The Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 43:5

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Filled with glory.

I. THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE TEMPLE. Ezekiel saw the temple filled with the glory of God. This was only a vision; but it was predicted concerning the rebuilt temple that the glory of the latter house should exceed that of the former (Haggai 2:9). Yet, while young men rejoiced at the sight of the new structure, old men wept as they remembered the greater splendor of Solomon's temple, which Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed (Ezra 3:12, Ezra 3:13). Nevertheless, it was promised that, though in materials and architecture Zerubbabel's temple might be inferior to Solomon's; there was this unique privilege reserved for the new building—the Lord himself should suddenly appear in it (Malachi 3:1). This promise was fulfilled in the advent of Christ (Luke 2:27).

II. THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE CHURCH. The spiritual brotherhood of Christians, the Church of Christ, has taken the place of the temple of the Jewish economy (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21). Now God has manifested his glory in the Church, for it is seen in the display of Christian graces, so that she is like a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. But the brightness or the dimness of this glory will be just proportionate to the Christ-likeness or the worldliness of the Church. The more of the Spirit of Christ there is in this great temple, the more of the glory of God will there be there. Her glory has been looked for in size, numbers, wealth, power, influence, intellect; in her sons of genius and her works of worldly importance. But these things do not reveal God's glory. Christ is the Glory of the Church—"Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

III. THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE WORLD. Ezekiel saw the broad earth ablaze with the radiance of the heavenly glory (verse 2). But this glory was concentrated in the temple. God has a brightness for all men, but the best light for those who seek his near presence. The world now reveals the glory of God in creation and in providence. When the world is brought to the feet of Jesus Christ it will enjoy the richer, fuller glory of God in Christ. Even now, in so far as a Christ-spirit is spread through society, a new light dawns over the old weary world. The day is coming when the earth shall be full of his glory. That will be the day of the earth's perfect redemption and man's perfect blessedness.

IV. THE GLORY OF GOD IN THE SOUL. God's glory comes into the Church and the world by first entering individual souls. To the darkest and saddest this joy and tight will appear, when the barred door is opened to the Guest who stands knocking and graciously waiting for admission. There is no glory equal to that which his in-coming will bring. We may think much of riches, popularity, intellect, and power. But the greatest glory of a human life is the glory of goodness. The highest ambition should be to live a good and useful life. Christ's aureole surrounds such a life.

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