Ezekiel 10:11

When they went, they went upon 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.

When they went {H3212}, they went {H3212} upon their four {H702} sides {H7253}; they turned {H5437} not as they went {H3212}, but to the place {H4725} whither the head {H7218} looked {H6437} they followed {H3212}{H310} it; they turned {H5437} not as they went {H3212}.

When they moved, they could go in any of the four directions without turning as they moved; rather, wherever the head looked, they followed without turning as they moved.

When they moved, they would go in any of the four directions, without turning as they moved. For wherever the head faced, the cherubim would go in that direction, without turning as they moved.

When they went, they went in their four directions: they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

Ezekiel 10:11 describes the remarkable, supernatural movement of the cherubim (also called living creatures) in Ezekiel's vision. This verse, part of a larger account of God's glory departing from the temple in Jerusalem, highlights their unique mode of locomotion.

Context

This verse is situated within a profound vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, who was among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. In Ezekiel chapter 1, he first encounters these four living creatures, later identified as cherubim in chapter 10, accompanying the throne-chariot of God's glory. Chapter 10 depicts a renewed vision of these beings, specifically as God's glory prepares to depart from the temple due to the people's idolatry and sin. The details of their movement emphasize their divine nature and purpose.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Movement: The repeated phrase "they turned not as they went" underscores a direct, unhesitating, and instantaneous progression. Unlike human beings or earthly creatures that must pivot or reorient, these celestial beings moved seamlessly in any direction.
  • Divine Direction: "Whither the head looked they followed it" indicates absolute responsiveness to a guiding intelligence, likely referring to the Spirit of God (as mentioned in Ezekiel 1:12) or the divine will. Their movement was not arbitrary but perfectly aligned with God's purpose.
  • Omnidirectional Capability: "They went upon their four sides" suggests their ability to move forward without needing to turn their physical orientation, representing a supernatural capacity to execute God's will with efficiency and without impediment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sides" (tsad) here refers to the four directions or faces of the cherubim, implying that each 'side' was capable of being the 'front' for movement. The consistent repetition of "they turned not as they went" is a rhetorical device emphasizing the directness and supernatural efficiency of their movement, highlighting their perfect obedience and responsiveness to divine command.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim's movement offers powerful insights for believers today:

  • Obedience and Direction: Just as the cherubim moved without hesitation according to the divine impulse, believers are called to be fully responsive to God's leading. This verse can serve as a powerful picture of divine guidance and instantaneous obedience.
  • Focus and Purpose: Their unwavering path reminds us to keep our focus on God's will and purpose, avoiding distractions and detours that hinder our spiritual journey.
  • God's Sovereignty: The precise and effortless movement of these beings underscores God's absolute control and sovereignty over all creation, even in the midst of judgment and exile, as seen in Ezekiel's prophecy.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 1:17

    When they went, they went upon their four sides: [and] they turned not when they went.

  • Ezekiel 10:22

    And the likeness of their faces [was] the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.

  • Ezekiel 1:20

    Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither [was their] spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature [was] in the wheels.

  • Matthew 8:8

    The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

  • Matthew 8:10

    When Jesus heard [it], he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

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