Ezekiel 11:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 11:23
23 And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 11 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, hope, wisdom. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 11:23
23 And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.
Analysis
The glory of the LORD 'went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city'—the Mount of Olives. This completes the staged departure begun in 10:4, 10:18. The glory's final pause on the eastern mountain creates poignant foreshadowing. Zechariah 14:4 prophesies that when the LORD returns, 'his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives.' Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-12) with angels promising He would return 'in like manner.' Luke 19:41 records Jesus weeping over Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, grieving the city's coming judgment. Thus, the same location witnesses God's glory departing in Ezekiel's vision, Jesus' lament and ascension, and will see His glorious return. The complete departure means judgment on Jerusalem is now inevitable—God has withdrawn His protective presence.
Historical Context
The Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem from the east, separated by the Kidron Valley. This location was already significant in Israel's history—David fled there during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:30). That God's glory pauses on this mount before departing shows His lingering grief and reluctance. The year is approximately 592 BC, six years before Jerusalem's destruction. In those intervening years, false prophets would continue assuring the people that God was with them and judgment wouldn't come (Jeremiah 23:16-17). But Ezekiel's vision revealed the truth—God's presence had already departed, making the city's fall certain. Only a remnant preserving hope of future restoration when glory would return.
Reflection
- How does the Mount of Olives' connection to both glory's departure and Christ's ascension/return reveal God's redemptive plan?
- What does God's reluctant, staged departure teach about His character in executing necessary judgment?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- Glory: Ezekiel 8:4, 10:4, 43:2
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 14:4