Ezekiel-Chapter-10
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Note: Some
alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’
of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which
I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM
IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
In Chapter 10, the vision intensifies as the Divine Presence continues
its departure from the
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Below are the verses of Ezekiel Chapter 10:1-22: Whilst below the verses
are the Explanation’s. (Chapter is from JPS-1917
version of the Tanakh).
1. “Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
Explanation: This confirms the continuity of Ezekiel’s
vision. The ‘Sapphire Throne’ represents the ultimate authority of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God), elevated above the
celestial beings (cherubim).
2. And He spoke unto the man clothed in linen, and said: ‘Go in between the wheelwork, even under the cherub, and fill both thy hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and dash them over the city’. And he went in in my sight.
Explanation: The “man in linen”, previously the scribe
of mercy, now becomes the agent of judgment. The fire taken from the sacred
chariot and cast over the city symbolizes that
3. Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.
Explanation: The “cloud” is the visible manifestation of the Divine Presence. Its movement to the inner court signifies the physical shifting of ’ אֱלֹהִים- Elohim’s glory away from the Holy of Holies.
4. And the glory of יְהוָה - the LORD mounted up from the cherub, to the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of יְהוָה - the LORD’s Glory.
Explanation: This is a pivotal moment of transition. The Light of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim leaves the inner sanctum and fills the outer areas, signalling that the “protection” of the Temple is being withdrawn.
5. And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim Almighty when He speaketh.
Explanation: The sound of the wings represents the power and movement of the divine administration. Its reach to the outer court emphasizes that the entire structure is vibrating with this departure.
6. And it came to pass, when He commanded the man clothed in linen, saying: 'Take fire from between the wheelwork, from between the cherubim', that he went in, and stood beside a wheel.
Explanation: The scribe follows the instructions exactly, positioning himself within the mechanics of the heavenly chariot to receive the coals of judgment.
7. And the cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubim unto the fire that was between the cherubim, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed in linen, who took it and went out.
Explanation: This interaction shows the cooperation between the different orders of the heavenly host to fulfill the divine will. The fire is passed from the celestial to the agent of the earthly realm.
8. And there appeared in the cherubim the form of a man’s hand under their wings.
Explanation: The “hand” signifies agency and the ability to act. It suggests that behind the supernatural appearance of the wings, there is a purposeful, directed power at work.
9. And I looked, and behold, four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside one cherub, and another wheel beside another cherub; and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone.
Explanation: The wheels (Ophanim) represent the “wheels of providence” or the movement of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s influence throughout the physical world. The beryl (sea-green) colour suggests a shimmering, changing beauty.
10. And as for their appearance, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been within a wheel.
Explanation: This complex geometry suggests that the divine plan moves in multiple directions simultaneously, yet functions as a single, harmonious unit.
11. When they went, they went toward 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.
Explanation: There is no hesitation or “u-turn” in the divine decree. The chariot moves with absolute purpose toward its destination without needing to deviate.
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.
Explanation: The “eyes” symbolize total omniscience. Nothing is hidden from the sight of the Divine Presence; the judgment is based on a complete and perfect observation of all deeds.
13. As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing ‘the wheelwork’.
Explanation: The term “wheelwork” (Galgal) implies a unified, rotating system. It is the engine of Divine action in the world.
14. And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the 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.
Explanation: These faces represent the highest forms of creation (the lion as king of beasts, the eagle of birds, the man of intellect, and the cherub as the celestial servant), all subservient to the Creator.
15. And the cherubim mounted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river Chebar.
Explanation: Ezekiel realizes that the terrifying vision
he saw in the land of his exile is the exact same Presence that dwelt in the
16. And when the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.
Explanation: The physical and spiritual realms are perfectly synchronized. When the spiritual glory moves, the physical “wheels” of history move with it.
17. When they stood, these stood, and when they mounted up, these mounted up with them; for the spirit of the living creature was in them.
Explanation: The “spirit” is the animating force. It confirms that the wheels are not mere machines, but are driven by the same divine life-force as the cherubim.
18. And the glory of יְהוָה - the LORD went forth from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim.
Explanation: The Shekhinah has now fully left the building and has “mounted” the chariot. The departure is nearing completion.
19. And the cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight, when they went forth, and the wheels beside them; and they stood at the door of the east gate of יְהוָה - the LORD’s house; and the glory of the אֱלֹהִים - Elohim of Israel was over them above.
Explanation: The chariot stops momentarily at the East
Gate, the main entrance. It is a final, lingering look at the city before the
Presence departs toward the
20. This is the living creature that I saw under the אֱלֹהִים - Elohim of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.
Explanation: Ezekiel’s understanding is now complete. He connects his past revelation with his present reality, confirming the unity of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s message across different locations.
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.
Explanation: A reiteration of the symmetry and order of the heavenly host, emphasizing that the divine administration is consistent and structured.
22. And as for the likeness of their faces, they were the faces which I saw by the river Chebar, their appearances and themselves; they went every one straight forward”.
Explanation: The chapter ends with an emphasis on the “straight forward” movement. The era of
the
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My Closing Message:
Ezekiel 10 teaches us that the Divine Presence is not static.
When a place or a people becomes filled with
“abominations”, the Glory of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim withdraws. However, the fact
that the same chariot Ezekiel saw in
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