Babylon Study • Connected to God’s Image and the Ten Commandments
Revelation describes the Bridegroom’s and Bride’s voices no longer being heard within Babylon. Ezekiel gives us another account to place alongside that withdrawal: corruption within a dwelling, people distinguished before judgment, and the departure of Glory.
Glory Is Present as Corruption Is Exposed
Ezekiel 8:4 states that the Glory of the God of Israel is there. The prophet is then shown abominations occurring within the temple setting.
The elders claim that Jehovah does not see them. Yet their actions are being exposed. Others stand with their backs toward the temple, worshiping the sun. The account also identifies violence filling the land. Read Ezekiel 8:4–17.
The sequence matters: Glory is present while wrongdoing is revealed; departure follows. Its presence does not make the corruption acceptable.
Those Who Grieve Are Distinguished
Before the execution of judgment described in Ezekiel 9, a man clothed in linen is instructed to mark the foreheads of those grieving over the abominations committed within Jerusalem.
The others are commanded to follow him, beginning at the sanctuary, while sparing those bearing the mark. Read Ezekiel 9:3–6.
People within the same city are distinguished by their response to its wrongdoing. Their location alone does not make them identical in allegiance.
Follow the Movement
Ezekiel records the departure in stages:
Glory moves from the cherub to the threshold of the house. Ezekiel 9:3.
Glory goes from the threshold to stand over the cherubim, which move to the eastern gate. Ezekiel 10:18–19.
Glory rises from the city and stands over the mountain to its east. Ezekiel 11:22–23.
The account describes departure, not the death of Glory. The dwelling and the presence associated with it must remain distinguishable.
God’s Presence Is Not Confined to Their Claim
Earlier in Ezekiel 11, Jerusalem’s inhabitants claim the land for themselves while telling others they are far from Jehovah. God answers by speaking of being a sanctuary to those scattered among the nations.
He also promises gathering, the removal of abominations, one heart, and a new spirit enabling obedience. Read Ezekiel 11:15–20.
Those claiming possession of the place do not determine where YHWH (יהוה) can be present.
Departure and Return
Later, Ezekiel sees Glory coming from the east, entering through the eastern gate, and filling the house. The accompanying instruction concerns removing defilement and no longer profaning God’s name. Read Ezekiel 43:1–9.
This gives our Babylon comparison a pattern to examine: corruption exposed, allegiance distinguished, presence withdrawn, and holy dwelling revealed.
Revelation’s announcement that the voice will no longer be heard within Babylon concerns her loss. We must preserve the distinction between the place losing that presence and the source of life continuing beyond it. Compare Revelation 18:23 with Revelation 22:1–2, 17.
Threads to Follow
“Come out of her”: Examine the call to God’s people before they share Babylon’s plagues.
The marked and the faithful: Follow belonging, allegiance, and God’s recognition of His own.
The dwelling and the Name: Compare Ezekiel’s restored dwelling with Revelation’s holy city.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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