Ezekiel 10:2

KJV

And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, [even] under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter [them] over the city. And he went in in my sight.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he spake {H559} unto the man {H376} clothed {H3847} with linen {H906}, and said {H559}, Go in {H935} between {H996} the wheels {H1534}, even under the cherub {H3742}, and fill {H4390} thine hand {H2651} with coals {H1513} of fire {H784} from between {H996} the cherubims {H3742}, and scatter {H2236} them over the city {H5892}. And he went in {H935} in my sight {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He spoke to the man clothed in linen; he said, "Go in between the wheels under the k'ruvim, fill both your hands with fiery coals from between the k'ruvim, and throw them on the city." As I watched, he went.

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said to the man clothed in linen, “Go inside the wheelwork beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And as I watched, he went in.

American Standard Version

And he spake unto the man clothed in linen, and said, Go in between the whirling wheels, even under the cherub, and fill both thy hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:2 captures a stark moment in Ezekiel's vision, detailing the divine command for the man clothed in linen to take burning coals from the cherubim and scatter them over Jerusalem. This act serves as a potent visual prophecy of the impending fiery judgment and destruction that would befall the rebellious city, signifying the departure of God's glory and the devastating consequences of persistent idolatry and sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of the dramatic visions described in [Ezekiel chapter 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple") and [Ezekiel chapter 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - The Slaughter of the Unmarked"). In chapter 9, the man clothed in linen was tasked with marking those who grieved over the abominations in Jerusalem for preservation, while six executioners were to slay the unmarked. Here, his role shifts from marking for salvation to participating in the execution of judgment, emphasizing that divine agents are instruments of God's complete will. The "wheels" (often identified as Ophanim) and "cherubim" are integral components of the divine throne-chariot first introduced in [Ezekiel chapter 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of the Glory of God"), symbolizing God's omnipresence, sovereignty, and the mobility of His glory, which is now preparing to depart from the temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile, specifically to the Jewish community deported after Nebuchadnezzar's first siege of Jerusalem in 597 BC. The city of Jerusalem, though not yet fully destroyed, was under Babylonian dominion, and its inhabitants, including those remaining in the city, continued in idolatry and rebellion against Yahweh. The vision in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs") vividly portrays the reasons for the impending second siege and complete destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Culturally, the scattering of fire over a city was a recognized symbol of utter destruction and divine wrath, reminiscent of the judgment on [Sodom and Gomorrah](/genesis/19 "Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah"). The temple, central to Jewish identity and worship, had become defiled by pagan practices, making its destruction, though tragic, a just consequence of covenant unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes in [Ezekiel](/ezekiel "The Book of Ezekiel") that this verse powerfully contributes to include **Divine Judgment** and **Wrath**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice against sin. The act of scattering fire underscores the severity of God's response to persistent rebellion and idolatry, particularly within His covenant people. It also highlights **God's Holiness and Justice**, emphasizing that His nature cannot tolerate unrighteousness, even in His chosen city and temple. The departure of the glory of the Lord, which begins in [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs") and culminates in [Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - The Glory Departs from the City"), is a central theme, signifying the removal of divine protection and presence due to the people's sin. The **Symbolism of Fire** here is primarily destructive, distinct from its purifying aspect seen elsewhere, marking the complete devastation of Jerusalem.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **coals (Hebrew, _gechel'_):** From H1513, meaning an ember or burning coal. This word specifically denotes live, glowing embers, not merely ash or extinguished fire. Their origin "from between the cherubims" signifies that this destructive fire is not earthly or random, but directly proceeds from the holy presence and throne of God, making the judgment divinely ordained and infused with divine holiness.
