Ezekiel 10:15

KJV

And the cherubims were lifted up. This [is] the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the cherubims {H3742} were lifted up {H7426}. This is the living creature {H2416} that I saw {H7200} by the river {H5104} of Chebar {H3529}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the k'ruvim rose. These were the living creatures I had seen by the K'var River.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the cherubim rose upward. These were the living creatures I had seen by the River Kebar.

American Standard Version

And the cherubim mounted up: this is the living creature that I saw by the river Chebar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:15 serves as a crucial point of clarification and continuity within Ezekiel's visionary account, explicitly identifying the awe-inspiring "living creatures" seen in his inaugural vision by the river Chebar with the "cherubim" accompanying the divine glory in the Jerusalem Temple. This verse underscores the consistency of God's revelation and the prophet's profound encounter with the divine presence, even as that presence prepares to depart from the defiled sanctuary, confirming the authenticity and unified nature of his prophetic experiences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 10 is intricately woven into the larger narrative of God's glory departing from the Jerusalem Temple, a central theme in [Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8-11 "Ezekiel 8-11 - The Departure of God's Glory"). Following the detailed descriptions of the abominations committed in the Temple ([Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple")) and the subsequent judgment and slaughter of the wicked ([Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - Judgment and Slaughter")), [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory of the Lord Departs") focuses on the movement of the divine chariot-throne. The cherubim, previously described as "living creatures" in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Ezekiel's Inaugural Vision"), are now explicitly named as "cherubim" and are depicted in motion, signaling the imminent departure of God's glory from the sanctuary. Verse 15 acts as an emphatic parenthetical statement, a prophetic "aha!" moment where Ezekiel confirms the identity of these magnificent beings, linking the current, unfolding vision to his foundational call experience by the river Chebar. This continuity reinforces the authenticity and consistency of his prophetic message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), ministering to the Jewish community deported to Babylon after the first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. The river Chebar (Kᵉbâr) was a major irrigation canal near Nippur in Mesopotamia, where many exiles, including Ezekiel, settled. For the Israelites, the Temple in Jerusalem was the physical dwelling place of God's presence, the center of their religious and national identity. The concept of God's glory departing from the Temple would have been profoundly shocking and devastating, signifying divine judgment and the abandonment of His people. Cherubim, known from their role guarding the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Way to the Tree of Life") and their imagery on the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat") and within the Temple, were understood as guardians of God's holiness and throne. Ezekiel's vision recontextualizes these familiar figures within a dynamic, mobile divine throne, emphasizing God's transcendence and His freedom to move beyond human-made structures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Ezekiel. Firstly, it reinforces the **Continuity of Divine Revelation**, asserting that the awesome beings seen in the Temple are the same "living creatures" that initiated Ezekiel's prophetic call, thus validating his entire ministry and the consistency of God's message. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Mobility**, as the cherubim, intrinsically linked to God's glory, are "lifted up," signifying God's freedom to move and depart from a defiled sanctuary, a stark warning of judgment. This movement culminates in the glory's departure from the city in [Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - The Glory of the Lord Departs"). Lastly, the verse provides crucial **Identification of Celestial Beings**, clarifying that the mysterious "living creatures" of [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Ezekiel's Vision of the Living Creatures") are indeed the cherubim, linking Ezekiel's unique visionary language to established biblical angelic categories and deepening the understanding of the divine throne-chariot.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cherubims (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** from H3742; a cherub or imaginary figure. In the biblical context, cherubim are celestial beings associated with God's presence, holiness, and throne. Ezekiel's identification here confirms that the multi-faceted, winged beings of his initial vision are these well-known angelic figures.
* **lifted up (Hebrew, _râmam'_):** from H7426; to rise (literally or figuratively); exalt, get (oneself) up, lift up (self), mount up. This verb indicates the active movement of the cherubim, signifying their role in the divine chariot-throne's departure and God's sovereign mobility.
* **living creature (Hebrew, _chay'_):** from H2416; alive; hence... life (or living thing). This term, used extensively in Ezekiel 1, is now explicitly equated with "cherubim," clarifying the identity of the awe-inspiring entities supporting God's throne and linking the current vision to Ezekiel's foundational call.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the cherubims were lifted up."**: This clause describes the movement of the cherubim, who are integral to the divine throne-chariot. Their "lifting up" signifies their mobility and readiness to move, directly preceding the departure of God's glory from the Temple. This action is not arbitrary but part of the unfolding divine judgment and the progressive withdrawal of God's presence due to Israel's sin.
* **"This [is] the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar."**: This is Ezekiel's emphatic declaration, serving as a crucial point of identification and continuity. The prophet explicitly states that the "cherubim" he is now seeing in the Temple vision are the very same "living creatures" that appeared to him in his inaugural vision by the Chebar canal (Ezekiel 1). This statement validates his prophetic experience, confirms the identity of these celestial beings, and links the present judgment narrative to the foundational revelation of his call.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:15 primarily employs **Identification** and **Confirmation**. The prophet's direct, declarative statement ("This is...") acts as a moment of profound recognition and validation, solidifying the consistency of God's revelation for both himself and his audience. This explicit naming of the "living creatures" as "cherubim" serves as a crucial **Identification**, clarifying the mysterious beings of his initial vision. The verse also utilizes **Symbolism**, as the cherubim themselves are powerful symbols of God's holiness, presence, and sovereign power. Furthermore, the mention of the "river of Chebar" grounds the extraordinary visions in a tangible reality, adding to their **Realism** and emphasizing that God's revelation is not abstract but deeply personal and real to Ezekiel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 10:15 is a pivotal verse, solidifying the identity of the "living creatures" from Ezekiel's initial vision as the cherubim, celestial beings intimately connected with God's throne and glory. This explicit identification underscores the profound continuity of God's revelation to Ezekiel, assuring both the prophet and his audience that the divine message is consistent and the source of his visions is indeed the Lord. The movement of these cherubim, accompanying the glory of God, highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His freedom to depart from a defiled sanctuary, serving as a stark theological warning about the consequences of sin and the seriousness of divine judgment. Yet, even in judgment, God's presence is revealed, albeit in a mobile form, demonstrating His ongoing engagement with His people, even in exile.

