TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the likenesse of their faces was the selfe same faces, which I sawe by the riuer Chebar, and the appearance of the Cherubims was ye selfe same, and they went euery one straight forwarde.
Young's Literal Translation
As to the likeness of their faces, they are the faces that I saw by the river Chebar, their appearances and themselves; each straight forward they go.
Study This Verse
Commentary on Ezekiel 10 verses 8–22
8 ¶ And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings.
9 And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone.
10 And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.
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.
12 And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.
13 As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.
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.
15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.
16 And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.
17 When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.
18 Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
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.
21 Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.
22 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.
We have here a further account of the vision of God's glory which Ezekiel saw, here intended to introduce that direful omen of the departure of that glory from them, which would open the door for ruin to break in.
I. Ezekiel sees the glory of God shining in the sanctuary, as he had seen it by the river of Chebar, and gives an account of it, that those who had by their wickedness provoked God to depart from them might know what they had lost and might lament after the Lord, groaning out their Ichabod, Where is the glory? Ezekiel here sees the operations of divine Providence in the government of the lower world, and the affairs of it, represented by the four wheels; and the perfections of the holy angels, the inhabitants of the upper world, and their ministrations, represented by the four living creatures, every one of which had four faces. The agency of the angels in directing the affairs of this world is represented by the close communication that was between the living creatures and the wheels, the wheels being guided by them in all their motions, as the chariot is by him that drives it. But the same Spirit being both in the living creatures and in the wheels denoted the infinite wisdom which serves its own purposes by the ministration of angels and all the occurrences of this lower world. So that this vision gives out faith a view of that throne which the Lord has prepared in the heavens, and that kingdom of which rules over all, Psa 103:19. The prophet observes that this was the same vision with that he saw by the river of Chebar (Eze 10:15, Eze 10:22), and yet in one thing there seems to be a material difference, that that which was there was the face of an ox, and was on the left side (Eze 1:10), is here the face of a cherub, and is the first face (Eze 10:14), whence some have concluded that the peculiar face of a cherub was that of an ox, which the Israelites had an eye to when they made the golden calf. I rather think that in this latter vision the first face was the proper appearance or figure of a cherub, which Ezekiel knew very well, being a priest, by what he had seen in the temple of the Lord (Kg1 6:29), but which we now have no certainty of at all; and by this Ezekiel knew assuredly, whereas before he only conjectured it, that they were all cherubim, though putting on different faces, Eze 10:20. And this first appearing in the proper figure of a cherub, and yet it being proper to retain the number of four, that of the ox is left out and dropped, because the face of the cherub had been most abused by the worship of an ox. As sometimes when God appeared to deliver his people, so now when he appeared to depart from them, he rode on a cherub, and did fly. Now observe here, 1. That this world is subject to turns, and changes, and various revolutions. The course of affairs in it is represented by wheels (Eze 10:9); sometimes one spoke is uppermost and sometimes another; they are still ebbing and flowing like the sea, waxing and waning like the moon, Sa1 2:4, etc. Nay, their appearance is as if there were a wheel in the midst of a wheel (Eze 10:10), which intimates the mutual references of providence to each other, their dependences on each other, and the joint tendency of all to one common end, while their motions as to us are intricate, and perplexed, and seemingly contrary. 2. That there is an admirable harmony and uniformity in the various occurrences of providence (Eze 10:13): As for the wheels, though they moved several ways, yet it was cried to them, O wheel! they were all as one, being guided by one Spirit to one end; for God works all according to the counsel of his own will, which is one, for his own glory, which is one. And this makes the disposal of Providence truly admirable, and to be looked upon with wonder. As the works of his creation, considered separately, were good, but all together very good, so the wheels of Providence, considered by themselves, are wonderful, but put them together and they are very wonderful. O wheel! 3. That the motions of Providence are steady and regular, and whatever the Lord pleases that he does and is never put upon new counsels. The wheels turned not as they went (Eze 10:11), and the living creatures went every one straight forward, Eze 10:22. Whatever difficulties lay in their way, they were sure to get over them, and were never obliged to stand still, turn aside, or go back. So perfectly known to God are all his works that he never put upon to new counsels. 4. That God make more use of the ministration of angels in the government of this lower world than we are aware of: The four wheels were by the cherubim, one wheel by one cherub and another wheel by another cherub, Eze 10:9. What has been imagined by some concerning the spheres above, that every orb has its intelligence to guide it, is here intimated concerning the wheels below, that every wheel has its cherub to guide it. We think it a satisfaction to us if under the wise God there are wise men employed in managing the affairs of the kingdoms and churches; whether there be so or no, it appears by this that there are wise angels employed, a cherub to every wheel. 5. That all the motions of Providence and all the ministrations of angels are under the government of the great God. They are all full of eyes, those eyes of the Lord which run to and fro through the earth and which the angels have always an eye to, Eze 10:12. The living creatures and the wheels concur in their motions and rests (Eze 10:17); for the Spirit of life, as it may be read, or the Spirit of the living creatures, is in the wheels. The Spirit of God directs all the creatures, both upper and lower, so as to make them serve the divine purpose. Events are not determined by the wheel of fortune, which is blind, but by the wheels of Providence, which are full of eyes.
