Ezekiel 10:7

KJV

And [one] cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that [was] between the cherubims, and took [thereof], and put [it] into the hands of [him that was] clothed with linen: who took [it], and went out.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one cherub {H3742} stretched forth {H7971} his hand {H3027} from between the cherubims {H3742} unto the fire {H784} that was between the cherubims {H3742}, and took {H5375} thereof, and put {H5414} it into the hands {H2651} of him that was clothed {H3847} with linen {H906}: who took {H3947} it, and went out {H3318}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and a keruv put out his hand from between the k'ruvim into the fire between the k'ruvim, took some of it, and put it in the hands of the one clothed in linen, who took it and went out.

Berean Standard Bible

Then one of the cherubim reached out his hand and took some of the fire that was among them. And he put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who received it and went out.

American Standard Version

And the cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubim unto the fire that was between the cherubim, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed in linen, who took it and went out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 10:7 describes a pivotal moment in Ezekiel's vision of divine judgment against Jerusalem, where a cherub extends its hand to take fire from between the cherubim and places it into the hands of the man clothed with linen, who then departs. This action symbolizes the transfer of God's holy wrath from His immediate presence to the agent appointed to execute judgment upon the rebellious city, signifying the imminent and irreversible destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Ezekiel's profound vision of God's glory departing from the Temple, spanning chapters 8-11. Immediately preceding this, in [Ezekiel 9](/ezekiel/9 "Ezekiel 9 - The Slaughter of the Guilty"), the "man clothed with linen" is introduced as the divine scribe tasked with marking the faithful and overseeing the subsequent slaughter of the unrighteous in Jerusalem. Chapter 10 then elaborates on the mechanics of this judgment, focusing on the cherubim and the movement of the divine chariot-throne. The fire taken by the cherub in [Ezekiel 10:7](/ezekiel/10-7 "Ezekiel 10:7 - The Cherub and the Fire") is explicitly linked to the coals scattered over the city in [Ezekiel 10:2](/ezekiel/10-2 "Ezekiel 10:2 - Coals Scattered Over Jerusalem"), serving as the instrument of divine wrath. This entire sequence culminates in the glory of the Lord ascending from the cherubim and departing the Temple, as detailed in [Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Glory Departs the Temple"), setting the stage for Jerusalem's destruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during a tumultuous period for Judah. He was among the exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, following the first deportation by Nebuchadnezzar. His ministry was directed towards the exiles and those remaining in Jerusalem, warning them of the impending complete destruction of the city and Temple, which occurred in 586 BC. The Temple in Jerusalem was the spiritual and political heart of Judah, believed to be the dwelling place of Yahweh. The idea of God's glory departing from the Temple was an unthinkable and devastating concept for the Israelites, signifying the ultimate abandonment and judgment. The cherubim, as depicted in the Temple's Holy of Holies and in earlier biblical accounts (e.g., [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Ark")), were understood as guardians of God's holiness and throne, making their role in dispensing judgment particularly potent and terrifying. The "fire" was a common biblical metaphor for God's presence, purification, and, crucially, His consuming wrath against sin, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah or the judgment on Nadab and Abihu.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory") powerfully underscores several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel. Firstly, **Divine Judgment** is paramount, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to justice against the persistent idolatry and moral corruption of His people, as detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple"). Secondly, the passage highlights **God's Sovereignty** and meticulous control over the execution of His will; the precise transfer of the fire from the cherub to the linen-clothed man emphasizes that even in judgment, God operates with order and purpose, not chaotic rage. Thirdly, the theme of **God's Holiness** is central, as the fire originates from His sacred presence, demonstrating that His inherent purity necessitates a response to unholiness and rebellion. Finally, the **Imminence of Action** is conveyed through the swift, decisive movements described, signaling that the long-threatened judgment on Jerusalem is not merely a future possibility but an immediate and unavoidable reality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cherub (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** (H3742) A celestial being, often depicted with wings and multiple faces, serving as a guardian of God's holiness and throne. In Ezekiel's vision, cherubim are integral to the divine chariot-throne, symbolizing God's mobility, power, and the terrifying majesty of His presence. Here, one cherub is an active participant in the administration of divine judgment.
* **fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** (H784) A fundamental element in biblical imagery, representing God's presence, purification, and, most notably in this context, His consuming wrath and judgment. The fire taken from between the cherubim is not ordinary fire but holy, divine fire, signifying the sacred and righteous nature of the impending destruction.
* **went out (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** (H3318) This verb signifies a departure or exit, often with a sense of purpose or mission. In this verse, it emphasizes the decisive and immediate action of the man clothed with linen, who, having received the instrument of judgment, proceeds to execute his charge without delay, underscoring the unstoppable nature of God's decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that [was] between the cherubims":** This clause describes the specific action of one of the cherubim, indicating a deliberate and directed movement. The fire is located "between the cherubims," signifying its origin from the very heart of God's holy presence and chariot-throne, underscoring its divine and sacred nature as an instrument of judgment.
* **"and took [thereof], and put [it] into the hands of [him that was] clothed with linen":** The cherub "took" (H5375, _nâsâʼ_, to lift/carry; H3947, _lâqach_, to take) the fire, emphasizing a direct transfer of the divine judgment. This fire is then "put" (H5414, _nâthan_, to give/place) into the "hands" (H2651, _chôphen_, fists/hands; H3027, _yâd_, hand) of the "man clothed with linen" (H3847, _lâbash_, to clothe; H906, _bad_, linen). This man, introduced in [Ezekiel 9:2](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2 - The Man Clothed with Linen"), represents a divine agent, possibly a heavenly scribe or an angelic figure, whose linen attire signifies purity and a sacred commission. The transfer of the fire to him authorizes and empowers him to carry out the divine decree.
* **"who took [it], and went out":** This final phrase highlights the immediate and decisive response of the linen-clothed man. He "took" (H3947, _lâqach_) the fire, confirming his acceptance of the mission, and then "went out" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_), signifying his departure to execute the judgment. This swift action conveys the urgency and inevitability of the impending destruction, emphasizing that the time for repentance has passed, and the judgment is now in motion.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 10:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is central, with the "fire" representing God's holy judgment and consuming wrath, and the "cherubim" symbolizing the divine presence, power, and the guardians of God's holiness. The "man clothed with linen" is also a **symbolic figure**, representing a divine agent of purity and judgment. The **imagery** is vivid and kinetic, depicting a precise and orderly transfer of a fearsome instrument of destruction, creating a sense of awe and dread. The rapid succession of verbs ("stretched forth," "took," "put," "took," "went out") creates a sense of **urgency and inevitability**, emphasizing the swift and unstoppable nature of the divine decree. This concise yet action-packed verse serves as a dramatic moment in the larger narrative of God's glory departing and judgment being enacted.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 10:7 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's righteous judgment and His absolute sovereignty over all creation, including the execution of His divine will. The transfer of the holy fire from the cherubim to the man in linen underscores that judgment is not arbitrary but a deliberate act emanating from God's sacred presence, necessitated by the persistent sin and rebellion of His people. It highlights the principle that God's holiness demands a response to unrighteousness, and when His patience is exhausted, His justice will prevail. This passage resonates with other biblical accounts where divine fire is an instrument of judgment, emphasizing God's consuming nature against sin and His unwavering commitment to His covenantal promises, both of blessing and curse.

