Ezekiel 10:3

KJV

Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the cherubims {H3742} stood {H5975} on the right side {H3225} of the house {H1004}, when the man {H376} went in {H935}; and the cloud {H6051} filled {H4390} the inner {H6442} court {H2691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the k'ruvim were standing to the right of the house when the man entered, and the cloud filled the inner courtyard.

Berean Standard Bible

Now when the man went in, the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple, and a cloud filled the inner court.

American Standard Version

Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:3 captures a profoundly significant moment in the prophet's vision, depicting the orchestrated movement of God's glory as it begins its departure from the defiled Jerusalem Temple. The verse vividly portrays the cherubim, integral components of the divine throne-chariot, taking their designated position on the "right side of the house," likely the south, as a specific "man" (an angelic or divine figure) enters the scene. Concurrently, the Shekinah cloud, the tangible manifestation of God's holy presence, completely fills the inner court, signifying a deliberate and solemn withdrawal of the divine presence in direct response to Israel's pervasive idolatry and unfaithfulness. This scene underscores the weighty reality of divine judgment, the inviolable holiness of God's dwelling place, and the consequences of covenant infidelity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into Ezekiel's extended vision of God's glory and impending judgment upon Jerusalem, a narrative arc that commences in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). Chapters 8-11 form a cohesive literary unit, meticulously detailing the abominations committed within the Temple precincts and the subsequent, gradual departure of God's glory from His sanctuary. [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - Judgment on Jerusalem") immediately precedes this verse, describing the divine command to mark the righteous for preservation and to execute judgment upon the unfaithful inhabitants of Jerusalem, notably beginning at the sanctuary itself. [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs the Temple") then shifts focus to the cherubim and the wheels—the "living creatures" and "wheels" of the divine chariot-throne first introduced in the foundational vision of [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory"). This chapter meticulously details their movement as God's glory prepares for its solemn exit from the now defiled Temple. The "man" mentioned in [Ezekiel 10:3](/ezekiel/10-3 "Ezekiel 10:3 - Cherubim and Cloud in the Temple") is explicitly identified as the "man clothed in linen" from [Ezekiel 9:2](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2 - The Man Clothed in Linen"), who was tasked with marking the faithful and, significantly, with gathering coals from between the cherubim for the judgment fire upon the city, directly linking the departure of glory to the execution of judgment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophetic messages during the tumultuous period of the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), ministering to the Jewish exiles already displaced in Babylon. His visions, particularly this one, served as crucial theological explanations for the unthinkable catastrophe of Jerusalem's destruction and the Temple's obliteration in 586 BC. The Temple was not merely a building; it was the spiritual, national, and cosmic center of Israel, believed to be the exclusive dwelling place of Yahweh's manifest presence. The concept of God's glory departing from this sacred space was utterly terrifying and represented the ultimate divine judgment, signifying the breaking of the covenant and the abandonment of His people's central institution. The phrase "right side of the house" (Hebrew *yâmîyn*) is significant, as "right" often referred to the south when facing east, the customary orientation for ancient Near Eastern temples. This precise directional detail indicates a specific, orchestrated movement, far from a chaotic flight, emphasizing God's deliberate control. The cloud, or *Shekinah* glory, was a familiar and revered manifestation of God's presence, echoing the pillar of cloud that guided Israel in the wilderness ([Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Cloud Filling the Tabernacle")) and the cloud that filled Solomon's Temple at its dedication ([1 Kings 8:10](/1-kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10 - The Cloud Filling the Temple")). Its departure from the Temple signaled a profound and devastating shift in God's relationship with His people, a direct consequence of their persistent idolatry, moral depravity, and covenant infidelity.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme permeating [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs the Temple"), and particularly underscored in [Ezekiel 10:3](/ezekiel/10-3 "Ezekiel 10:3 - Cherubim and Cloud in the Temple"), is the **Departure of God's Glory**. The visible manifestation of God's presence, symbolized by the cloud, is actively withdrawing from His defiled sanctuary, a direct and severe consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness and the abominations meticulously detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). This departure is not arbitrary but an integral part of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, powerfully demonstrating God's deliberate, controlled, and just response to sin. The cherubim, intimately associated with God's mobile throne and often depicted as agents of judgment ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")), are precisely positioned, emphasizing God's meticulous control even in the act of withdrawal. Furthermore, the entire scene profoundly underscores the **Sacredness of God's Dwelling** and the non-negotiable holiness required for His presence to remain among His people. When that holiness is flagrantly violated by rampant idolatry and moral corruption, the divine presence, in its manifest form, cannot and will not remain, highlighting the severe and devastating consequences of covenant infidelity and a lack of reverence for the Holy One.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherubims (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** Of uncertain derivation, this term refers to a cherub or an imaginary, often composite, winged figure. In biblical theology, cherubim are powerful, angelic beings intimately associated with God's holiness, His throne, and His divine presence. They serve as guardians of sacred space (e.g., [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")) and are integral to the divine chariot-throne (e.g., [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory")), representing the majesty, power, and holiness that accompany God's glory. Their presence and movement here indicate the divine entourage accompanying the departing glory, signifying a deliberate and majestic withdrawal.
