Ezekiel 10:18

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

Then the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} departed {H3318} from off the threshold {H4670} of the house {H1004}, and stood {H5975} over the cherubims {H3742}.

Now the glory of ADONAI left the threshold of the house and halted above the k'ruvim.

Then the glory of the LORD moved away from the threshold of the temple and stood above the cherubim.

And the glory of Jehovah went forth from over the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 10:18 is a pivotal verse within the prophet Ezekiel's visions concerning the judgment of Jerusalem and its Temple. Ezekiel, a priest living in Babylonian exile, was granted extraordinary visions of God's glory and impending judgment upon Judah due to their rampant idolatry and moral corruption. Chapters 8-11 detail a progression of God's glory withdrawing from the Temple. This verse specifically describes the second stage of the glory's departure, moving from the inner sanctuary's threshold to stand over the cherubim, signaling its imminent removal from the physical structure entirely. This act underscores God's holiness and His inability to dwell amidst defilement, a direct consequence of the abominations practiced within the Temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Withdrawal and Judgment: The departure of the glory of the LORD signifies God's deliberate withdrawal of His presence and protection from a people who have continually rebelled against Him. It's a stark symbol of impending judgment and the desolation of the Temple.
  • Consequences of Idolatry: The primary reason for this divine departure is the profound spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry of Israel, as detailed in Ezekiel chapter 8. God's holiness cannot tolerate such defilement.
  • The Mobility of God's Presence: The glory of the LORD is not bound to a physical building, even one as sacred as the Temple. It is free to move, demonstrating God's sovereignty and His presence residing wherever He chooses, not confined by human structures.
  • God's Sovereignty and Holiness: This scene powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over His creation and His unwavering holiness. His presence is a blessing, but His departure is a judgment when His standards are continually violated.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "glory of the LORD" is a translation of the Hebrew kavod YHWH (כבוד יהוה), which refers to the visible manifestation of God's majestic presence, weight, and inherent worth. In Ezekiel's visions, this glory is often associated with a brilliant light and accompanied by the cherubim. The word "departed" (Hebrew: yatsa') implies a deliberate and intentional movement, not a forced removal, highlighting God's sovereign decision to leave due to the people's sin.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel 10:18 serves as a powerful reminder that God's presence is conditional upon faithfulness and reverence. While God's glory physically departed from the Jerusalem Temple, the principle remains: persistent sin and rebellion can lead to a withdrawal of divine blessing and favor. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of holiness and purity in our lives, recognizing that our bodies are now considered temples of the Holy Spirit. Just as the Temple was desecrated by Israel's actions, our lives can be defiled by sin, grieving the Spirit (see Ephesians 4:30). This passage also foreshadows the eventual destruction of the Temple and the city, which would occur shortly after this vision, culminating in the final departure of God's glory from the city in Ezekiel 11:23. However, Ezekiel also prophecies of a future time when God's glory will return to a new, purified temple, as seen in Ezekiel 43:4, offering hope for restoration.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 18:10 (4 votes)

    And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

  • Matthew 23:37 (3 votes)

    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

  • Matthew 23:39 (3 votes)

    For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

  • Psalms 78:60 (3 votes)

    So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent [which] he placed among men;

  • Psalms 78:61 (3 votes)

    And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy's hand.

  • 2 Kings 2:11 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

  • Ezekiel 10:3 (2 votes)

    Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.