As I bring this first series together, I return to the question of dwelling. Following Glory through Ezekiel has led me to consider what it means for Jehovah to dwell among His people.
For this part of the study, I am placing Ezekiel beside Revelation. I want to notice their connections while allowing each account to retain its own details.
The Promise of Dwelling
In Ezekiel 37:26–28, Jehovah speaks of an everlasting covenant of peace, His sanctuary among His people, and His dwelling in relation to them. He will be their God, and they will be His people. The nations will know that He sanctifies Israel.
There is a detail in the Hebrew worth preserving. Verse 26 places the sanctuary among them, while the wording concerning His dwelling in verse 27 can be rendered over them. English translations may handle this differently, so I want to keep the underlying wording in view. Ezekiel 37:26–28
This gives me something to follow beyond the presence of a building: the relationship expressed in His promise to be their God.
Water From the Sanctuary
In Ezekiel 47:1–12, water comes from beneath the threshold of the house and flows eastward. As it is measured, it deepens until Ezekiel cannot cross it on foot.
The passage describes living creatures and abundant fish where the water brings healing. Trees grow along both banks, producing fruit for food and leaves for healing. Their continuing provision is connected to water coming from the sanctuary.
Yet the marshes and swamps are excepted from that healing and remain for salt. That detail belongs to the account too. Ezekiel 47:1–12
I want to pay attention to both the life spreading outward and the boundaries the text preserves.
Glory Illuminates the City
Revelation 21:3 announces God’s dwelling with humanity. Later, an angel offers to show John the Bride, the wife of the Lamb, and shows him the holy city descending from heaven, having Glory of God.
John sees no sanctuary in the city: God Almighty and the Lamb are its sanctuary. Glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations walk by its light. Revelation 21:3, 9–11, 22–24
Here I want to preserve the relationships being described. The city shown as the Bride and the nations walking by its light are not automatically interchangeable. Their connection invites study without requiring me to erase their distinctions.
Water From the Throne
Revelation 22:1–5 describes a river of the water of life proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. The tree of life bears fruit each month, and its leaves are for the healing of the nations.
The passage also describes the removal of the curse, servants serving Him and seeing His face, and light supplied by God. Revelation 22:1–5
Water, fruit, leaves, and healing bring Ezekiel’s account back into view. But the stated sources deserve attention: Ezekiel describes water coming from the house, while Revelation describes water proceeding from the throne.
Those similarities give me a reason to compare. The differences give me a reason to keep reading carefully.
Where This Leaves My Study
For now, dwelling gives this first series a place to rest.
I do not need to settle every connection before recognizing a thread worth following. My understanding can continue to develop as I return to the passages, examine their wording, and prayerfully consider what Jehovah helps me see.
Threads to Follow
Dwelling and covenant: Ezekiel 37:26–28 alongside Revelation 21:3.
The source of the water: Ezekiel 47:1–12 alongside Revelation 22:1–2.
Glory and light: Revelation 21:11, 23–24.
The Bride and the nations: Their descriptions and relationships in Revelation 21–22.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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