Ezekiel 10:19 - The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went out, with the wheels beside them. Then they stood at the door of the east gate of Yahweh’s house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ezekiel 10:19" mean?
Ezekiel 10:19 describes a significant moment in Ezekiel's vision, representing the departure of God's glory from the Temple in Jerusalem, signaling its impending destruction. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went out, with the wheels beside them."
Cherubim: These are powerful, winged creatures described in Ezekiel's earlier visions (Ezekiel 1 and 10). They represent God's presence and throne-bearers. They are not cute, baby-like cherubs as often depicted in popular culture.
Lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth: This signifies the departure of the cherubim from their position within the Temple. The movement is deliberate and visible to Ezekiel ("in my sight"). They are leaving the Temple and, symbolically, the city of Jerusalem.
With the wheels beside them: The wheels are a crucial part of the complex vision in Ezekiel 1. They are intricate and connected to the cherubim, representing God's mobile throne and ability to move and act anywhere. The wheels moving with the cherubim emphasize that God's presence is not limited to one place.
"Then they stood at the door of the east gate of Yahweh’s house..."
East gate of Yahweh's house: The east gate was a significant entrance to the Temple complex. Their pausing there indicates a pivotal moment. They are not simply leaving, but are positioned at a strategic point. It could be symbolic of giving the people a chance to repent or witness the departure of God's presence.
"...and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above."
Glory of the God of Israel: This refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and holiness. It's a radiant, awe-inspiring presence.
Was over them above: This means the glory of God, the Shekinah glory, rested above the cherubim. This visually reinforces that the cherubim are carrying or are associated with the departing divine presence. The glory is not just leaving, but is being actively transported away.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Departure of God's Presence: The primary meaning of this verse is the symbolic departure of God's glory and presence from the Temple. This is a dire warning. God is leaving his dwelling place because of the idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption of the people of Judah.
Judgment and Abandonment: The departure is a sign of impending judgment. God is removing His protection and blessing, leaving Jerusalem vulnerable to destruction. It represents a broken covenant between God and His people.
Mobility of God's Throne: The imagery with the wheels emphasizes that God is not confined to a particular location. He is free to move and act anywhere in the world, and His presence is not dependent on the Temple.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Ezekiel's vision serves as a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people, which soon occurred. The departure of God's glory precedes these catastrophic events.
Hope for the Future: Although the vision is grim, it also hints at a future restoration. God's presence can return, but only after repentance and a renewed covenant.
In essence, Ezekiel 10:19 is a powerful and tragic verse that speaks to the consequences of sin and the withdrawal of God's presence from a people who have turned away from Him. It also underscores the ultimate sovereignty and freedom of God.
Ezekiel 10:19 - The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went out, with the wheels beside them. Then they stood at the door of the east gate of Yahweh’s house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
What does "Ezekiel 10:19" mean?
Ezekiel 10:19 describes a significant moment in Ezekiel's vision, representing the departure of God's glory from the Temple in Jerusalem, signaling its impending destruction. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went out, with the wheels beside them."
Cherubim: These are powerful, winged creatures described in Ezekiel's earlier visions (Ezekiel 1 and 10). They represent God's presence and throne-bearers. They are not cute, baby-like cherubs as often depicted in popular culture.
Lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth: This signifies the departure of the cherubim from their position within the Temple. The movement is deliberate and visible to Ezekiel ("in my sight"). They are leaving the Temple and, symbolically, the city of Jerusalem.
With the wheels beside them: The wheels are a crucial part of the complex vision in Ezekiel 1. They are intricate and connected to the cherubim, representing God's mobile throne and ability to move and act anywhere. The wheels moving with the cherubim emphasize that God's presence is not limited to one place.
"Then they stood at the door of the east gate of Yahweh’s house..."
East gate of Yahweh's house: The east gate was a significant entrance to the Temple complex. Their pausing there indicates a pivotal moment. They are not simply leaving, but are positioned at a strategic point. It could be symbolic of giving the people a chance to repent or witness the departure of God's presence.
"...and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above."
Glory of the God of Israel: This refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and holiness. It's a radiant, awe-inspiring presence.
Was over them above: This means the glory of God, the Shekinah glory, rested above the cherubim. This visually reinforces that the cherubim are carrying or are associated with the departing divine presence. The glory is not just leaving, but is being actively transported away.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
Departure of God's Presence: The primary meaning of this verse is the symbolic departure of God's glory and presence from the Temple. This is a dire warning. God is leaving his dwelling place because of the idolatry, injustice, and moral corruption of the people of Judah.
Judgment and Abandonment: The departure is a sign of impending judgment. God is removing His protection and blessing, leaving Jerusalem vulnerable to destruction. It represents a broken covenant between God and His people.
Mobility of God's Throne: The imagery with the wheels emphasizes that God is not confined to a particular location. He is free to move and act anywhere in the world, and His presence is not dependent on the Temple.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Ezekiel's vision serves as a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people, which soon occurred. The departure of God's glory precedes these catastrophic events.
Hope for the Future: Although the vision is grim, it also hints at a future restoration. God's presence can return, but only after repentance and a renewed covenant.
In essence, Ezekiel 10:19 is a powerful and tragic verse that speaks to the consequences of sin and the withdrawal of God's presence from a people who have turned away from Him. It also underscores the ultimate sovereignty and freedom of God.