Ezekiel 37:27
My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֤ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִשְׁכָּנִי֙
My tabernacle
H4908
מִשְׁכָּנִי֙
My tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
2 of 10
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְהָיִ֥יתִי
H1961
וְהָיִ֥יתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
4 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים
also shall be with them yea I will be their God
H430
לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים
also shall be with them yea I will be their God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 10
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
Revelation 21:3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.Ezekiel 37:23Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Historical Context
The tabernacle and temple mediated God's presence in Israel, but both proved temporary—tabernacle replaced by temple, temple destroyed in exile. Ezekiel promises (587 BC) permanent dwelling, fulfilled progressively through redemptive history. Christ as Immanuel tabernacled among us (John 1:14). The Spirit creates the church as God's dwelling (Ephesians 2:22). The new creation consummates this: no temple needed because God Himself is the temple (Revelation 21:22). Each stage intensifies God's presence until perfect communion in eternity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does progressive fulfillment of God's dwelling deepen your understanding of redemption's goal?
- What does no need for mediating structures in the new creation teach about direct communion with God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people." The tabernacle/dwelling place represents God's manifest presence. This promise finds progressive fulfillment: the tabernacle, temple, Christ's incarnation, Spirit's indwelling, and ultimately the new creation where God dwells directly with His people without mediating structures. The covenant formula appears again—relationship is paramount. Salvation isn't merely forgiveness but intimate fellowship with God. This is eternal life: knowing God (John 17:3) and dwelling in His presence forever.