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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.
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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;
Ezekiel 10:7 is a vivid scene from the prophet Ezekiel's vision, detailing the mechanics of divine judgment against Jerusalem. This verse describes a specific action within the larger prophetic narrative of God's glory departing from the Temple and the subsequent destruction of the city.
Context of Ezekiel 10:7
This verse is situated within a profound vision given to Ezekiel, where he witnesses the intricate details of God's heavenly throne-chariot and the cherubim. Chapter 10 specifically focuses on the movement of God's glory and the preparations for judgment. It directly follows the instructions given in Ezekiel 9, where a "man clothed with linen" was commanded to mark those who grieved over the abominations in Jerusalem and then to execute judgment upon the rest. The fire mentioned here is the same holy fire emanating from God's presence, as seen in Ezekiel 1:13, and it is now being handed over as an instrument of divine wrath. This event precedes the final departure of the glory of the Lord from the Temple, signaling the imminent destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "cherubim" (Hebrew: כְּרוּבִים, keruvim) is the plural of cherub. These celestial beings are consistently depicted in the Bible as guardians of God's holiness and throne, often associated with His presence and glory (e.g., guarding the way to the tree of life in Genesis 3:24). The "fire" (אֵשׁ, 'esh) is a recurring biblical symbol for God's presence, purification, and judgment, often associated with His divine power and wrath, as seen with the burning bush or the consumption of sacrifices. The "man clothed with linen" (אִישׁ לָבֻשׁ בַּדִּים, 'ish lavush baddim) signifies purity and often priestly or divine authority, highlighting the sacred nature of his mission of judgment.
Practical Application
Ezekiel 10:7 serves as a powerful reminder of God's justice and the consequences of persistent sin and disobedience. It teaches us that God is not indifferent to evil; His holiness requires a response to unrighteousness. While this specific judgment was against ancient Jerusalem, the principle remains: God is just, and His judgments are certain. For believers today, it encourages a life of repentance and obedience, knowing that God's character remains consistent. It also offers a profound understanding of God's sovereign control, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, assuring us that all His actions are purposeful and righteous.