* [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")
* [Numbers 16:35](/numbers/16-35 "Numbers 16:35 - Fire Consumes the Rebels")
* [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 10:7 is a profound reminder of the gravity of God's holiness and the certainty of His justice. It compels us to consider our own lives in light of His righteous character. While the specific judgment against ancient Jerusalem was historical, the underlying principles remain eternally true: God is not indifferent to sin, and His holiness demands a response. This passage should cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, prompting genuine repentance and a commitment to living in obedience to His commands. It also offers comfort to those who grieve over the sin and injustice in the world, assuring them that God sees, God acts, and ultimately, His justice will prevail. For believers, it reinforces the call to live lives worthy of the Gospel, understanding that our salvation is by grace, but our lives are to reflect the holiness of the God we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of fire as an instrument of divine judgment impact your understanding of God's holiness?**
* **What does the precise and orderly transfer of the fire in this vision teach us about God's sovereignty, even in moments of judgment?**
* **In what ways might we be "clothed with linen" in our own lives, serving as agents of God's will in a world that needs His truth?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "man clothed with linen" in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The "man clothed with linen" is a significant figure in Ezekiel's vision, first appearing in [Ezekiel 9:2](/ezekiel/9-2 "Ezekiel 9:2 - The Man Clothed with Linen"). His linen attire signifies purity and a sacred, possibly priestly or angelic, commission. He is initially tasked with marking those who lament the abominations in Jerusalem for preservation, and then, as seen in [Ezekiel 10:7](/ezekiel/10-7 "Ezekiel 10:7 - The Cherub and the Fire"), he becomes the recipient of the divine fire, the instrument of judgment. He acts as God's appointed agent, carrying out the divine decree with precision and authority, embodying the sacred and just nature of God's actions.

**Why is fire used as the instrument of judgment in this passage?**

Answer: Fire is a recurring and powerful symbol throughout the Bible, often representing God's presence, purification, and, critically, His consuming wrath against sin. In [Ezekiel 10:7](/ezekiel/10-7 "Ezekiel 10:7 - The Cherub and the Fire"), the fire originates from between the cherubim, signifying its divine and holy source from God's very throne. Its use as an instrument of judgment underscores that God's holiness demands a response to unrighteousness. Just as fire purifies, it also consumes, symbolizing the complete and devastating nature of the judgment against Jerusalem, which had defiled itself through idolatry and rebellion, as detailed in [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 10:7 vividly portrays God's judgment upon a rebellious Israel, its Christ-centered fulfillment points to the ultimate judgment and salvation found in Jesus Christ. The holy fire, an instrument of divine wrath, foreshadows the righteous judgment that all humanity deserves due to sin. However, in Christ, this judgment is uniquely satisfied. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's wrath on the cross, becoming the atoning sacrifice for sin. He is the one who "took" the judgment upon Himself, so that those who believe in Him might "go out" from condemnation into eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Furthermore, Christ Himself will return as the ultimate judge, bringing fire not only for purification but also for final judgment upon the unrepentant ([2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - Christ's Return in Flaming Fire")). Thus, Ezekiel 10:7, with its imagery of divine judgment, ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, who both absorbs God's wrath for His people and will one day execute it in perfect righteousness.

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

Matthew 13:49

So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Matthew 13:50

And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

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.

Matthew 24:34

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Matthew 24:35

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Ezekiel 1:13

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance [was] like burning coals of fire, [and] like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;