Ezekiel 10:22

KJV

And the likeness of their faces [was] the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the likeness {H1823} of their faces {H6440} was the same {H1992} faces {H6440} which I saw {H7200} by the river {H5104} of Chebar {H3529}, their appearances {H4758} and themselves: they went {H3212} every one {H376} straight {H5676} forward {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As for how their faces looked, they were the faces I had seen by the K'var River, identical in appearance. Each one moved straight ahead.

Berean Standard Bible

Their faces looked like the faces I had seen by the River Kebar. Each creature went straight ahead.

American Standard Version

And as for the likeness of their faces, they were the faces which I saw by the river Chebar, their appearances and themselves; they went every one straight forward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:22 serves as a crucial point of continuity within the prophet Ezekiel's visionary experiences, explicitly linking the celestial beings observed in the Jerusalem Temple to those he first encountered by the river Chebar. This verse affirms the unchanging nature and consistent characteristics of the cherubim, emphasizing their singular appearance and their purposeful, unwavering movement as they facilitate the departure of God's glory from a defiled sanctuary. It reinforces the authenticity and coherence of Ezekiel's divine encounters, providing assurance of God's steadfast revelation amidst profound national crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel's second major vision, spanning chapters 8-11, which details the progressive departure of the glory of the Lord from the Jerusalem Temple. Following the initial vision and call to prophecy by the river Chebar in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel's Inaugural Vision"), Ezekiel is transported in spirit to Jerusalem to witness the abominations being committed within the Temple precincts ([Ezekiel 8:1-6](/ezekiel/8-1 "Ezekiel's Vision of Abominations in the Temple")). Chapter 10 specifically focuses on the cherubim and the wheels (ophanim) that accompany the divine chariot-throne, describing their appearance and function as they prepare for the glory's departure. Verse 22 acts as a direct narrative bridge, explicitly confirming that the cherubim seen here are identical to those described in his inaugural vision, thereby establishing continuity and reinforcing the reliability of the prophet's extraordinary experiences.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a time of immense national trauma for Judah. The first wave of exiles, including Ezekiel, had already been deported to Babylon, settling by the Chebar Canal (a navigable river or canal near Nippur). Jerusalem, though besieged, still stood, and many Judahites clung to the false hope that the Temple and city were inviolable. Ezekiel's visions, particularly the departure of God's glory, directly challenged this misconception, demonstrating that God was not bound to the physical Temple and that His presence would withdraw due to the people's idolatry and sin ([Ezekiel 8:6](/ezekiel/8-6 "The Idolatry in Jerusalem's Temple")). The cherubim, traditionally guardians of sacred space (e.g., the Garden of Eden in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Cherubim Guarding the Tree of Life") and depicted on the Ark of the Covenant in [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant")), here serve as agents of God's judgment and departure, underscoring the severity of Israel's apostasy.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Consistency and Reliability**. By explicitly stating that the faces are "the same," the text assures both Ezekiel and the reader that God's revelation is coherent and unwavering, even across different visions and contexts. This consistency provides a foundation of trust in God's character and His prophetic word. Secondly, the phrase "they went every one straight forward" highlights **Divine Order and Purpose**. The cherubim's direct, unswerving movement, also noted in [Ezekiel 1:9](/ezekiel/1-9 "The Cherubim's Straight Movement in Ezekiel 1"), symbolizes the precision, intentionality, and unstoppable nature of God's plans, whether in judgment or salvation. There is no hesitation or deviation in the execution of His will. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the **Sovereignty of God over His Presence**. The departure of the glory, facilitated by these cherubim, demonstrates that God is not confined to human structures but moves according to His own righteous will, a stark theological reality for a people who had presumed His perpetual presence in the Temple regardless of their actions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **likeness (Hebrew, _dᵉmûwth'_):** From the root meaning "to resemble," this word signifies a resemblance, model, or shape. In Ezekiel's visions, it often describes the appearance of divine or celestial beings, indicating that while they are seen, their ultimate form might transcend human comprehension, hence "the likeness of." Here, it emphasizes the exact correspondence of the cherubim's form to what Ezekiel had previously witnessed.
* **faces (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** This plural noun, though often translated singularly, refers to the front part or countenance. In the context of the cherubim, it specifically denotes their distinct countenances (human, lion, ox, eagle) as described in [Ezekiel 1:10](/ezekiel/1-10 "The Four Faces of the Cherubim"). The repetition of "faces" in the verse underscores the specific, identifiable features that confirm their identity. It also carries connotations of presence and directness.
* **straight (Hebrew, _ʻêber'_):** This word, often meaning "across" or "beyond," is used adverbially here to convey directness or being "right forth." When combined with "forward," it describes movement without turning or deviation, emphasizing the unwavering and purposeful trajectory of the cherubim. It speaks to the divine efficiency and single-mindedness in executing God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the likeness of their faces [was] the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves:"** This lengthy clause establishes an undeniable continuity between Ezekiel's inaugural vision (Ezekiel 1) and his current observation in Ezekiel 10. The "likeness of their faces" refers to the specific, multi-faceted countenances of the cherubim, which are explicitly stated to be "the same" as those seen previously. The addition "their appearances and themselves" serves as an emphatic confirmation, stressing that it was not merely a fleeting resemblance or a similar type of being, but the very essence, form, and identity of the cherubim he had first encountered. The reference to "the river of Chebar" grounds the current vision in the prophet's foundational experience, validating its divine origin and consistent nature.
* **"they went every one straight forward."** This concluding phrase describes the manner of the cherubim's movement. "Every one" highlights the synchronized and individual precision of their motion. "Straight forward" indicates a direct, unswerving trajectory, without turning or reorienting. This characteristic, also noted in [Ezekiel 1:12](/ezekiel/1-12 "The Cherubim's Direct Movement"), underscores the purposeful, efficient, and divinely directed nature of their actions. It signifies that their movements are not haphazard but are executed with absolute precision in accordance with God's sovereign will.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:22 effectively employs several literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, particularly with the word "faces," which appears twice in close succession ("the likeness of their faces was the same faces"). This repetition serves to emphasize the specific, identifiable features of the cherubim and to reinforce the idea of their unchanging nature and the continuity of Ezekiel's visions. The phrase "their appearances and themselves" functions as a form of **Emphasis** or **Intensification**, ensuring that no doubt remains about the identical nature of the beings. The entire verse acts as a narrative **Bridge** or **Anaphora** (a type of repetition at the beginning of clauses, though here it's more conceptual repetition of a prior vision), explicitly linking the current scene to the foundational vision of [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel's First Vision"). Finally, the description of the cherubim's movement as "straight forward" is a powerful **Symbolism** for divine purpose, order, and the unwavering execution of God's will, even in the solemn act of departing from His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 10:22 powerfully underscores the theological principle of God's immutability and the unwavering consistency of His divine revelation. In a time of profound national upheaval and spiritual confusion, the prophet's repeated encounter with the same divine beings, exhibiting the same characteristics and movement, served as a profound assurance that God's character and purposes remain steadfast. This continuity validates Ezekiel's prophetic calling and the authenticity of his message, reminding Israel that while their circumstances changed dramatically, the God who revealed Himself to them was eternally reliable. The cherubim's "straight forward" movement further highlights God's purposeful and unhindered execution of His will, whether in judgment or in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God, the Father of Lights, Does Not Change")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 10:22 offers profound encouragement and challenge for contemporary believers. The divine consistency witnessed by Ezekiel reminds us that our God is not capricious or changing with the tides of human history or emotion. In a world characterized by flux and uncertainty, the unchanging nature of God's character, His truth, and His promises provides an anchor for our souls. We can trust that the God revealed in Scripture is the same God who guides our lives today. Furthermore, the "straight forward" movement of the cherubim serves as a powerful metaphor for how God's purposes unfold with unwavering precision. This should inspire us to live with similar intentionality and commitment in our own walk of faith, not being swayed by distractions or opposition. It calls us to align our lives with God's revealed will, moving forward with confidence and obedience, knowing that His path is always purposeful and ultimately leads to His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchanging nature of God, as reflected in this verse, bring comfort or challenge to your faith today?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's "straight forward" movement, even when His path is unclear to you?**
* **What does the consistent nature of Ezekiel's visions teach us about the reliability of God's Word and revelation?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the cherubim's faces being "the same" as those seen by the river Chebar?**