* **cherubims (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** From H3742, referring to a cherub or imaginary figure. In Ezekiel's vision, cherubim are celestial beings associated with God's glory, throne, and presence. They are guardians of God's holiness and are depicted as part of the divine chariot-throne. The fire taken "from between the cherubims" implies it originates from the very heart of God's majestic and holy dwelling, underscoring the sacred and just nature of the impending judgment.
* **scatter (Hebrew, _zâraq'_):** From H2236, a primitive root meaning to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles), to be here and there, scatter, or strew. This verb implies a deliberate, widespread distribution. The scattering of the coals over the city indicates a comprehensive and inescapable judgment that will affect every part of Jerusalem, leaving no area untouched by the divine wrath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said,"**: This clause establishes the divine origin of the command. "He" refers to the Lord, whose voice is heard, directing the "man clothed with linen." This figure, previously seen marking the righteous in [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - The Man with a Writing Kit"), now receives a new, more severe commission, highlighting his role as an agent of God's complete will, encompassing both salvation and judgment. The linen garment, typically associated with purity and priestly service, now paradoxically functions in an act of destruction.
* **"Go in between the wheels, [even] under the cherub,"**: This command directs the man to the very core of the divine throne-chariot. The "wheels" (Ophanim) and "cherub" are part of the complex, mobile throne of God, representing His omnipresence and sovereign control. Entering this sacred space emphasizes that the judgment is not arbitrary but proceeds from the very presence of God's glory and authority.
* **"and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims,"**: The man is instructed to gather "coals of fire," which are explicitly stated to originate "from between the cherubims." This detail is crucial, as it signifies that the fire is not ordinary, but is a holy, divine fire, emanating directly from God's immediate presence. It symbolizes the pure and righteous wrath of God against the defilement and sin of Jerusalem. The act of filling his hand implies a direct, personal involvement in carrying out this sacred judgment.
* **"and scatter [them] over the city."**: This is the culmination of the command – the distribution of the divine fiery judgment over Jerusalem. The scattering indicates a widespread, comprehensive, and inescapable destruction. It is a visual prophecy of the Babylonian siege and the subsequent burning of the city, demonstrating that the judgment is not merely human warfare but a divinely orchestrated act of wrath against a rebellious people.
* **"And he went in in my sight."**: This concluding phrase confirms the immediate obedience of the man clothed in linen and the prophetic vision's reality. "In my sight" emphasizes Ezekiel's eyewitness account, lending credibility and immediacy to the terrifying vision of impending judgment. It underscores that this is not a metaphorical concept but a vivid, divinely revealed event.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:2 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "man clothed with linen" symbolizes a divine agent, whose purity (linen) ironically contrasts with his destructive task, highlighting God's holy justice. The "coals of fire" are a potent symbol of divine wrath and judgment, originating from the very presence of God (between the cherubim), signifying that this destruction is not arbitrary but a holy, just act. The act of "scattering" further symbolizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the impending devastation. **Visionary Language** is central to Ezekiel's prophecy, presenting abstract theological truths through vivid, often surreal, imagery. The description of the cherubim and wheels, though complex, serves to convey the majesty, mobility, and immanence of God's glory. The passage also employs **Divine Commissioning**, where God directly commands His agent to perform a specific, significant action, underscoring God's active involvement in human history and His sovereign control over events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 10:2 profoundly illustrates the immutable truth of God's holiness and justice, which demands a response to sin. The scattering of divine fire over Jerusalem is a stark reminder that God does not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely, even from His chosen people. This act is not arbitrary cruelty but a righteous consequence of persistent covenant unfaithfulness, idolatry, and moral corruption that had defiled both the city and the temple. It underscores that God's patience has limits, and His warnings, when unheeded, inevitably lead to severe judgment. The departure of God's glory, signified by this act, is the ultimate sign of His withdrawal of protection and favor, leaving the city vulnerable to its enemies.

