1 Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, [even] under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter [them] over the city. And he went in in my sight.
3 Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.
4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, [and stood] over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’S glory.
5 And the sound of the cherubims’ wings was heard [even] to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.
6 And it came to pass, [that] when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.
7 And [one] cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that [was] between the cherubims, and took [thereof], and put [it] into the hands of [him that was] clothed with linen: who took [it], and went out.
8 And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man’s hand under their wings.
9 And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels [was] as the colour of a beryl stone.
10 And [as for] their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.
11 When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.
12 And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, [were] full of eyes round about, [even] the wheels that they four had.
13 As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.
14 And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a cherub, and the second face [was] the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This [is] the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.
16 And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.
17 When they stood, [these] stood; and when they were lifted up, [these] lifted up themselves [also]: for the spirit of the living creature [was] in them.
18 Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD’S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.
20 This [is] the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they [were] the cherubims.
21 Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man [was] under their wings.
22 And the likeness of their faces [was] the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.
Overview of Ezekiel Chapter 10
Ezekiel Chapter 10 continues the prophetic vision of the prophet Ezekiel, focusing on the glory of the Lord departing from the temple in Jerusalem. This chapter is significant as it symbolizes the divine judgment and the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the people’s sins. The imagery used throughout the chapter is rich and complex, emphasizing the majesty and holiness of God, as well as the consequences of Israel’s unfaithfulness.
Key Themes
- The Glory of the Lord: The chapter highlights the presence and glory of God, which is central to the identity of Israel.
- Divine Judgment: The departure of God’s glory signifies judgment against the people for their idolatry and transgressions.
- Symbolism of the Chariot Throne: The imagery of the chariot and the cherubim illustrates God’s sovereignty and the divine order.
Structure of the Chapter
- Vision of the Cherubim (Verses 1-3):
Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord above the cherubim, with a firmament above them. The presence of the divine is emphasized as the glory fills the temple.
- The Command to Take Coals (Verses 4-7):
God commands one of the cherubim to take coals from the altar and scatter them over the city, symbolizing judgment and purification.
- Departure of the Glory (Verses 8-18):
The glory of the Lord moves from the cherubim to the threshold of the temple, indicating a withdrawal from the people. The description of the cherubim and their movements underscores the divine presence.
- Final Departure (Verses 19-22):
The chapter concludes with the cherubim and the glory of the Lord leaving the temple, marking a significant moment in the narrative of Israel’s history.
Symbolism and Imagery
- Cherubim: Representing God’s guardianship and the heavenly realm, they serve as a bridge between the divine and the earthly.
- Coals of Fire: Symbolizing judgment, purification, and the seriousness of sin, these coals represent the consequences of Israel’s actions.
- The Throne of God: The imagery of the chariot throne illustrates God’s sovereignty and His rule over all creation.
Theological Implications
This chapter raises significant theological questions regarding the nature of God’s presence among His people. The departure of God’s glory serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and disobedience. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with God and the seriousness of idolatry. Furthermore, it foreshadows the eventual restoration of Israel and the return of God’s glory, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature.
Conclusion
Ezekiel Chapter 10 is a poignant reminder of the holiness of God and the gravity of sin. The vivid imagery and powerful symbolism serve to communicate the severity of divine judgment while also hinting at the hope of eventual restoration. This chapter challenges readers to reflect on their relationship with God and the importance of faithfulness in their spiritual lives.
