- The Glory of Hashem Returns to the Temple (Verses 1–5)
Yechezkel is led to the eastern gate, where he witnesses the glory of the God of Israel approaching from the east. The sound of His presence is like mighty waters, and the earth radiates with His glory.
This vision mirrors Yechezkel’s earlier visions—by the River Kevar and at the time of Jerusalem’s destruction. Overcome, he falls upon his face.
The Divine Presence enters the Temple through the eastern gate, and Yechezkel is lifted into the Inner Court, where Hashem’s glory fills the House completely.
- Hashem Declares His Eternal Dwelling (Verses 6–9)
Hashem speaks from within the Temple, proclaiming:
- This Temple is His throne and the place of His feet.
- He will dwell among the Children of Israel forever.
- Never again will Israel defile His Holy Name through idolatry, immorality, or the burial of kings near sacred spaces.
Hashem explains that past destructions occurred because Israel placed its own thresholds beside His—symbolizing corruption and spiritual compromise. Once these sins are removed, His presence will remain permanently.
- The Temple as a Source of Repentance and Instruction (Verses 10–12)
Yechezkel is commanded to describe the Temple in detail to Israel:
- So they will be ashamed of their sins,
- So they will study its structure, measurements, laws, and design,
- And so they will observe and fulfill its sanctity.
The core teaching of the Temple is declared:
The entire mountaintop is most holy.
Holiness is no longer confined to inner rooms—it permeates the whole domain.
- The Measurements of the Altar (Verses 13–17)
The altar is described with precise dimensions, built in ascending tiers:
- A base, lower ledge, upper ledge, and altar hearth
- The hearth is 12 × 12 cubits, perfectly square
- The surrounding ledge is 14 × 14 cubits
- The altar’s ramp faces east
This altar represents stability, symmetry, and divine order—unlike earlier altars defiled by improper worship.
- The Consecration of the Altar (Verses 18–26)
Hashem lays out the seven‑day inauguration ritual for the altar:
- Day 1: A young bull is offered as a sin‑offering by the sons of Zadok, the faithful priestly line. Its blood purifies the altar.
- Day 2: A flawless goat is offered for further purification.
- Subsequent days: A bull and a ram are offered as burnt offerings, salted as required.
For seven days, sin‑offerings and burnt‑offerings cleanse and dedicate the altar.
- Acceptance and Ongoing Service (Verse 27)
On the eighth day and onward, the regular Temple service begins:
- Burnt offerings and peace offerings are brought,
- Hashem declares:
“I will accept you with satisfaction.”
This signals full reconciliation between Hashem and Israel.
Central Themes of Yechezkel 43
- Return of the Shechinah after centuries of absence
- Permanent Divine dwelling, not conditional or temporary
- Holiness without compromise
- Repentance through awareness, not punishment
- Restored priesthood (sons of Zadok)
- A purified altar as the foundation of worship