* **Stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to stand" in various relations, encompassing literal and figurative senses, both intransitive and transitive. In this context, it signifies a deliberate, purposeful positioning or stationing. The cherubim did not flee in panic or haste; rather, they took a specific, ordered position. This emphasizes the intentionality and sovereignty God maintains even in the act of judgment and the solemn withdrawal of His manifest presence, indicating a controlled, orchestrated event rather than an impulsive reaction.
* **Cloud (Hebrew, _ʻânân'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to cover," this term refers to a cloud, specifically denoting the nimbus or thunder-cloud. In biblical literature, a cloud is a frequent, powerful, and iconic symbol of the manifest presence of God's glory, often referred to as the *Shekinah*. Its act of "filling" the inner court in [Ezekiel 10:3](/ezekiel/10-3 "Ezekiel 10:3 - Cherubim and Cloud in the Temple"), in conjunction with the cherubim's movement, powerfully communicates the tangible, overwhelming presence of God's glory. However, in this specific context, this filling is a prelude to departure, intensifying the visual impact of the divine withdrawal from the defiled sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in":** This clause precisely establishes the positioning and timing of the cherubim's movement. The "right side of the house" (Hebrew *yâmîyn*) most likely refers to the south side of the Temple, indicating a specific, deliberate staging for the impending departure of God's glory. The phrase "when the man went in" connects this movement directly to the "man clothed in linen" introduced in [Ezekiel 9:2](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2 - The Man Clothed in Linen"), who was central to the judgment process and was about to take coals from between the cherubim for the fiery destruction of Jerusalem. This synchronization underscores the highly orchestrated nature of God's judgment and the solemn, controlled withdrawal of His glory.
* **"and the cloud filled the inner court":** This second clause describes the visible and overwhelming manifestation of God's glory. The "cloud" is the *Shekinah*, the tangible and awe-inspiring presence of Yahweh. Its act of "filling" the inner court signifies a complete and pervasive presence, yet in this context, it is a dramatic prelude to departure. The inner court was the most sacred accessible space within the Temple complex, reserved for priests. The cloud's filling of this space emphasizes that God's presence was still powerfully manifest, but its subsequent movement with the cherubim signals its impending, devastating withdrawal from the very heart of the sanctuary, leaving it desolate and vulnerable to destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:3 is rich in profound **Symbolism** and vivid **Imagery**. The **cherubim** symbolize divine power, holiness, and their role as guardians of God's sacred presence, often associated with His mobile throne-chariot. Their deliberate movement is not merely physical but deeply symbolic of God's active disengagement and withdrawal from the defiled Temple. The **cloud** is a potent and unmistakable symbol of the *Shekinah* glory, the visible manifestation of God Himself. Its filling of the inner court creates a powerful visual image of overwhelming divine presence, but in this specific context, it is an image of a presence preparing to depart, thereby creating a profound sense of impending emptiness, loss, and divine abandonment. The "right side of the house" might employ **Synecdoche**, where a part (a specific direction) represents a larger, deliberate, and orchestrated movement of the divine entourage. The entire scene functions as powerful **Foreshadowing**, pointing directly to the ultimate and devastating departure of God's glory from the Temple, an event that culminates in its complete withdrawal from the city in [Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - The Glory Departs the City"), signifying the divine abandonment of Jerusalem to its fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 10:3 delivers a profound theological statement regarding God's inviolable holiness and the severe consequences of unrepentant sin. It vividly illustrates that God's manifest presence, while sovereign and omnipresent in His being, is not indefinitely bound to a physical structure or to a rebellious people who continually profane His name. The solemn departure of the *Shekinah* glory from the Temple underscores the gravity of Israel's pervasive idolatry and deep moral corruption, unequivocally demonstrating that a holy God cannot continue to dwell where His holiness is persistently violated and His covenant is broken. This act of divine withdrawal serves as a stark and sobering warning that God's tangible, dwelling presence is a sacred privilege, not an inherent entitlement. It necessitates a people committed to covenant faithfulness, purity, and genuine reverence. It is a powerful reminder that true worship and authentic fellowship with God demand both reverence and a diligent pursuit of holiness, without which the divine presence, though omnipresent in essence, may cease to be tangibly experienced or to bless.

* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Filling the Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1-kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Cloud Filling Solomon's Temple")
* [Hosea 5:6](/hosea/5-6 "Hosea 5:6 - Seeking the Lord, But He is Gone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 10:3, though deeply rooted in the specific historical context of ancient Israel and the impending destruction of its Temple, conveys timeless and universally applicable spiritual truths for believers today. It serves as a potent and sobering reminder that while God is indeed omnipresent in His being, His manifest, dwelling presence (His *Shekinah*) is profoundly conditional upon our faithfulness, reverence, and pursuit of holiness. Just as the physical Temple was defiled by Israel's egregious sin, our individual lives and our corporate gatherings as the Church can be hindered from experiencing God's tangible and empowering presence when unrepentant sin, spiritual idolatry (whether of material possessions, self-worship, or anything that usurps God's rightful place), or pervasive spiritual apathy takes root. This verse calls us to a profound and honest self-examination, urging us to prayerfully consider what might be grieving the Holy Spirit within our hearts or within our communities, potentially causing His manifest presence to withdraw or His power to be restrained. It powerfully emphasizes the critical and non-negotiable importance of holiness, genuine repentance, and sincere, heartfelt worship as essential prerequisites for experiencing the fullness of God's dwelling among us and His transforming power in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What forms of "idolatry" or "abomination," perhaps subtle or unnoticed, might be present in my own life or in my church community that could hinder the manifest presence of God?**
* **How does the concept of God's glory departing from a physical dwelling challenge and deepen my understanding of God's presence today, especially in light of the indwelling Holy Spirit within believers?**
* **What specific, practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of holiness, reverence, and intentional purity in my daily life, thereby making my "house"—my body and my spiritual walk—a more fitting and welcoming dwelling for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**Was the departure of God's glory from the Temple a permanent withdrawal?**

Answer: No, the departure of God's glory described in Ezekiel's vision was a temporary withdrawal, a severe but redemptive consequence of Israel's profound and persistent sin, culminating in the destruction of the Temple. While devastating in its immediate impact, it was not an ultimate or permanent abandonment. The prophetic books, including Ezekiel himself, also contain powerful promises of future restoration and a glorious return of God's glory to a new, purified Temple ([Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory Returns to the Temple")). Ultimately, the New Testament reveals that God's ultimate and permanent presence would dwell not in a physical temple made with hands, but supremely in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the true and perfect Temple ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), and subsequently in His Church, the body of believers, which is now the spiritual temple of God ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1-corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You are God's Temple")). This signifies a new, more intimate, and permanent indwelling of God with His people, transcending physical structures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 10:3, with its solemn and poignant depiction of God's glory departing from a defiled Temple, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution to humanity's pervasive sin problem and the glorious restoration of God's presence among His people. The Old Covenant Temple, despite its sacred design and divine consecration, could not permanently contain God's glory because of the persistent and unrepentant sin of the people. This temporary withdrawal underscores the profound and unbridgeable chasm between a perfectly holy God and fallen humanity, a gap that no ritual, sacrifice, or human effort under the Law could fully bridge. The Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true and perfect Temple, the very dwelling place of God's glory in human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His sinless life, His atoning death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, cleansing humanity from sin and making possible a permanent and intimate indwelling of God's Spirit within believers ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Growing into a Holy Temple")). The Holy Spirit, poured out after Christ's ascension, now indwells every true believer, making them collectively and individually a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), signifying that God's glory no longer departs but resides intimately and permanently within His redeemed people. This glorious reality culminates in the New Jerusalem, where God will finally "dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with Humanity")), a permanent and perfect indwelling made possible only through Christ's redemptive work and His ongoing reign.

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 43:4

And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect [is] toward the east.

Ezekiel 9:3

And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which [had] the writer's inkhorn by his side;

Ezekiel 8:16

And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD'S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, [were] about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.