Are these the same creatures as in Ezekiel 1?

Yes, Ezekiel 10:20 explicitly confirms this, stating, "These are the living creatures that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubim." The detailed description in Ezekiel 10:21 reiterates and reinforces the initial vision from Ezekiel chapter 1, providing further clarity and emphasis on their identity and features, ensuring the reader understands the continuity of Ezekiel's prophetic encounters.

Why are their hands described as "the likeness of the hands of a man"?

The phrase "the likeness of the hands of a man" (rather than actual human hands) is significant. It suggests that while these celestial beings are not human, their capacity for purposeful action, intelligence, and manipulation of their environment is comprehensible in human terms. It implies that God's divine will, though executed by otherworldly agents, is carried out with deliberate, ordered, and intelligent action, reflecting the intentionality of the Creator. It highlights their ability to serve as instruments of God's active power and judgment, demonstrating that even the most transcendent divine actions are executed with precision and purpose.

What is the significance of "four" faces and wings?

The number "four" often symbolizes completeness, universality, and the four cardinal directions in biblical symbolism. The "four faces" (man, lion, ox, eagle, as detailed in Ezekiel 10:14) represent the comprehensive attributes of intelligence, strength, service, and swiftness, indicating the cherubim's full capacity to perceive and act in all realms. The "four wings" similarly convey their universal presence, swiftness in executing God's will across all directions, and their complete readiness for divine service, symbolizing God's omnipresence and universal sovereignty over all creation.

10:20 10:20

Ezekiel 10:21

10:22 10:22

Bible Versions

Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man [was] under their wings.

Every one {H259} had four {H702} faces {H6440} apiece {H259}, and every one {H259} four {H702} wings {H3671}; and the likeness {H1823} of the hands {H3027} of a man {H120} was under their wings {H3671}.

Each of the four had four faces, and each had four wings, and what looked like a man's hands was under their wings.

Each had four faces and four wings, with what looked like human hands under their wings.

Every one had four faces, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Ezekiel 10:14

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.
Ezekiel 1:6

And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Ezekiel 41:18

And [it was] made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree [was] between a cherub and a cherub; and [every] cherub had two faces;
Ezekiel 41:19

So that the face of a man [was] toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: [it was] made through all the house round about.
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.
Ezekiel 1:8

And [they had] the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their 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.

How is God speaking to you today?

Bible Versions

Search Scripture