And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a 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.
And every one {H259} had four {H702} faces {H6440}: the first {H259} face {H6440} was the face {H6440} of a cherub {H3742}, and the second {H8145} face {H6440} was the face {H6440} of a man {H120}, and the third {H7992} the face {H6440} of a lion {H738}, and the fourth {H7243} the face {H6440} of an eagle {H5404}.
Every one [of the k'ruvim] had four faces: the first face was the face of a keruv, the second face was the face of a man, the third the face of a lion and the fourth the face of an eagle.
Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle.
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.
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Revelation 4:7
And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle. -
1 Kings 7:36
For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about. -
Ezekiel 10:21
Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man [was] under their wings. -
1 Kings 7:29
And on the borders that [were] between the ledges [were] lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges [there was] a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen [were] certain additions made of thin work. -
Ezekiel 1:6
And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. -
Ezekiel 1:10
As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
Ezekiel 10:14 provides a detailed description of the faces of the cherubim in Ezekiel's profound vision, emphasizing their complex and awe-inspiring appearance. This verse is part of a larger account where the prophet witnesses the departure of God's glory from the Temple in Jerusalem, a powerful symbol of impending judgment and exile.
Context
This verse is a re-description of the "living creatures" first introduced in Ezekiel chapter 1, which are here explicitly identified as cherubim. Ezekiel's visions occurred during the Babylonian exile, a time of immense spiritual and national crisis for Israel. These intricate depictions served to convey God's transcendent holiness, power, and sovereignty, even as His presence seemed to be withdrawing from His people's midst due to their sin. The cherubim are consistently depicted in Scripture as guardians of God's holiness and throne-bearers of His divine presence, from guarding the Garden of Eden to their presence on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22).
Key Themes and Messages
- Cherub (or Ox): In Ezekiel 1:10, the first face was that of an "ox." The "face of a cherub" in chapter 10:14 is generally understood as the same, representing strength, steadfastness, and service.
- Man: Symbolizes intelligence, reason, wisdom, and the moral aspect of divine governance.
- Lion: Represents strength, majesty, royalty, and courage, often associated with kingship.
- Eagle: Signifies swiftness, far-sightedness, transcendence, and sovereign dominion, able to survey all from above.
Together, these faces convey God's omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence – a comprehensive understanding of His power, wisdom, and authority over all creation.Linguistic Insights
The notable distinction in this verse from Ezekiel 1:10 is the explicit mention of "the face of a cherub" instead of "the face of an ox." While many scholars interpret the "ox" in chapter 1 as a representation of the cherub's specific form or a type of cherubic face, Ezekiel 10:14 provides a more direct identification. The Hebrew word for cherub, kĕrûḇ, is consistently used to refer to these celestial beings throughout the Old Testament, suggesting a clarification or a more precise naming as the vision progresses.
Practical Application
Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim, with their four faces, reminds us of the incomprehensible majesty and multifaceted nature of God. It encourages us to: