Ezekiel 10:6

And it came to pass, [that] when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.

And it came to pass, that when he had commanded {H6680} the man {H376} clothed {H3847} with linen {H906}, saying {H559}, Take {H3947} fire {H784} from between the wheels {H1534}, from between the cherubims {H3742}; then he went in {H935}, and stood {H5975} beside {H681} the wheels {H212}.

When he ordered the man clothed in linen to take fire from between the wheels, from between the k'ruvim, he went in and stood next to a wheel;

When the LORD commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, “Take fire from within the wheelwork, from among the cherubim,” the man went in and stood beside a wheel.

And it came to pass, when he commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim, that he went in, and stood beside a wheel.

Ezekiel 10:6 is a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's detailed vision of God's glory and impending judgment on Jerusalem. The verse describes a specific command given to the mysterious "man clothed with linen," an action that signifies the solemnity and divine origin of the coming destruction.

Context of Ezekiel 10:6

This verse is part of a larger vision in Ezekiel chapters 8-11, where the prophet is shown the abominations being committed in the Temple in Jerusalem, which provoke God's wrath. The "man clothed with linen" was first introduced in Ezekiel 9:2 as the one tasked with marking those who grieved over the city's sins, sparing them from the subsequent judgment. Here, he is given a new, yet related, commission: to take fire from the very presence of God.

The fire is sourced "between the wheels, from between the cherubims." The cherubim are angelic beings associated with God's throne-chariot, first vividly described in Ezekiel chapter 1. The "wheels" (often called 'ophanim') are part of this divine chariot, symbolizing God's omnipresence, omniscience, and sovereign movement. The command to take fire from this sacred space underscores that the impending judgment is not random, but a deliberate act of divine justice originating from God's holy presence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The act of taking fire, likely to be scattered over the city (as indicated in Ezekiel 10:2), is a clear symbol of God's impending and devastating judgment upon Jerusalem due to its idolatry and rebellion. This fire is holy fire, signifying a pure and righteous judgment.
  • God's Sovereignty: Every detail of the vision, including the specific instruction to the man in linen, highlights God's absolute control and orchestration of events, even in judgment. He is not merely reacting but actively directing the consequences of sin.
  • The Departure of Glory: This action is a prelude to the eventual departure of God's glory (the kabod) from the Temple. The taking of fire from the immediate vicinity of God's throne signifies the removal of divine protection and blessing from the city.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Man clothed with linen" (Hebrew: ish lavush habadim): The linen garments typically symbolize purity and are often associated with priestly service or divine messengers. For instance, high priests wore linen on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:4). This reinforces the idea that this figure is an agent of God's holy and righteous purposes.
  • "Fire" (Hebrew: esh): In biblical contexts, fire often represents purification, testing, or divine wrath. Here, coming directly from God's throne, it symbolizes a destructive, yet holy, judgment.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 10:6 reminds us of several enduring truths about God's character and our responsibility:

  • God's Holiness Demands a Response to Sin: The severity of the judgment underscores that God is holy and cannot tolerate persistent sin and idolatry. His love is immense, but so is His justice.
  • Judgment is Deliberate, Not Arbitrary: The meticulous details of the vision, including the specific command for the fire, show that God's actions are purposeful and just, a direct consequence of human rebellion.
  • The Consequences of Rejecting God's Presence: The departure of God's glory and the use of fire as an instrument of judgment serve as a solemn warning about the spiritual consequences of turning away from God and His commands.

This verse, though set in a dramatic prophetic vision, offers profound insights into the nature of God's holiness, His sovereign will, and the serious implications of sin for both individuals and nations.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 10:2

    And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, [even] under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter [them] over the city. And he went in in my sight.

  • Psalms 99:1

    ¶ The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth [between] the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

  • Psalms 80:1

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

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