II. Ezekiel sees the glory of God removing out of the sanctuary, the place where God's honour had long dwelt, and this sight is as sad as the other was grateful. It was pleasant to see that God had not forsaken the earth (as the idolaters suggested, Eze 9:9), but sad to see that he was forsaking his sanctuary. The glory of the Lord stood over the threshold, having thence given the necessary orders for the destruction of the city, and it stood over the cherubim, not those in the most holy place, but those that Ezekiel now saw in vision, Eze 10:18. It ascended that stately chariot, as the judge, when he comes off the bench, goes into his coach and is gone. And immediately the cherubim lifted up their wings (Eze 10:19), as they were directed, and they mounted up from the earth, as birds upon the wing; and, when they went out, the wheels of this chariot were not drawn, but went by instinct, beside them, by which it appeared that the Spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. Thus, when God is leaving a people in displeasure, angels above, and all events here below, shall concur to further his departure. But observe here, In the courts of the temple where the people of Israel had dishonoured their God, had cast off his yoke and withdrawn the shoulder from it, blessed angels appear very ready to serve him, to draw in his chariot, and to mount upwards with it. God has shown the prophet how the will of God was disobeyed by men on earth (ch. 8); here he shows him how readily it is obeyed by angels and inferior creatures; and it is a comfort to us, when we grieve for the wickedness of the wicked, to think how his angels do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word, Psa 103:20. Let us now, 1. Take a view of this chariot in which the glory of the God of Israel rides triumphantly. He that is the God of Israel is the God of heaven and earth, and has the command of all the powers of both. Let the faithful Israelites comfort themselves with this, that he who is their God is above the cherubim; their Redeemer is so (Pe1 3:22) and has the sole and sovereign disposal of all events; the living creatures and the wheels agree to serve him, so that he is head over all things to the church. The rabbin call this vision that Ezekiel had Mercabah - the vision of the chariot; and thence they call the more abstruse part of divinity, which treats concerning God and spirits, Opus currs - The work of the chariot, as they do the other part, that is more plain and familiar, Opus bereshith - The work of the creation. - 2. Let us attend the motions of this chariot: The cherubim, and the glory of God above them, stood at the door of the east gate of the Lord's house, Eze 10:19. But observe with how many stops and pauses God departs, as loth to go, as if to see if there be any that will intercede with him to return. None of the priests in the inner court, between the temple and the altar, would court his stay; therefore he leaves their court, and stands at the east gate, which led into the court of the people, to see if any of them would yet at length stand in the gap. Note, God removes by degrees from a provoking people; and, when he is ready to depart in displeasure, would return to them in mercy if they were but a repenting praying people.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–22. Public domain.
Copy as
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(v. 18 seqq.) And the glory of the Lord went forth from the threshold of the Temple and stood over the Cherubim. And the Cherubim lifted up their wings and were exalted from the ground before me. And as they went, the wheels also followed them. And it stood at the entrance of the gate of the house of the Lord, which faces east, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them. It is the creature that I saw beneath the God of Israel, by the river Chebar, and I understood that they were Cherubim. Four, through four faces to one: and four wings to one, and the likeness of the hands of a man under their wings: and the likeness of their faces, the very faces which I had seen by the river Chobar, and their looks, and the way each one went forward to his own front. The glory of the Lord, or the majesty, which had stood in the entrance of the temple, stood over the cherubims. They lifting up their wings, and the prophet seeing, were raised up: and the wheels followed them: and the glory of the God of Israel was over them. First, he was in the temple, then he stood in the courtyard of the temple or at the threshold. As he was departing from the temple, clouds and darkness filled the inner sanctuary of the temple. And once again, the glory itself sat upon the cherubim, and as they immediately flew away and departed to the outside, the wheels followed. And the glory stood at the gate of the house of the Lord facing east, not at the entrance of the temple, but behind the courtyard and threshold at the entrance of the gate of the house of the Lord facing east. When the prophet saw this, he said, 'It is the creature that I saw beneath the God of Israel by the river Chobar, and I understood that they were cherubim.' For what new thing had he seen, which he understood to be Cherubim, which he had not understood before? Cherubim, in our language, is a multitude of knowledge: the knowledge of the sacraments of God, and his throne and rest. Therefore, it is said in the psalm: You who sit above the Cherubim, reveal yourself. (Ps. LXXIX, 2). For the glory of the Lord always resides in the multitude of knowledge; and it is manifested when all things are shown by divine providence; nothing happens by chance, nor does anyone say anything without reason: The Lord has abandoned the earth, and the Lord does not see. (Supra IX, 9). Wherefore also, having beheld the cherubim and their desire, is to forget the things that are past, and to stretch forth unto those which are before (Philippians 3).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Ezekiel 10:22 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:22 serves as a pivotal affirmation of continuity within the prophet Ezekiel's profound visionary experiences, explicitly linking the celestial cherubim observed in the Jerusalem Temple to those he first encountered by the river Chebar. This verse powerfully underscores the unchanging nature and consistent characteristics of these divine beings, emphasizing their identical appearance and their purposeful, unwavering movement. It reinforces the authenticity and coherence of God's revelation to Ezekiel, providing a bedrock of assurance regarding divine steadfastness amidst a period of profound national crisis and the solemn departure of God's glory from a defiled sanctuary.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within Ezekiel's second major vision cycle, spanning chapters 8-11, which meticulously chronicles the progressive departure of the glory of the Lord from the Jerusalem Temple. Following his initial call and inaugural vision by the river Chebar in Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel is transported in spirit to Jerusalem to bear witness to the egregious abominations being perpetrated within the Temple precincts (Ezekiel 8:1-18). Chapter 10 specifically details the appearance and function of the cherubim and the accompanying wheels (ophanim) as they facilitate the divine glory's solemn withdrawal. Verse 22 acts as a crucial narrative bridge, explicitly confirming that the cherubim now seen in the Temple are precisely identical to those described in his foundational vision. This direct affirmation establishes profound continuity, validates the reliability of the prophet's extraordinary experiences, and reinforces the singular source of these divine revelations, assuring both Ezekiel and his audience of the coherence of God's unfolding plan.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ezekiel ministered as a prophet during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC). He was among the first wave of Judahite exiles deported to Babylon, settling near the Chebar Canal (a significant waterway near the city of Nippur). At this time, Jerusalem, though besieged, had not yet fallen, and many Judahites clung desperately to the false theological premise that the Temple and the holy city were inviolable, guaranteeing God's perpetual presence regardless of their national sin. Ezekiel's visions, particularly the graphic depiction of God's glory departing the Temple, served as a devastating theological counter-narrative. They unequivocally demonstrated that God was not confined to a physical structure and that His presence would indeed withdraw due to the pervasive idolatry and moral corruption of His people (Ezekiel 8:6). The cherubim, traditionally understood as guardians of sacred space (e.g., guarding the way to the tree of life in Genesis 3:24 and depicted on the Ark of the Covenant as symbols of God's throne in Exodus 25:18-22), are here paradoxically serving as agents of God's judgment and departure, underscoring the profound severity of Israel's apostasy and the consequences of their covenant unfaithfulness.
