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.

This is the living creature {H2416} that I saw {H7200} under the God {H430} of Israel {H3478} by the river {H5104} of Chebar {H3529}; and I knew {H3045} that they were the cherubims {H3742}.

This was the living creature I had seen beneath the God of Isra'el by the K'var River, so I knew they were k'ruvim.

These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the River Kebar, and I knew that they were cherubim.

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

Ezekiel 10:20 provides a crucial identification within the prophet Ezekiel's profound visions of God's glory and judgment. Here, the prophet explicitly confirms that the mysterious 'living creatures' he previously encountered are indeed the cherubim.

Context

The prophet Ezekiel received his visions during the Babylonian exile, by the river Chebar. His initial, awe-inspiring encounter with these 'living creatures' is detailed in Ezekiel chapter 1, where their complex appearance—combining human, lion, ox, and eagle features—is vividly described. This verse, Ezekiel 10:20, serves as a definitive clarification, affirming their identity as the celestial beings known as cherubim, observed in the context of the moving glory of God from the temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Identification: This verse marks a moment of divine revelation where Ezekiel, and by extension, the reader, gains a clear understanding of the 'living creatures' identity. It underscores God's willingness to clarify His heavenly activities to His prophets.
  • The Nature of Cherubim: Confirms the powerful, multi-faceted beings associated with God's throne and presence are the cherubim, emphasizing their role as guardians of God's holiness and bearers of His divine majesty.
  • God's Sovereignty in Exile: Even as God's glory is seen departing the temple in Jerusalem (see Ezekiel 11:22), the vision of the cherubim reminds Ezekiel and the exiles that God's power and heavenly court remain active and sovereign, transcending geographical boundaries.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for 'cherubims' is keruvim (כְּרוּבִים), the plural form of keruv. Throughout the Old Testament, cherubim are depicted as powerful, winged celestial beings with various roles:

  • Guardians of Sacred Space: Most notably, they guarded the way to the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden.
  • Bearers of God's Throne/Chariot: As seen in Ezekiel's visions, they are intricately connected to the divine chariot-throne, supporting and moving the Lord's presence.
  • Representations of God's Presence: Their imagery was also incorporated into the design of the Tabernacle and Temple, particularly on the Ark of the Covenant and the temple curtains, signifying God's dwelling among His people.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 10:20 reminds us of the grandeur and mystery of God's heavenly realm. It encourages us to:

  • Seek Deeper Understanding: Just as Ezekiel sought to understand the visions, we are called to explore and comprehend God's revelation, recognizing that there is always more to learn about His nature and His works.
  • Recognize Divine Order: The precise identification of the cherubim highlights the intricate order and purpose within God's creation, both seen and unseen.
  • Find Comfort in God's Majesty: Even in times of distress or confusion, the reality of God's majestic throne, attended by powerful celestial beings, assures us of His unwavering control and sovereign presence, no matter the circumstances.
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 1:1

    ¶ Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth [month], in the fifth [day] of the month, as I [was] among the captives by the river of Chebar, [that] the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

  • Ezekiel 10:15

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

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 3:23

    Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.

  • 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.

  • 1 Kings 6:29

    And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.

  • 1 Kings 6:35

    And he carved [thereon] cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered [them] with gold fitted upon the carved work.

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