Introduction: Ezekiel 10 is a continuation of the vision that the prophet Ezekiel receives from God, which began in the chapter 9. In this chapter, we see a further revealing of God’s glory as the prophet witnesses the departure of the glory of the Lord from the temple in Jerusalem. This departure is a result of the people’s sin and rebellion against God, and it serves as a warning to us today about the consequences of turning away from God’s presence. The chapter is also a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to judge and purify His people.
I. The Vision of God’s Glory (Ezekiel 10:1-22)
Ezekiel describes the vision of God’s glory in great detail, beginning with the appearance of the cherubim and the wheels that accompanied them (Ezekiel 10:1-22). The cherubim are described as having the likeness of a man, with four faces and four wings, and the wheels are described as being full of eyes and moving in any direction without turning. This vision is somewhat like the one described in Ezekiel 1:4-28, where the prophet first sees the glory of the Lord. The vision in Ezekiel 10 reminds us of God’s holiness and His power over all creation.
Cross-references:
- Isaiah 6:1-3: Isaiah’s vision of the Lord’s throne and the seraphim with six wings, calling out “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
- Revelation 4:6-8: John’s vision of the throne room of God, with the four living creatures covered with eyes and having six wings, singing “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
II. The Departure of God’s Glory (Ezekiel 10:18-19)
The main event in this chapter is the departure of God’s glory from the temple (Ezekiel 10:18-19). The glory of the Lord, which had filled the temple in Ezekiel 9:3, now leaves the temple and moves to the threshold of the house. This departure symbolizes God’s judgment on the people of Israel for their sin and rebellion. The departure of God’s glory is a warning to us that God cannot dwell in the midst of sin and that His presence will not remain where He is not honored and obeyed.
Cross-references:
- 1 Samuel 4:21-22: The Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines, and the glory of the Lord departs from Israel, leading to the naming of Ichabod, which means “the glory has departed.”
- Matthew 23:37-38: Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying, “See, your house is left to you desolate,” indicating the departure of God’s presence from the temple.
III. The Purification of God’s People (Ezekiel 10:6-7)
In the midst of the vision, there is also a call for the purification of God’s people (Ezekiel 10:6-7). The cherubim take coals of fire from between the wheels and scatter them over the city, symbolizing God’s judgment and purification of His people. This act serves as a reminder that God’s judgment is not just punitive but also redemptive, as He seeks to purify His people and bring them back to Himself.
Cross-references:
- Malachi 3:2-3: God is described as a refiner’s fire, purifying His people like silver and gold.
- Hebrews 12:29: God is described as a consuming fire, indicating His holiness and His ability to purify His people.
Conclusion: Ezekiel 10 speaks to the hearts of people of God’s glory, His sovereignty, and His ability to judge and purify His people. The departure of God’s glory from the temple is a warning to us about the consequences of turning away from God’s presence. At the same time, the call for purification reminds us of God’s redemptive purposes in judgment. As we read and meditate on this chapter, we should be reminded of the need to honor and obey God, so that His presence may remain with us.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.