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.
Chapter 10 of the book of Ezekiel, in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible, is a continuation of the vision that the prophet Ezekiel started receiving in the previous chapter. The main themes of this chapter are the vision of God's glory, the judgement of Jerusalem, and the departure of the glory of the Lord from the Temple. This chapter, rich in symbolism and imagery, provides a profound understanding of God's sovereignty, holiness, and judgement.
The chapter begins with Ezekiel seeing a vision of God, depicted as a man clothed in linen, who is directed to go in between the wheels beneath the cherubim and fill his hands with burning coals. These coals are then scattered over the city of Jerusalem. This vision is a representation of God's glory and His divine presence. The burning coals symbolize judgement, purification, and the holiness of God. In the Bible, fire often represents God's cleansing and purifying power, and here it is used to symbolize the judgement of God upon the city of Jerusalem for its idolatry and wickedness.
As the chapter progresses, Ezekiel describes the cherubim in detail. The cherubim, who are celestial beings, are portrayed with four faces each, representing different aspects of God's creation - a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. These creatures, each with four wings and human hands under their wings, are seen supporting the firmament upon which the throne of God rests. This depiction underscores the sovereignty of God over all His creation, and the cherubim's role in executing God's judgement. The wheels seen by Ezekiel are associated with the cherubim, representing God's omnipresence and His ability to execute judgement swiftly and universally.
Towards the end of the chapter, Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord departing from the threshold of the temple and moving to the cherubim. This is a significant event as it symbolizes God's departure from His own temple due to the persistent sin and idolatry of the people of Jerusalem. This departure of God's glory signifies a suspension of His protective presence and blessings, leading to the city's vulnerability to its enemies. The departure of the glory of the Lord is a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience and unfaithfulness to God.
The vision that Ezekiel receives in Chapter 10 is a vivid and symbolic depiction of God's glory, sovereignty, and judgement. The burning coals, the cherubim, and the wheels all represent different aspects of God's divine nature and His interaction with His creation. The burning coals symbolize God's judgement and purification, the cherubim represent God's divine agents in executing His judgement, and the wheels represent God's omnipresence and omnipotence.
The departure of the glory of the Lord from the temple is a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and unfaithfulness. It underscores the fact that God's presence cannot dwell in an environment of persistent sin and idolatry. This departure does not mean that God has abandoned His people completely; rather, it is a call to repentance, a call to return to faithfulness and obedience. It is a call to recognize God's sovereignty, holiness, and the seriousness of His judgement.
In conclusion, Chapter 10 of the book of Ezekiel provides a profound understanding of God's character and His interaction with His people. It is a chapter filled with symbolic imagery that underscores the themes of God's glory, judgement, and the consequences of unfaithfulness. It calls the reader to a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's sovereignty, holiness, and His steadfast love for His people, even in their disobedience.
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