And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The recurring movement of God's glory from east to west, then back again from the east, isn't just a geographical shift. It powerfully illustrates how divine revelation and God's presence often move from the East, shaping the world's understanding and faith, and then return, bringing renewed light and power. The earth shining with His glory highlights the profound, transformative impact of His presence, making even the mundane radiant.
And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel has been shown a detailed vision of a future temple, a symbol of God's restored presence and favor. This vision follows the devastating destruction of the first temple and the exile of God's people, representing a profound departure and absence of divine glory. Now, the prophet witnesses the magnificent return of that glory, entering the temple from the east, the very direction from which it had previously departed.
Why does Ezekiel consistently mention the 'east' when describing God's glory? It's more than just a direction.
In Ezekiel's vision, the glory of God returns from the east, the very direction it had departed. This isn't just a geographical marker; it symbolizes a divine promise of return and restoration.
What does the overwhelming sound and blinding light of God's glory tell us about His presence?
The description of God's voice sounding 'like the sound of many waters' and the earth shining with His glory isn't just sensory detail; it communicates the immense power and radiant holiness of God.
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Understand the original words
kabod · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the manifestation of God’s presence, majesty, and power. It is the visible expression of His holiness and character revealed to humanity.
Elohe Yisrael · Hebrew Noun Phrase
The God who entered into a covenant relationship with the descendants of Jacob; He is the unique, covenant-keeping Lord of His people.
This vision of God's glory returning from the east directly contrasts with its departure before the Temple's destruction in 586 BC. It assures the exiled prophet and his people that despite judgment, God's presence and covenant faithfulness will ultimately be restored, bringing light and life back to His people and land.
c. 593 BC
Glory of God Departs Temple
Ezekiel sees the glory of God depart from the Temple in Jerusalem, signifying God's judgment and abandonment of the city due to its sin.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile the remaining population, marking a devastating low point for Judah.
c. 571 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Vision of the New Temple
Ezekiel receives a detailed vision of a new Temple and city, a blueprint for restoration and the future dwelling of God's glory among His people.
c. 538 BC
Return of Exiles from Babylon
Under Cyrus the Great, a decree allows Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple, initiating the post-exilic period.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Second Temple is completed and dedicated, though it lacks the full glory of Solomon's Temple and the anticipated divine presence.
This verse describes the same divine glory that Ezekiel saw earlier, emphasizing its appearance as a rainbow, signaling God's presence and majesty.
Ezekiel 10:4This passage shows the glory of God departing from the temple in the same eastward direction, providing a direct parallel to its return in Ezekiel 43:2.
Revelation 1:15The description of Christ's voice as the sound of many waters in Revelation echoes Ezekiel's vision, highlighting the powerful and overwhelming nature of God's voice.
Revelation 18:1This verse describes an angel descending with great glory, causing the earth to be illuminated, which parallels the earth shining with God's glory in Ezekiel 43:2.
Isaiah 60:1-3These verses speak of the glory of the Lord rising upon Zion and nations coming to its light, conceptually linking the radiant manifestation of God's glory to the illumination of the earth.
clarkeEzekiel 43:2: "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."
The glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east - This was the chariot of cherubim, wheels, etc., which he saw at the river Chebar. And this glory, coming from the east, is going to enter into the eastern gate of the temple, and thence to shine out upon the whole earth. Is there not a mystery here? All knowled…
pooleEzekiel 43:2: "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."
Behold: sometimes this word is expletive, but here surely it stands for more; it expresseth, no doubt, the joy the prophet had to see this excellent sight, which should not be seen there more than sixty year’s; for in the sixth year of the captivity the glory of God left the city, Ezekiel 11:22,23 ; and now the prophet for…
The recurring movement of God's glory from east to west, then back again from the east, isn't just a geographical shift. It powerfully illustrates how divine revelation and God's presence often move from the East, shaping the world's understanding and faith, and then return, bringing renewed light and power. The earth shining with His glory highlights the profound, transformative impact of His presence, making even the mundane radiant.
Ezekiel has been shown a detailed vision of a future temple, a symbol of God's restored presence and favor. This vision follows the devastating destruction of the first temple and the exile of God's people, representing a profound departure and absence of divine glory. Now, the prophet witnesses the magnificent return of that glory, entering the temple from the east, the very direction from which it had previously departed.
Ezekiel has been shown a detailed vision of a future temple, a symbol of God's restored presence and favor. This vision follows the devastating destruction of the first temple and the exile of God's people, representing a profound departure and absence of divine glory. Now, the prophet witnesses the magnificent return of that glory, entering the temple from the east, the very direction from which it had previously departed.
"And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory." — The recurring movement of God's glory from east to west, then back again from the east, isn't just a geographical shift. It powerfully illustrates how divine revelation and God's presence often move…
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Last reviewed October 2026