Ezekiel 11:22 - Then the cherubim lifted up their wings, and the wheels were beside them. The glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
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What does "Ezekiel 11:22" mean?
This verse, Ezekiel 11:22, is part of a larger vision in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically depicting the departure of God's glory from Jerusalem. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Then the cherubim lifted up their wings...": The cherubim are powerful angelic beings described earlier in Ezekiel's visions (Ezekiel 1 and 10). They serve as the chariot or throne bearers of God. Their lifting their wings signifies preparation for movement, a departure. This isn't just a physical act; it's a symbolic one.
"...and the wheels were beside them.": The "wheels" refer to the intricate, multi-wheeled structure seen in Ezekiel's earlier visions (Ezekiel 1). These wheels are often interpreted as representing God's sovereignty and control over all of creation, as well as his ability to move and execute his will anywhere. Their being "beside" the cherubim shows that they move in unison, under God's direction. The wheels do what the cherubim do.
"The glory of the God of Israel was over them above.": This is the crucial part. "The glory of the God of Israel" is the visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and holiness. It's often depicted as a brilliant, radiant light. Its being "over them above" implies that God's glory is resting upon the cherubim and the wheels, directing their movement and underscoring that this whole spectacle is directly related to Him.
Overall Meaning:
The verse signifies a departure. It portrays God's glory, carried by the cherubim and the wheels, leaving Jerusalem. This is a significant and somber moment in Ezekiel's prophecy. It represents:
God's judgment: The departure of God's glory indicates that God is abandoning Jerusalem due to the wickedness and idolatry of its people. He is no longer dwelling in their midst as a protector and source of blessing.
The end of an era: This signifies the end of God's special presence in the Temple, which was once considered the dwelling place of his glory. It foreshadows the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians.
Movement and sovereignty: Although a departure, it's also a demonstration of God's sovereignty. He is not limited to one place. He can move and execute his plans according to his will. The glory of the Lord is not destroyed; it simply moves.
Context is Key:
It's important to remember that this verse is part of a larger vision. To fully grasp its meaning, you need to consider the preceding chapters where Ezekiel witnesses the abominations taking place in Jerusalem and the subsequent chapters where he receives prophecies of future restoration.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 11:22 is a powerful verse that depicts the symbolic departure of God's glory from Jerusalem, signifying his judgment and the impending doom of the city.
Ezekiel 11:22 - Then the cherubim lifted up their wings, and the wheels were beside them. The glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
What does "Ezekiel 11:22" mean?
This verse, Ezekiel 11:22, is part of a larger vision in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically depicting the departure of God's glory from Jerusalem. To understand its meaning, let's break it down:
"Then the cherubim lifted up their wings...": The cherubim are powerful angelic beings described earlier in Ezekiel's visions (Ezekiel 1 and 10). They serve as the chariot or throne bearers of God. Their lifting their wings signifies preparation for movement, a departure. This isn't just a physical act; it's a symbolic one.
"...and the wheels were beside them.": The "wheels" refer to the intricate, multi-wheeled structure seen in Ezekiel's earlier visions (Ezekiel 1). These wheels are often interpreted as representing God's sovereignty and control over all of creation, as well as his ability to move and execute his will anywhere. Their being "beside" the cherubim shows that they move in unison, under God's direction. The wheels do what the cherubim do.
"The glory of the God of Israel was over them above.": This is the crucial part. "The glory of the God of Israel" is the visible manifestation of God's presence, power, and holiness. It's often depicted as a brilliant, radiant light. Its being "over them above" implies that God's glory is resting upon the cherubim and the wheels, directing their movement and underscoring that this whole spectacle is directly related to Him.
Overall Meaning:
The verse signifies a departure. It portrays God's glory, carried by the cherubim and the wheels, leaving Jerusalem. This is a significant and somber moment in Ezekiel's prophecy. It represents:
God's judgment: The departure of God's glory indicates that God is abandoning Jerusalem due to the wickedness and idolatry of its people. He is no longer dwelling in their midst as a protector and source of blessing.
The end of an era: This signifies the end of God's special presence in the Temple, which was once considered the dwelling place of his glory. It foreshadows the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians.
Movement and sovereignty: Although a departure, it's also a demonstration of God's sovereignty. He is not limited to one place. He can move and execute his plans according to his will. The glory of the Lord is not destroyed; it simply moves.
Context is Key:
It's important to remember that this verse is part of a larger vision. To fully grasp its meaning, you need to consider the preceding chapters where Ezekiel witnesses the abominations taking place in Jerusalem and the subsequent chapters where he receives prophecies of future restoration.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 11:22 is a powerful verse that depicts the symbolic departure of God's glory from Jerusalem, signifying his judgment and the impending doom of the city.