Ezekiel 10:4

KJV

Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, [and stood] over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} went up {H7311} from the cherub {H3742}, and stood over the threshold {H4670} of the house {H1004}; and the house {H1004} was filled {H4390} with the cloud {H6051}, and the court {H2691} was full {H4390} of the brightness {H5051} of the LORD'S {H3068} glory {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The glory of ADONAI rose from above the keruv to the threshold of the house, leaving the house filled with the cloud and the courtyard full of the brilliance of ADONAI's glory.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and stood over the threshold of the temple. The temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the glory of Jehovah mounted up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of Jehovah’s glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:4 presents a profoundly significant and solemn moment within the prophet's vision: the visible, deliberate ascent and departure of the LORD's glory from the Jerusalem Temple. This dramatic event, characterized by a brilliant cloud filling the sacred space, serves as a powerful theological statement, signifying God's withdrawal of His divine presence and protective favor due to the pervasive idolatry and moral corruption within His chosen dwelling place. It foreshadows the Temple's impending destruction and the city's fall, providing a divine rationale for the unfolding catastrophe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 10:4 marks a critical stage in a larger prophetic vision spanning [Ezekiel chapters 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Departure of God's Glory"). This sequence meticulously details the reasons for God's impending judgment on Jerusalem and the Temple. In [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"), the prophet is given a tour, revealing the various abominations being committed within the Temple courts, which provoke God's righteous wrath. The departure of the glory is not a sudden, singular event but a progressive, step-by-step withdrawal, emphasizing divine intentionality. [Ezekiel 9:3](/ezekiel/9-3 "Ezekiel 9:3 - Glory moves to the threshold") describes the glory moving from the cherubim over the ark to the Temple's threshold. [Ezekiel 10:4](/ezekiel/10-4 "Ezekiel 10:4 - Glory stands over the threshold") marks a further, more definitive stage in this departure, as the glory ascends from the cherub and positions itself over the very entrance, a prelude to its complete departure from the city in [Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - Glory departs the city").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel received these visions while in exile in Babylon, likely around 593-571 BC, following the first deportation of Judah in 597 BC. The Jerusalem Temple, built by Solomon, was the spiritual and national epicenter of Israelite life, believed to be the dwelling place of God's presence (the *Shekinah* glory). Its existence symbolized God's covenant faithfulness and protection. The idea of God's glory departing was culturally devastating, as it implied the removal of divine favor, protection, and the validation of their religious system. This vision provided the theological framework for understanding the impending destruction of the Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, asserting that God Himself, not merely a foreign army, was orchestrating these catastrophic events as a just consequence for Israel's profound spiritual apostasy and covenant unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Ezekiel. First, it underscores **The Departure of God's Glory**, which is the central motif of [Ezekiel chapters 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Departure of God's Glory"). This visible departure of the *kavod YHWH* (glory of the LORD) is a stark sign of divine judgment and the removal of God's protective presence. Second, it highlights **God's Holiness and Justice**, emphasizing that God's pure and holy nature cannot tolerate persistent sin and idolatry, as detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). The Temple, intended for pure worship, had become defiled, necessitating God's withdrawal. Third, the deliberate and progressive movement of the glory demonstrates **Divine Sovereignty** even in judgment. God does not flee in haste but moves systematically, asserting His absolute control over historical events and His people's destiny, even amidst their rebellion and the subsequent exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, this term primarily signifies "weight" or "heaviness," but in a theological context, it refers to the visible manifestation of God's splendor, majesty, and holy presence. It often describes the radiant, overwhelming presence of God, frequently associated with a cloud or brilliant light, as seen at the dedication of the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. Here, it denotes the tangible, awe-inspiring manifestation of Yahweh Himself, making its departure all the more significant as the very essence of God's presence.
* **Went up (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** From H7311, this primitive root means "to be high actively," "to rise," or "to raise." In this context, it describes the upward movement of the glory, indicating a deliberate and majestic ascent rather than a hasty retreat. This upward motion from the cherubim towards the threshold signifies a progressive and methodical withdrawal, emphasizing divine intentionality in the process of judgment and the solemnity of God's departure.
* **Threshold (Hebrew, _miphtân'_):** From H4670, this word refers to a "stretcher" or "sill," specifically the doorway or entrance. The glory's positioning "over the threshold" is highly symbolic. It marks a critical point of transition—the boundary between the inner sanctuary and the outer court, and ultimately, between God's presence within the Temple and His impending complete departure from it. It signifies a final pause before exiting the sacred space, a last opportunity for the people to witness the consequence of their sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub,"**: This clause describes the initial movement of God's manifest presence. The "glory of the LORD" (kavod YHWH) is the visible, weighty splendor of God. It "went up" (rûwm), indicating a deliberate, rising movement from the cherubim. These angelic beings, first seen in Ezekiel's inaugural vision ([Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - Vision of the Cherubim")), are associated with guarding God's holiness and serving as the bearers of His mobile throne. Their role in lifting the glory underscores the divine orchestration of this departure, not a forced retreat.
* **"and stood over the threshold of the house;"**: The glory's ascent culminates in it pausing and "standing" over the "threshold" (miphtân) of the Temple. This threshold, the very entrance to the holy sanctuary, becomes a symbolic boundary. The glory's position here signifies a temporary halt in its departure, a moment of transition and a public display of its withdrawal from the inner sanctum, making its movement visible to those in the outer courts, a solemn final witness.
* **"and the house was filled with the cloud,"**: As the glory moves, the "house" (bayith), referring to the Temple building itself, becomes enveloped in a "cloud" (ʻânân). This cloud is a classic biblical manifestation of God's presence, often associated with His glory, as seen at the Tabernacle's dedication ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle")) and Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Cloud Fills Solomon's Temple")). Here, it serves as a visible sign of the glory's movement, filling the space it is about to vacate, a final, overwhelming display of divine majesty before its exit.
* **"and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory."**: The effect of the glory's presence extends beyond the immediate Temple building into the "court" (châtsêr), which was "full of the brightness" (nôgahh) of the LORD's glory. This indicates an intense, pervasive radiance that filled the entire sacred precinct. This brightness is the visible emanation of God's *kavod*, making the departure an undeniable and awe-inspiring spectacle for all who might have witnessed it, emphasizing the magnitude of what was being lost—the very presence of God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:4 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological message and emotional impact. **Theophany** is central, as the "glory of the LORD" is a visible manifestation of God's presence, appearing as a cloud and brilliant light. This makes the abstract concept of God's presence tangible and observable, underscoring the reality of His departure. **Symbolism** pervades the verse: the **cherubim** symbolize the guardians of God's holiness and His mobile throne, emphasizing His sovereignty even in judgment; the **threshold** symbolizes a boundary and a critical point of transition, marking the final stage of God's departure from the physical Temple; the **cloud** and **brightness** symbolize the overwhelming, awe-inspiring nature of God's glory, making His withdrawal an undeniable spectacle. The progressive movement of the glory—from the cherub, to the threshold, filling the house and court—employs **Gradation**, building intensity and solemnity as God's presence systematically withdraws. The entire scene functions as an **Allegory** for God's judgment on Judah, where the physical departure of His glory from the Temple represents His spiritual withdrawal from a defiled people and their impending abandonment to their enemies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 10:4 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that God's presence is intrinsically linked to holiness and righteousness. The departure of the *kavod YHWH* from the Temple, once the very locus of divine indwelling and Israel's security, signifies that God's covenant faithfulness does not negate His absolute demand for purity. This act underscores the severity of Israel's idolatry and moral corruption, which had so defiled His dwelling place that His holy presence could no longer abide there. It serves as a stark reminder that while God is merciful, He is also just, and persistent rebellion has dire consequences, culminating in the removal of His protective favor and the desolation of what was once sacred. This vision provided the exiles with a divine explanation for their suffering, affirming God's sovereignty even in judgment and revealing that the true problem lay not with God's power, but with Israel's unfaithfulness.

* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34 "The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "The Cloud Fills Solomon's Temple")
* [Psalm 78:60-61](/psalm/78-60 "God Abandons Shiloh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 10:4 is a sobering passage that calls us to profound reflection on the nature of God's holiness and our response to it. While we no longer worship in a physical temple where God's glory visibly departs, the underlying principle remains eternally relevant: God's presence is not to be presumed or taken for granted. For believers today, our bodies are declared to be the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Believers are Temples of the Holy Spirit"), and the church collectively is God's dwelling place. This verse challenges us to consider the "condition" of our personal and corporate "temples." Are our lives marked by practices and attitudes that grieve the Spirit? Do we tolerate "abominations" in our hearts or communities that diminish the manifest presence of God? The departure of glory in Ezekiel's time was a consequence of persistent sin and idolatry. This should prompt us to vigilant self-examination, heartfelt repentance, and a renewed commitment to living lives of holiness, ensuring that our "temples" remain places where God's glorious presence can dwell unhindered, bringing life, light, and power, and that our corporate worship truly honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "abominations" or forms of idolatry, subtle or overt, might be present in my own life or within my community that could hinder the manifest presence of God?**
* **How does the concept of God's glory departing from a physical temple inform my understanding of God's presence (or perceived absence) in my personal spiritual journey?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater sense of reverence and holiness in my daily life, ensuring my "temple" is a fitting dwelling for the Holy Spirit?**

