such an overwhelming display of divine glory. Falling prostrate is a common posture of humility, reverence, and submission in the presence of God. It underscores Ezekiel's recognition of his own insignificance compared to the immense power and holiness of God. The act of falling on his face demonstrates both respect and fear, a common reaction to a theophany (a visible manifestation of God).
In Summary:
This verse describes a moment where Ezekiel is deliberately placed in a position to experience a direct encounter with God's glory. The vision reminds him of his initial call and commissioning by the Chebar River. Ezekiel's reaction of falling on his face emphasizes the overwhelming nature of God's presence and the appropriate response of humility and submission. This verse reinforces the themes of God's sovereign presence, his commitment to his prophet, and the divine authority of Ezekiel's message, even in exile. It serves to authenticate Ezekiel's prophetic calling and prepare him for further messages and missions from God. It also indicates that God's presence transcends geographic boundaries and that He is available to those who seek Him, even in exile and difficult circumstances.