Key Themes: Ezekiel 10:22 significantly contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes woven throughout the book. Firstly, it powerfully underscores Divine Consistency and Reliability. By explicitly stating that the cherubim's faces are "the same," the text assures both Ezekiel and his audience that God's revelation is coherent, unwavering, and trustworthy, even across different visions and contexts. This consistency provides a foundational assurance of God's immutable character and the steadfastness of His prophetic word, crucial for a people experiencing radical upheaval. Secondly, the phrase "they went every one straight forward" highlights Divine Order and Purpose. The cherubim's direct, unswerving movement, a characteristic also emphasized in Ezekiel 1:9 and Ezekiel 1:12, symbolizes the precision, intentionality, and unstoppable nature of God's plans. There is no hesitation, deviation, or reorientation in the execution of His will, whether in judgment or in the unfolding of His redemptive purposes. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the Sovereignty of God over His Presence. The departure of the glory, facilitated by these precise and unwavering cherubim, demonstrates that God is not bound by human structures or expectations but moves according to His own righteous and sovereign will. This was a stark and challenging theological reality for a people who had erroneously presumed His perpetual presence in the Temple regardless of their actions.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Repetition is prominently featured, 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 powerfully 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 witnessed by the prophet. The entire verse acts as a crucial narrative Bridge, explicitly linking the current scene in the Temple to the foundational vision of Ezekiel 1, thereby establishing coherence and validating the prophet's extraordinary experiences. Finally, the vivid description of the cherubim's movement as "straight forward" is a powerful Symbolism for divine purpose, order, and the unwavering, unhindered execution of God's will, even in the solemn and momentous act of departing from His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 10:22 powerfully underscores the profound theological principle of God's immutability and the unwavering consistency of His divine revelation. In a time of profound national upheaval, spiritual confusion, and the imminent destruction of the Temple, the prophet's repeated encounter with the very same divine beings, exhibiting the same characteristics and movement, served as a profound assurance that God's character, His truth, and His 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, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all creation and history.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 10:22 offers profound encouragement and a significant challenge for contemporary believers. The divine consistency witnessed by Ezekiel reminds us that our God is not capricious or subject to the shifting tides of human history, culture, or emotion. In a world characterized by relentless flux, uncertainty, and changing moral landscapes, the unchanging nature of God's character, His eternal truth, and His unfailing promises provides an immovable anchor for our souls. We can trust with absolute confidence that the God revealed in the ancient Scriptures is the same God who sovereignly 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 and intentionality. This should inspire us to live with similar intentionality and unwavering commitment in our own walk of faith, not being swayed by distractions, opposition, or the allure of fleeting worldly desires. It calls us to align our lives with God's revealed will, moving forward with confident obedience, knowing that His path is always purposeful, ultimately leading to His glory and our eternal good.
Questions for Reflection
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 is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, 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 mere figments of imagination, but a coherent, unfolding revelation from the one true God. Secondly, for the original audience, it validated Ezekiel's authority as a prophet, assuring them that the message of impending judgment and future restoration was from the same God who had first called him and consistently revealed Himself. Theologically, it underscores God's unchanging nature (immutability) and the unwavering reliability of His divine communication, providing a stable foundation amidst national crisis.
Why is it important that the cherubim "went every one straight forward"?
Answer: The repeated emphasis that the cherubim "went every one straight forward" (a characteristic also vividly described in Ezekiel 1:9 and Ezekiel 1:12) 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, unswerving movement symbolizes that God's plans and decrees are executed with absolute efficiency, without deviation, and with perfect intentionality. In the immediate context of God's glory departing the Temple, this signifies the deliberate and unstoppable nature of divine judgment. More broadly, it speaks to the purposeful and unhindered execution of all God's redemptive plans throughout history, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 10:22, with its powerful emphasis on divine consistency and unwavering purpose, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Ezekiel's visions revealed an unchanging God and consistent divine agents, the New Testament unequivocally declares that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). His character, His truth, His saving power, and His redemptive mission are eternally consistent and immutable. The "straight forward" movement of the cherubim, symbolizing divine intentionality and the unhindered execution of God's will, powerfully foreshadows the unwavering resolve of Christ in fulfilling the Father's redemptive plan. From His incarnation to His resolute journey to the cross, Jesus "set his face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), demonstrating a singular, unswerving commitment to accomplish salvation for humanity. He is the Lamb of God who "takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), moving directly towards His sacrificial purpose with divine precision. Moreover, the glory of the Lord, which so tragically departed the defiled Temple in Ezekiel's vision, ultimately returned and tabernacled among humanity in the person of Christ, who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Through Him, God's presence is not only consistent but eternally accessible and indwelling for all who believe, demonstrating the ultimate fulfillment of God's steadfast and purposeful plan to dwell with His people.