* [Leviticus 10:2](/leviticus/10-2 "Leviticus 10:2 - Nadab and Abihu Consumed by Fire")
* [Isaiah 6:6-7](/isaiah/6-6 "Isaiah 6:6-7 - Seraphim with a Live Coal")
* [Revelation 8:5](/revelation/8-5 "Revelation 8:5 - Angel Takes Censer, Fills with Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 10:2 serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine judgment. While believers today live under the new covenant of grace through Christ, the timeless principles of God's character revealed in this passage remain profoundly relevant. It calls us to a deep reverence for God's holiness, recognizing that He is not only merciful but also just, and His righteous character demands a response to sin. This verse should cultivate in us a healthy fear of the Lord, prompting sincere repentance for our own transgressions and a commitment to live in obedience and faithfulness. It also challenges us to consider the spiritual state of our communities and nations, urging intercession and a prophetic call to turn from wickedness before divine patience is exhausted. The impending judgment on Jerusalem should provoke a deep sense of urgency to pursue righteousness and to share the message of reconciliation found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "coals of fire from between the cherubims" deepen your understanding of the source and nature of divine judgment?**
* **In what ways might our contemporary societies, or even our own lives, exhibit patterns of spiritual rebellion or idolatry that could provoke God's righteous judgment?**
* **How does understanding God's justice in passages like Ezekiel 10:2 inform your appreciation for His mercy and grace in Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "man clothed with linen" and why is he carrying out this judgment?**

Answer: The "man clothed with linen" is a divine, angelic figure, first introduced in [Ezekiel 9:2](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2 - The Man with a Writing Kit") as one among six executioners, distinguished by his linen attire and a writing kit. In [Ezekiel 9:4](/ezekiel/9-4 "Ezekiel 9:4 - Marking the Righteous"), he was tasked with marking those who grieved over Jerusalem's abominations, preserving them from the subsequent slaughter. His role in [Ezekiel 10:2](/ezekiel/10-2 "Ezekiel 10:2 - Scattering Coals of Fire") shifts to participating in the execution of judgment by scattering divine fire. This dual role highlights that divine agents are instruments of God's complete will, encompassing both salvation for the righteous and condemnation for the wicked. His linen attire, typically associated with purity and priestly functions (e.g., [Leviticus 16:4](/leviticus/16-4 "Leviticus 16:4 - Aaron's Linen Garments")), underscores the holiness and righteousness of the judgment, even as it brings destruction.

**What is the symbolic significance of "coals of fire from between the cherubims"?**

Answer: The "coals of fire" symbolize divine wrath and judgment. Their origin "from between the cherubims" is highly significant. The cherubim are celestial beings closely associated with God's glorious presence and throne (as seen in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of the Glory of God")). Therefore, the fire is not ordinary but a holy, divine fire, directly emanating from the very heart of God's majestic and pure dwelling. This signifies that the judgment upon Jerusalem is not an arbitrary act of human warfare but a divinely ordained, righteous, and holy consequence of the city's profound sin and defilement of God's temple and covenant. It underscores God's active involvement in bringing about the prophesied destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 10:2, with its vivid depiction of divine judgment executed by holy fire, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the destruction of a city, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The fiery judgment scattered over Jerusalem foreshadows the righteous wrath of God against all sin, a wrath that humanity could never bear. However, in Christ, this divine fire of judgment was fully absorbed and satisfied. The [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus, bore the full weight of God's holy indignation on the cross, becoming the propitiation for our sins ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Jesus, Our Atoning Sacrifice")). The "coals of fire" that bring destruction in Ezekiel's vision are transformed into the atoning sacrifice that brings life and reconciliation for those who believe in Christ. He is the ultimate "man clothed with linen," not merely an agent of judgment, but the High Priest who enters the true heavenly sanctuary, not with coals of fire for destruction, but with His own blood for atonement ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Through His sacrifice, the judgment due to us was poured out on Him, securing eternal salvation and inviting us into the new covenant, where God's presence dwells not in a physical temple, but in the hearts of believers ([2 Corinthians 6:16](/2_corinthians/6-16 "2 Corinthians 6:16 - God's Temple")). Thus, the terrifying vision of judgment in Ezekiel ultimately points to the glorious redemption offered through Christ, who delivers us from the wrath to come ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")).

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

Revelation 8:5

And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

Ezekiel 1:13

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance [was] like burning coals of fire, [and] like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Ezekiel 20:47

And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.

Ezekiel 20:48

And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.

Ezekiel 10:7

And [one] cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that [was] between the cherubims, and took [thereof], and put [it] into the hands of [him that was] clothed with linen: who took [it], and went out.

Ezekiel 10:13

As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.

Exodus 9:8

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.