And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and just like the vision that I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel connects this awe-inspiring vision of God's returning glory to his previous experiences, not just by the Chebar canal, but when he was sent to declare the city's impending doom. This detail highlights a profound truth: the same God who brings judgment based on sin is now returning in glory, making the prophet's reaction of falling on his face one of both terror and worship.
And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and just like the vision that I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ezekiel witnesses the glory of God returning to a rebuilt temple, a stark contrast to the vision where that same glory departed because of the people's sin, signifying judgment. This new vision echoes his earlier experiences by the Chebar canal, where he first saw God's majestic presence, and also the devastating vision where he prophetically announced the city's destruction. Overwhelmed by the return of this holy presence, Ezekiel collapses in awe.
The glory of God is returning to the temple, but Ezekiel sees something deeply familiar. It’s a vision tied to judgment, yet it heralds hope. How can these connect?
Ezekiel describes this vision of God's returning glory as being like the one he saw "when he came to destroy the city." This isn't a new, unfamiliar sight. It's the same glorious, overwhelming presence that Ezekiel witnessed earlier, which was directly linked to God's judgment upon Jerusalem due to its sin.
The Prophet's Dual Role
Seeing the glory of God, even returning in promise, has a profound effect on Ezekiel. What does his reaction tell us about encountering the divine?
After identifying the vision with past experiences, Ezekiel's immediate response is to fall on his face. This isn't a sign of weakness, but a visceral reaction to the overwhelming holiness and majesty of God's presence.
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Prostration as Revelation
Understand the original words
mar'eh · Hebrew Noun
A prophetic or divine sight granted by God, allowing the observer to perceive spiritual realities or divine events that are not visible to the natural eye.
The vision Ezekiel sees of God's glory returning to the new Temple is powerfully similar to his earlier visions of God's departure and the city's destruction. This comparison highlights the transition from judgment to restoration, emphasizing God's faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
c. 593 BC
Ezekiel's First Vision
Ezekiel receives his initial prophetic call and vision of God's glory by the Chebar Canal, revealing God's presence even in exile.
c. 593-592 BC
Prophecies of Destruction
Ezekiel delivers powerful prophecies announcing the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple due to the people's deep-seated sin and idolatry.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian army conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport many of its inhabitants, fulfilling Ezekiel's dire warnings.
c. 571 BC— this verse
Vision of the New Temple
Ezekiel receives a detailed vision of a restored Jerusalem and a magnificent new Temple, symbolizing God's future restoration and renewed presence with His people.
This verse echoes Ezekiel's immediate reaction to a similar divine vision by the Chebar canal, where he also fell on his face in awe and overwhelmed by God's glory.
Isaiah 6:5Like Isaiah in the temple, Ezekiel falls in response to a powerful vision of God's presence, recognizing his own unworthiness in the face of divine holiness.
Ezekiel 9:3The vision Ezekiel sees now is directly compared to the one where he was shown the city's destruction, highlighting God's faithfulness in judgment and His eventual return to His people.
Ezekiel 10:4This passage links back to the departure of God's glory from the first temple, making the current vision of its return incredibly significant for Ezekiel.
Jeremiah 1:10The commentaries note that prophets were sometimes described as doing what they were sent to predict; Jeremiah was set over nations to destroy and build, similar to how Ezekiel's visions involved pronouncements of destruction.
wesleyEzekiel 43:3: "And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face."
43:3 And it - This glory of the God of Israel. To destroy - To declare, that their sins would ruin their city, chap.9:3,4. I fell - Overwhelmed, and as it were swallowed up.
pulpitEzekiel 43:3: "And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face."
Verse 3. - The prophet identifies the vision on which he now looks as the same he had formerly beheld on the hanks of the Chebar, when he came to destroy the city, i.e. when, in obedience to Divine command, he stood forth to announce the destruction…
Ezekiel connects this awe-inspiring vision of God's returning glory to his previous experiences, not just by the Chebar canal, but when he was sent to declare the city's impending doom. This detail highlights a profound truth: the same God who brings judgment based on sin is now returning in glory, making the prophet's reaction of falling on his face one of both terror and worship.
Ezekiel witnesses the glory of God returning to a rebuilt temple, a stark contrast to the vision where that same glory departed because of the people's sin, signifying judgment. This new vision echoes his earlier experiences by the Chebar canal, where he first saw God's majestic presence, and also the devastating vision where he prophetically announced the city's destruction. Overwhelmed by the return of this holy presence, Ezekiel collapses in awe.
Ezekiel witnesses the glory of God returning to a rebuilt temple, a stark contrast to the vision where that same glory departed because of the people's sin, signifying judgment. This new vision echoes his earlier experiences by the Chebar canal, where he first saw God's majestic presence, and also the devastating vision where he prophetically announced the city's destruction. Overwhelmed by the return of this holy presence, Ezekiel collapses in awe.
"And the vision I saw was just like the vision that I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and just like the vision that I had seen by the Chebar canal. And I fell on my face." — Ezekiel connects this awe-inspiring vision of God's returning glory to his previous experiences, not just by the Chebar canal, but when he was sent to declare the city's impending doom. This detail h…
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Last reviewed October 2026