* [Ezekiel 1:5-12](/ezekiel/1-5-12 "Ezekiel 1:5-12 - Description of the Living Creatures")
* [Ezekiel 9:3](/ezekiel/9-3 "Ezekiel 9:3 - The Glory of the God of Israel Moves")
* [Ezekiel 11:22-23](/ezekiel/11-22-23 "Ezekiel 11:22-23 - The Glory of the Lord Departs from the City")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's moment of recognition in verse 15—"This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar"—offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and shifting truths, the consistency of God's revelation provides an anchor. Just as Ezekiel found continuity between his initial, overwhelming vision and the unfolding judgment in the Temple, we too can trust that God's character, His promises, and His ultimate plan remain steadfast, even amidst challenging circumstances or seemingly disparate experiences. This verse reminds us that God is actively engaged with His creation, moving and acting according to His sovereign will. It also serves as a somber reminder of the holiness of God and the gravity of sin, prompting us to examine our own lives and communities for anything that might grieve His Spirit or cause His presence to withdraw. Ultimately, it encourages us to seek and recognize God's presence and activity in all seasons of life, trusting in the consistent nature of His divine truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the consistency of God's revelation to Ezekiel, as highlighted in this verse, comfort or challenge your own understanding of God's character?**
* **What "river of Chebar" moments, or foundational encounters with God, can you identify in your own spiritual journey, and how do they inform your present understanding of His work?**
* **Considering the cherubim's movement, what might it mean for God's presence to "lift up" or withdraw from certain areas or aspects of our lives or churches today, and what might prompt such a movement?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Ezekiel explicitly identifying the "living creatures" as "cherubim" in this verse?**

Answer: The explicit identification in [Ezekiel 10:15](/ezekiel/10-15 "Ezekiel 10:15 - Cherubim Identified") is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides clarity for the reader, linking the mysterious, multi-faceted beings of Ezekiel's initial vision in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Ezekiel's Inaugural Vision") to the more familiar biblical category of cherubim, which were well-known from their association with the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Tree of Life") and the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat"). Secondly, it underscores the continuity and consistency of God's revelation to Ezekiel, validating his prophetic call and ensuring that the visions he is receiving are from the same divine source. It's a moment of profound recognition for the prophet, confirming the authenticity of his encounters.

**Why is the "river of Chebar" mentioned here?**

Answer: The "river of Chebar" is mentioned in [Ezekiel 10:15](/ezekiel/10-15 "Ezekiel 10:15 - The River Chebar Reference") as a direct reference back to Ezekiel's inaugural vision and prophetic call, which occurred "by the river Chebar" as detailed in [Ezekiel 1:1-3](/ezekiel/1-1-3 "Ezekiel 1:1-3 - Ezekiel's Call by the Chebar"). This geographical detail serves to anchor the current vision in the prophet's foundational experience, reinforcing the idea that the awesome celestial beings he is now witnessing in the Temple's context are the very same ones that initiated his ministry. It emphasizes the continuity of God's work and revelation, showing that even in exile, God was present and active, commissioning His prophet.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 10:15 directly concerns the identification of cherubim and the continuity of God's glory in the Old Testament, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "living creatures" and cherubim consistently point to the holiness, sovereignty, and transcendent glory of God, attributes perfectly embodied in Christ. Just as the cherubim accompanied the mobile glory of God, foreshadowing its departure from a defiled temple, so too did God's ultimate glory, Jesus Christ, "tabernacle among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), bringing God's presence not to a stone temple, but into human flesh. The consistency of God's revelation, so crucial for Ezekiel, is fully realized in Christ, who is the "exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")) and the "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). Furthermore, the cherubim's role in guarding the way to the tree of life after the Fall ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")) is ultimately fulfilled by Christ, who through His sacrifice on the cross, opened the "new and living way" to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), removing the barrier that necessitated the cherubim's guardianship and inviting humanity back into fellowship with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 1:5

Also out of the midst thereof [came] the likeness of four living creatures. And this [was] their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

Hosea 9:12

Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, [that there shall] not [be] a man [left]: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!

Ezekiel 43:3

And [it was] according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, [even] according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions [were] like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face.

Ezekiel 8:6

He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? [even] the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations.

Ezekiel 11:22

¶ Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

Ezekiel 10:18

Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.

Ezekiel 10:20

This [is] the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they [were] the cherubims.