The Glorious Future of the LORD’s Millennial Kingdom! (Ezekiel 43)

Scripture reading – Ezekiel 43

Click here to translate this Bible study into Hebrew, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Urdu, or French.

* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Review (Ezekiel 40-42)

Ezekiel was guided by a heavenly messenger who carried a line of twine and a measuring rod (Ezekiel 40:3). In the vision, Ezekiel saw the Temple of the Millennial Kingdom (Ezekiel 40:5-26), including the Temple courtyards (Ezekiel 40:27-47), the outer sanctuary (40:48-41:2), and “The Most Holy Place” (the inner sanctuary, Ezekiel 41:3-5).

He was then taken to the east gate of the Temple (42:15). As he looked on, the glory of the LORD suddenly filled the Temple, as it had filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:31-38) and Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 8:10-13). Tragically, when Israel sinned as a nation and the people broke their covenant with the LORD, He removed His glory from the Temple. The Scriptures make no mention of the LORD’s glory filling the Temple of Zerubbabel (built after the Babylonian captivity) or that of Herod the Great (who enlarged the Temple and the court).

Ezekiel 43

The LORD’s Glory Filled the Temple (Ezekiel 43:1-6)

Ezekiel 43 describes the perpetual presence of the LORD’s glory in the Temple of the Millennial Kingdom and the land of Israel shining with the radiance of God’s glory (Ezekiel 43:2). In Ezekiel’s vision, when he saw God’s glory fill the Temple, he “fell upon [his] face” in an act of worship and humility (Ezekiel 43:4). The LORD then commanded him to observe and record (“mark well”) “all the ordinances of the house of theLord, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary” (Ezekiel 43:5).

The Abiding Presence of the LORD (Ezekiel 43:7-12) 

Time and space do not allow a verse-by-verse exposition of Ezekiel’s vision; however, there are truths we dare not overlook. Most importantly, the LORD’s earthly throne will be in the Millennial Temple (Ezekiel 43:7; Zechariah 6:12-13), and He will dwell in the Temple among His people (Ezekiel 43:7; Zechariah 2:11; Revelation 7:13-17). 

Remember, Ezekiel was prophesying to an audience of Jewish exiles in Babylon. Some of those listening to the prophet had witnessed the final days of Jerusalem and the temple’s devastating destruction. Imagine how their spirits were renewed when they heard prophecies about the Millennial Kingdom and the Temple. Though their sins brought the sorrows they endured under God’s judgment, He nevertheless promised that they would one day be restored as a nation and that the LORD Himself would reign in their midst.

The Temple Altar and Burnt Offerings (Ezekiel 43:13-27)

There is debate about the sacrifices foretold for the Millennial Kingdom. Ezekiel 43:18-27 outlines six regulations for the offerings, including the “seed of Zadok” as the sole priestly family to serve the altar (Ezekiel 43:19). I believe the sacrifices offered during the Millennial Kingdom will celebrate Christ’s sacrifice.