Answer: The statement that the cherubim's faces were "the same" as those seen by the river Chebar in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel's First Vision") is profoundly significant. It serves as a strong affirmation of the continuity and authenticity of Ezekiel's prophetic encounters. For Ezekiel, who was in exile and witnessing the imminent destruction of Jerusalem, this consistency confirmed that his visions were not isolated events or figments of imagination, but a coherent, unfolding revelation from the one true God. For the original audience, it validated Ezekiel's authority as a prophet, assuring them that the message of judgment and future restoration was from the same God who had first called him. Theologically, it underscores God's unchanging nature and the reliability of His divine communication.

**Why is it important that the cherubim "went every one straight forward"?**

Answer: The repeated emphasis that the cherubim "went every one straight forward" (also seen in [Ezekiel 1:9](/ezekiel/1-9 "The Cherubim's Direct Movement") and [Ezekiel 1:12](/ezekiel/1-12 "The Cherubim's Unwavering Movement")) highlights the divine order, precision, and unwavering purpose inherent in God's actions. These celestial beings, who are intimately connected to the divine throne and the movement of God's glory, do not hesitate, turn, or need to reorient themselves. Their direct movement symbolizes that God's plans and decrees are executed with absolute efficiency and without deviation. In the context of God's glory departing the Temple, this signifies the deliberate and unstoppable nature of divine judgment, but also, by extension, the purposeful execution of all God's redemptive plans.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 10:22, with its emphasis on divine consistency and unwavering purpose, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Ezekiel's visions revealed an unchanging God, the New Testament declares that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")). His character, His truth, and His redemptive mission are eternally consistent. The "straight forward" movement of the cherubim, symbolizing divine intentionality, foreshadows the unwavering resolve of Christ in fulfilling the Father's will. From His incarnation to His journey to the cross, Jesus "set his face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Resolves to Go to Jerusalem")), demonstrating a singular, unswerving commitment to accomplish salvation. He is the 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")), moving directly towards His sacrificial purpose. Moreover, the glory of the Lord, which departed the Temple in Ezekiel's vision, ultimately returned and tabernacled among humanity in the person of Christ, who is the "radiance of God's glory" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Through Him, God's presence is not only consistent but eternally accessible to all who believe, demonstrating the ultimate fulfillment of God's steadfast and purposeful plan.

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 1:10

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.

Ezekiel 10:11

When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

Hosea 14:9

Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Ezekiel 1:12

And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; [and] they turned not when they went.