God’s Glory in Exile - Ezekiel 1-28
Have you ever seen something so overwhelming you couldn’t even put it into words? That’s what Ezekiel experienced when God first called him—a vision of God’s glory that shattered every category. And in his message, we discover God’s presence, His judgment, and His plan, even when His people were in exile.
Three Things to Pay Attention To
The Visions
Ezekiel’s visions are vivid, symbolic, and often overwhelming. They’re meant to stir us to recognize the holiness and glory of God. These visions aren’t just spiritual artwork; they’re messages that reveal God’s majesty and power over every realm. When you read them, don’t get lost in the details—step back and ask what they reveal about who God is.
The Role of a Prophet in Exile
Ezekiel is writing from Babylon, speaking as a prophet in exile. His role shows us that God’s Word isn’t bound to a temple or a city—His voice still reaches His people wherever they are. This was a radical message to Israel, who thought God’s presence was tied to the land. It reminds us today that God can meet us in any situation—even in places we feel abandoned or far from home.
The Theme of God’s Glory
Pay close attention to the repeated phrase, “the glory of the Lord.” It’s the central theme of Ezekiel, reminding us that God’s glory is greater than any circumstance, any nation, or any throne. Whether it departs from the temple or appears to Ezekiel by the river, His glory shows He is present and sovereign. For us, this means God’s glory isn’t limited by our circumstances—it breaks in and changes them.
Key Themes in Chapters 1–28
God’s Glory Revealed
In chapter 1, Ezekiel’s vision of God’s throne shows us that He rules over all creation, even in exile. His glory isn’t tied to a temple or land.
Accountability of Israel’s Leaders
In chapters 8 through 11, Ezekiel calls out leaders who failed to shepherd the people. Their corruption brought judgment, reminding us God holds leaders accountable.
Judgment on the Nations
In chapters 25 through 28, God addresses the surrounding nations, including Tyre. His message is clear: no nation is beyond His rule or His judgment.
A Supernatural Worldview
In chapter 28, Ezekiel describes the king of Tyre with imagery that goes far beyond any human ruler: perfect in beauty, placed in Eden, and then cast down because of pride. This passage has long been understood as pointing behind the earthly king to a greater rebellion—the fall of Satan himself. The pride and corruption of Tyre mirrored the cosmic arrogance of the enemy of God.
This teaches us to read Ezekiel not only at the surface level of politics and power, but with a supernatural lens. Earthly kingdoms often become expressions of unseen spiritual powers. When we see human pride, greed, and rebellion, Scripture invites us to look deeper—behind the visible stage is a spiritual battle. And that same pride that toppled Tyre and Satan warns us today not to trust in our own strength, but in God’s eternal kingdom.
Application & Encouragement
Ezekiel reminds us that God’s glory cannot be confined, that leaders and nations are accountable to Him, and that pride—whether human or spiritual—will always fall before His throne.
But here’s the application for us today: don’t confine God to a place, a routine, or a moment of your past. His glory wants to meet you where you are—at work, at home, in joy, and in hardship. Ezekiel challenges us to examine our own pride, to ask where we’ve relied on ourselves instead of bowing to the King of glory. If we humble ourselves and honor Him, we’ll see His glory transform our lives just as it once shook the heavens.