Ezekiel Chapter 10 — God's Glory Departs the Temple
Ezekiel sees God's glory leaving the temple while a man in linen is commanded to scatter burning coals over the city of Jerusalem.
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Notable Verses
Ezekiel 10:4
“The LORD’s glory mounted 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.”
This verse marks a significant transition as God's presence begins to move away from the inner sanctuary.
Ezekiel 10:12
“Their whole body, including their backs, their hands, their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes all around, even the wheels that the four of them had.”
The description of eyes all around emphasizes the all-seeing nature and divine awareness of the heavenly beings.
Ezekiel 10:18
“The LORD’s glory went out from over the threshold of the house and stood over the cherubim.”
It depicts the moment God's glory prepares to leave the temple structure entirely.
Chapter Summary
In Ezekiel 10, the prophet witnesses a vision of God's throne above the cherubim. A man dressed in linen is commanded to take burning coals from between the whirling wheels and scatter them over the city, symbolizing judgment. The text provides a detailed description of the cherubim, which are covered in eyes and possess four faces: a cherub, a man, a lion, and an eagle. These heavenly beings move in perfect synchronization with four wheels that are described as having the appearance of beryl stone. As the vision unfolds, the glory of the Lord moves from the threshold of the temple and settles over the cherubim. Eventually, the cherubim lift their wings and mount up from the earth, pausing at the east gate of the temple. Ezekiel notes that these are the same living creatures he previously saw by the river Chebar, identifying the departure of God's presence from His sanctuary.
Frequently Asked Questions
The coals of fire taken from between the cherubim and scattered over Jerusalem represent divine judgment. This action symbolizes the coming destruction and purification of the city by fire.
The wheels, described as 'wheels within wheels' and covered in eyes, represent the mobility and omniscience of God. They move in any direction without turning, showing that God's spirit and purposes are not confined to the temple.
The man clothed in linen is a heavenly messenger who previously appeared in chapter 9. In this chapter, he is commanded to collect and scatter coals of fire, acting as an agent of God's judgment.
Study Note
In this chapter, Ezekiel explicitly identifies the living creatures from his first vision as 'cherubim,' a specific class of heavenly beings associated with the holiness and presence of God.
Related Chapters
Ezekiel Chapter 1
This chapter connects back to the initial vision of the living creatures by the river Chebar.
Ezekiel Chapter 11
The narrative continues with the final departure of God's glory from the city of Jerusalem.
Revelation Chapter 4
Offers a New Testament parallel of a vision involving four living creatures around the throne of God.
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