Ezekiel 10:18 - Yahweh’s glory went out from over the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim.
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What does "Ezekiel 10:18" mean?
Ezekiel 10:18 is a highly symbolic verse representing a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's vision, marking a further withdrawal of God's presence from the Temple in Jerusalem, and therefore from the nation of Israel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Yahweh's glory went out from over the threshold of the house...": "Yahweh's glory" (often referred to as the "Shekinah glory") is a visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and holiness. Its departure from the threshold, the entrance of the Temple, signifies a significant movement away from the holy place. This isn't a simple relocation, but a staged withdrawal, reflecting God's increasing displeasure with the corruption and idolatry within the Temple. The threshold is a liminal space, marking the transition between the sacred and the profane. God moving from it further emphasizes the defilement of the sanctuary.
"...and stood over the cherubim.": The cherubim are angelic beings that were part of the Ark of the Covenant (in the Holy of Holies) and also depicted on the Temple's decorations. They are associated with God's throne and presence. The Glory resting "over the cherubim" indicates that, while still present, it's poised for further departure. It's a temporary stop, not a permanent return to the Holy of Holies. It suggests God is still connected to His throne and retains His kingship, but is distancing Himself from the corrupted Temple.
Overall Meaning & Significance:
Impending Judgment: This verse is a warning sign of impending judgment on Jerusalem and the Temple. God's glory, His very presence, is leaving because of the pervasive sin and idolatry within the Temple and the nation.
Broken Covenant: The withdrawal of God's glory signifies a broken covenant between God and Israel. The Temple, meant to be the place where God dwelt among His people, has become defiled, and God can no longer abide there.
Progression of Departure: This is not the final departure. It's a step in a progressive withdrawal of God's presence. Ezekiel's vision details a gradual movement of the Glory away from the Temple, then to the city gates, and eventually out of Jerusalem altogether.
Symbolic Language: It's crucial to remember that Ezekiel's vision is highly symbolic. The cherubim, the cloud of glory, and the Temple itself are all symbols representing spiritual realities. The vision communicates a message of spiritual decline and the consequences of unfaithfulness.
In Summary:
Ezekiel 10:18 depicts a critical stage in God's departure from the Temple, indicating that judgment is imminent. It signifies a broken covenant, a withdrawal of divine favor, and a warning about the consequences of spiritual corruption. The verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God.
Ezekiel 10:18 - Yahweh’s glory went out from over the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim.
What does "Ezekiel 10:18" mean?
Ezekiel 10:18 is a highly symbolic verse representing a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's vision, marking a further withdrawal of God's presence from the Temple in Jerusalem, and therefore from the nation of Israel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Yahweh's glory went out from over the threshold of the house...": "Yahweh's glory" (often referred to as the "Shekinah glory") is a visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and holiness. Its departure from the threshold, the entrance of the Temple, signifies a significant movement away from the holy place. This isn't a simple relocation, but a staged withdrawal, reflecting God's increasing displeasure with the corruption and idolatry within the Temple. The threshold is a liminal space, marking the transition between the sacred and the profane. God moving from it further emphasizes the defilement of the sanctuary.
"...and stood over the cherubim.": The cherubim are angelic beings that were part of the Ark of the Covenant (in the Holy of Holies) and also depicted on the Temple's decorations. They are associated with God's throne and presence. The Glory resting "over the cherubim" indicates that, while still present, it's poised for further departure. It's a temporary stop, not a permanent return to the Holy of Holies. It suggests God is still connected to His throne and retains His kingship, but is distancing Himself from the corrupted Temple.
Overall Meaning & Significance:
Impending Judgment: This verse is a warning sign of impending judgment on Jerusalem and the Temple. God's glory, His very presence, is leaving because of the pervasive sin and idolatry within the Temple and the nation.
Broken Covenant: The withdrawal of God's glory signifies a broken covenant between God and Israel. The Temple, meant to be the place where God dwelt among His people, has become defiled, and God can no longer abide there.
Progression of Departure: This is not the final departure. It's a step in a progressive withdrawal of God's presence. Ezekiel's vision details a gradual movement of the Glory away from the Temple, then to the city gates, and eventually out of Jerusalem altogether.
Symbolic Language: It's crucial to remember that Ezekiel's vision is highly symbolic. The cherubim, the cloud of glory, and the Temple itself are all symbols representing spiritual realities. The vision communicates a message of spiritual decline and the consequences of unfaithfulness.
In Summary:
Ezekiel 10:18 depicts a critical stage in God's departure from the Temple, indicating that judgment is imminent. It signifies a broken covenant, a withdrawal of divine favor, and a warning about the consequences of spiritual corruption. The verse highlights the seriousness of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God.