Ezekiel·Chapter 43

How to Apply

Got a little time this week? Take a moment to reflect on something in your life that feels like it needs a fresh start. Maybe it's a relationship, a habit, or even how you see yourself. Write it down! Then, think about a small, actionable step you can take to begin that process of healing or renewal. It could be as simple as reaching out to someone you’ve lost touch with or even just journaling your thoughts. The key is to be intentional about making space for something new in your life, just like marking the altar’s corners.

Chapter Context

Now, let’s zoom out a bit. This moment is part of a bigger story in Ezekiel where God is showing how to restore the temple and its practices after a time of chaos and neglect. Before this, the people had turned away, and there was a lot of emotional and spiritual mess to clean up. This verse is like the turning point, the moment where you say, 'Okay, we’re making a change!' After this, you see the preparations for the return of God’s presence among the people, which is huge! It sets the stage for renewal and hope, shifting from brokenness to restoration.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• take - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• blood - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• put - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• four - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• four - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• corners - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• ledge - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• rim - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• around - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• purify - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

What does the act of marking the altar with blood symbolize for you in terms of making peace or starting anew in your own life?

Related Verses

• Leviticus 16:15 - This talks about how the blood was used in the Day of Atonement, showing the importance of sacrifices for purification.
• Hebrews 9:22 - Explains that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, connecting the idea of sacrifice with a clean start.
• Ezekiel 36:25 - This verse promises God will cleanse and give a new heart, linking back to the idea of purification in our lives.
• Isaiah 1:18 - This verse invites us to reason together and promises that though our sins are red, they can be made white as snow, echoing the theme of renewal.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Ezekiel 43:20. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Divine Presence, Restoration, Holiness, Repentance, Worship, Covenantal Faithfulness, Divine Judgment

Key Verses

Ezekiel 43:2, Ezekiel 43:5, Ezekiel 43:7, Ezekiel 43:9, Ezekiel 43:12

Historical Context

Ezekiel 43 is set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, a time of great despair for the Israelites who had witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Ezekiel, a prophet during this period, conveys messages of both judgment and hope. This chapter, in particular, speaks to the future restoration of Israel and their temple worship, emphasizing God's unyielding desire to dwell among His people. The detailed descriptions provided by Ezekiel serve not only as a blueprint for the physical temple but also as a spiritual call to holiness and fidelity to God's covenant. The chapter's focus on the return of God's glory signifies a turning point in the narrative from judgment to restoration.