### FAQ
**What does the "glory of the LORD" signify in this context?**

Answer: In Ezekiel 10:4, the "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: *kavod YHWH*) signifies the visible, tangible manifestation of God's majestic presence, splendor, and holiness. It is often depicted as a brilliant light, a cloud, or a consuming fire. In this context, its movement and eventual departure from the Temple symbolize God's physical withdrawal from His defiled sanctuary and, by extension, from His people who had persistently engaged in idolatry and rebellion. This departure was a powerful, undeniable sign of divine judgment, signaling the removal of God's protection and the impending destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. It contrasts sharply with earlier accounts where the glory filled the Tabernacle ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34 "The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle")) and Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "The Cloud Fills Solomon's Temple")) as a sign of His dwelling among His people.

**Why did the glory depart from the Temple?**

Answer: The glory of the LORD departed from the Temple due to the profound and persistent idolatry and moral corruption practiced by the people of Judah, even within the sacred precincts of the Temple itself. As detailed in [Ezekiel chapter 8](/ezekiel/8 "Abominations in the Temple"), the prophet was shown various abominations, including the worship of idols, pagan rituals, and the defilement of the holy place. God's holiness demands separation from sin, and His presence cannot dwell amidst such unrighteousness. The departure was not an act of abandonment but a righteous judgment, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His holy character and the severe consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It was a necessary precursor to the Temple's destruction by the Babylonians, validating that God Himself was orchestrating these events.

**What happened to the Temple after this vision?**

Answer: After the vision of the glory's departure, the Jerusalem Temple was subsequently destroyed by the Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC. This destruction was the ultimate fulfillment of the judgment prophesied by Ezekiel and other prophets. The city of Jerusalem was sacked, its walls torn down, and the remaining inhabitants were taken into exile, marking the end of the Kingdom of Judah. The departure of God's glory in Ezekiel's vision provided the theological explanation for this catastrophe, confirming that God had withdrawn His protective presence, leaving the Temple vulnerable to its enemies. While a Second Temple would later be rebuilt, the original Ark of the Covenant and the visible manifestation of God's glory (the *Shekinah*) never returned to it, underscoring the unique significance of the events in Ezekiel's prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 10:4, depicting the tragic departure of God's glory from the defiled Temple, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the physical Temple in Jerusalem became uninhabitable for God's manifest presence due to human sin, God's glory did not ultimately abandon humanity. Instead, it took on flesh in the person of Jesus, who is described as the [Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, whose glory we have seen](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"). Jesus Himself declared that He was greater than the Temple ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Greater than the Temple")), and He spoke of His body as the true Temple that would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up")), signifying His own person as the ultimate dwelling place of God. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God's glory was removed, and access to God's presence was re-established, not in a building made with hands, but through the new and living way He inaugurated ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Access to God through Christ")). Furthermore, in the New Covenant, God's glory now indwells believers through the Holy Spirit, making each Christian a [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Believers are Temples of the Holy Spirit"), and the Church, collectively, the dwelling place of God ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "The Church as God's Dwelling")). This foreshadows the ultimate reality of the New Heaven and New Earth, where there will be [no temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple](/revelation/21-22 "No Temple in New Jerusalem"), and His glory will be its light ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "God's Glory is the Light")). Thus, the temporary departure of glory in Ezekiel points to its permanent and more profound indwelling in and through Christ.

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 1:28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

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;

Exodus 40:35

And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

2 Chronicles 5:13

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers [were] as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up [their] voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever: that [then] the house was filled with a cloud, [even] the house of the LORD;

2 Chronicles 5:14

So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

Ezekiel 11:22

¶ Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

Ezekiel 11:23

And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which [is] on the east side of the city.