Ezekiel 10:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:6 describes a crucial moment in the prophet's vision, where the divine command is given to the "man clothed with linen" to take fire from the very heart of God's mobile throne-chariot, specifically from between the wheels and the cherubim. This action is a solemn prelude to the scattering of judgment upon Jerusalem, underscoring the deliberate, holy, and sovereign nature of God's impending wrath against the city's idolatry and rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a profound and terrifying vision spanning [Ezekiel chapters 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Idolatry in the Temple"), which details the abominations committed within the Jerusalem Temple that provoke God's wrath. The "man clothed with linen" was first introduced in [Ezekiel 9:2-3](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2-3 - The Man with a Writing Kit") as the one who marked those who grieved over the city's sins, thereby sparing them from the initial slaughter. Following this act of mercy, Ezekiel 10:6 presents a new, yet intimately connected, commission: to gather the very fire of divine judgment from the immediate presence of God's glory. This sequence highlights God's meticulous justice, first distinguishing the righteous and then executing judgment, all under the direct command of the Almighty. The narrative progresses toward the climactic departure of God's glory from the Temple, making this act of taking fire a critical step in the unfolding divine drama.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), addressing a people who had witnessed the initial siege of Jerusalem and were now grappling with the reality of their displacement and the impending destruction of their beloved city and Temple. For the Israelites, the Temple was the sacred dwelling place of Yahweh, symbolizing His presence and protection. The visions of Ezekiel, particularly those involving the cherubim and the divine chariot, drew upon existing Near Eastern iconography of divine thrones and cosmic chariots, but reinterpreted them to emphasize Yahweh's absolute sovereignty, mobility, and transcendence. The act of taking fire from the divine presence would have resonated deeply with the cultural understanding of divine judgment, often associated with fire, and the sanctity of God's immediate presence, which was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. This context underscores the gravity of Jerusalem's sin, as it led to the withdrawal of God's protective presence and the unleashing of His holy wrath.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 10:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. First, it vividly portrays **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing that the coming destruction of Jerusalem is not a random calamity but a deliberate, righteous act of God in response to persistent idolatry and moral corruption, as seen throughout [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - The Abominations in the Temple"). Second, it underscores **God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating His absolute control over all events, including the precise execution of judgment, as every detail, from the specific agent to the source of the fire, is divinely ordained. Third, the verse is a critical precursor to the **Departure of God's Glory (the _Kabod_)** from the Temple, a central theme in [Ezekiel chapters 9-11](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9-11 - The Departure of God's Glory"). The act of taking fire from the very throne-chariot signifies the removal of divine protection and the unleashing of judgment, culminating in the glory's final departure from the city in [Ezekiel 11:23](/ezekiel/11-23 "Ezekiel 11:23 - The Departure of God's Glory"). This highlights the severe consequences of rejecting God's holiness and presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** This term (H376) refers to an individual male person. In this context, combined with "clothed with linen" (H3847, _lâbash'_ - to clothe; H906, _bad'_ - linen), it signifies a figure of purity and authority, often associated with priestly duties or divine messengers. The linen garments indicate a sacred, consecrated role, suggesting this "man" is a special agent of God, distinct from the cherubim but operating within the divine sphere.
* **fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** The word (H784) denotes literal fire, but in biblical theology, it frequently symbolizes divine presence, purification, testing, or wrath. Here, its origin directly from God's throne-chariot underscores its holy, destructive, and divinely ordained nature, signifying judgment that is both pure and devastating.
* **cherubims (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** These (H3742) are celestial beings, often depicted with wings and multiple faces, intrinsically linked to God's throne and presence (as seen in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of the Cherubim")). Their presence here, along with "the wheels" (H1534, _galgal_ and H212, _ʼôwphân_), emphasizes that the fire is taken from the very core of God's mobile, sovereign, and awe-inspiring dwelling place, affirming the divine origin and authority of the impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative. The "he" refers to the Lord God, whose voice or directive is implicitly conveyed through the vision. The "man clothed with linen" is the designated agent, set apart by his attire for a sacred task. The command is explicit and direct, highlighting God's sovereign will in orchestrating the events that follow.
* **"Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims;"**: This is the core of the command, specifying both the object (fire) and its sacred source. The "wheels" (often understood as 'ophanim, the living wheels of the divine chariot) and the "cherubims" are integral components of God's mobile throne, symbolizing His omnipresence, omniscience, and sovereign movement. Taking fire from this precise location emphasizes that the judgment is not arbitrary but originates directly from God's holy presence and sovereign authority. The fire is not common, but a holy, divine fire of wrath.
* **"then he went in, and stood beside the wheels."**: This final clause describes the immediate and obedient response of the man in linen. His action of "going in" signifies entering the immediate proximity of the divine glory, a place of immense power and holiness. His standing "beside the wheels" indicates his readiness to execute the divine command, positioning himself at the very epicenter of God's sovereign movement and power, poised to carry out the next phase of the divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:6 is rich with **Symbolism**. The "man clothed with linen" symbolizes purity, divine agency, and perhaps a priestly intermediary, underscoring the sacred nature of the judgment to be executed. The "fire" is a potent symbol of divine wrath, purification, and consuming holiness, emanating directly from God's presence. The "wheels" and "cherubims" symbolize the **Theophany** of God's mobile throne-chariot, representing His omnipresence, sovereignty, and the awe-inspiring nature of His glory. The specific instruction to take fire "from between" these elements employs **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where the parts (wheels, cherubim) represent the whole (God's throne/presence), emphasizing the precise and holy origin of the judgment. The verse also exhibits **Divine Command**, demonstrating God's direct and authoritative orchestration of events, highlighting His absolute control over both mercy and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 10:6 profoundly reveals God's unyielding holiness and the absolute certainty of His justice in the face of persistent sin. The deliberate act of taking fire from the very heart of God's glory underscores that divine judgment is not an impulsive reaction but a righteous, calculated consequence of human rebellion and idolatry. It teaches that God's presence, while a source of blessing and protection for the obedient, becomes a source of consuming fire for those who defile His sanctuary and reject His covenant. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's character demands a response to sin, and His glory cannot coexist indefinitely with unholiness, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of His presence and the outpouring of His wrath.

* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Revelation 15:8](/revelation/15-8 "Revelation 15:8 - Temple Filled with Smoke from God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 10:6 confronts us with the profound truth of God's uncompromised holiness and the seriousness with which He views sin. It challenges any casual approach to faith or any notion that God's love negates His justice. The vision of fire being taken directly from God's throne reminds us that judgment is not arbitrary but flows from the very essence of who God is – a being of absolute purity who cannot tolerate unholiness. For us today, this means recognizing that our actions have eternal consequences and that persistent rebellion against God's commands will inevitably lead to His righteous judgment. It calls us to examine our own lives, repent of any "abominations" we might be harboring, and earnestly seek to live in alignment with His holy character. Furthermore, it should instill a healthy fear of God, not a paralyzing terror, but a reverential awe that motivates us to honor Him and walk in obedience, understanding that His presence, if rejected, can become a consuming fire.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the deliberate nature of God's command in this verse shape my understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what areas of my life or my community might I be tolerating "abominations" that grieve God's holy Spirit?**
* **What does the imagery of fire emanating from God's throne teach me about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "man clothed with linen" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "man clothed with linen" (Hebrew: *ish lavush habadim*) is a mysterious but significant figure in Ezekiel's vision. He is presented as a divine agent, distinguished by his linen garments, which typically symbolize purity and are associated with priestly service or divine messengers (e.g., the high priest's attire in [Leviticus 16:4](/leviticus/16-4 "Leviticus 16:4 - High Priest's Linen Garments")). He first appears in [Ezekiel 9:2-3](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2-3 - The Man with a Writing Kit") with a writing kit, tasked with marking those who lament Jerusalem's sins, thereby sparing them from judgment. In Ezekiel 10:6, he is given the new commission to take fire for the city's destruction. While some interpret him as an angel, others see him as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, given his unique authority and direct interaction with the divine presence. Regardless, he is clearly God's chosen instrument for both mercy and judgment.

**What is the significance of taking "fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims"?**

Answer: The act of taking fire from this specific location is profoundly symbolic. The "wheels" (Hebrew: *galgal* and *ʼôwphân*) and "cherubims" (Hebrew: *kᵉrûwb*) are integral parts of God's glorious throne-chariot, first described in [Ezekiel 1:15-21](/ezekiel/1-15 "Ezekiel 1:15-21 - The Wheels (Ophanim) in Ezekiel's Vision"). They represent God's omnipresence, sovereign mobility, and the awe-inspiring nature of His divine presence. Therefore, taking fire from "between" these elements signifies that the fire is not ordinary, but **holy fire**, emanating directly from the very core of God's being and His throne. This emphasizes that the impending judgment on Jerusalem is not a random calamity but a deliberate, righteous, and holy act of divine wrath, originating from God's uncompromised holiness and justice against the city's profound idolatry and rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 10:6, with its imagery of divine judgment emanating from God's holy presence, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the "man clothed with linen" acts as an agent of divine judgment, Christ is the ultimate High Priest, perfectly pure and clothed in righteousness, who not only executes God's will but also perfectly embodies God's holiness and justice. The fire of divine wrath, symbolized here as being taken from between the cherubim, was ultimately poured out upon Christ on the cross. He, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin, becoming the propitiation for our iniquities (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - Christ Bears Our Sins")). Through His sacrifice, the consuming fire of God's wrath, which would otherwise fall upon humanity, was satisfied. Thus, for those who believe in Him, the fire of judgment is transformed into a refining fire that purifies and sanctifies ([1 Corinthians 3:13-15](/1_corinthians/3-13 "1 Corinthians 3:13-15 - Testing by Fire")), rather than consumes. Christ, who came to bring not peace but a sword (and fire, [Luke 12:49](/luke/12-49 "Luke 12:49 - Jesus Brings Fire on the Earth")), is also the one who will return as the righteous Judge, executing final judgment with the fire of His presence upon those who reject Him ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Righteous Judge")). In Him, God's holiness and justice are perfectly upheld, while His mercy and grace are extended to all who trust in His atoning work.

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 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.