Ezekiel 11:22

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then did the cherubims {H3742} lift up {H5375} their wings {H3671}, and the wheels {H212} beside {H5980} them; and the glory {H3519} of the God {H430} of Israel {H3478} was over them above {H4605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The k'ruvim lifted their wings, and the wheels were next to them, with the glory of the God of Isra'el over them, above.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the cherubim, with the wheels beside them, spread their wings, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.

American Standard Version

Then did the cherubim lift up their wings, and the wheels were beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 11:22 presents a poignant and terrifying moment in the prophet's vision, depicting the next stage in the progressive departure of the glorious presence of the God of Israel from the Jerusalem Temple. This verse specifically describes the cherubim and the accompanying wheels lifting themselves, signifying a deliberate and majestic movement of the divine glory away from the city, a profound symbol of God's righteous judgment against the persistent idolatry and sin of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the narrative of [Ezekiel chapters 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8-11 - The Abominations in the Temple and the Departure of God's Glory"), which meticulously detail the escalating abominations within the Jerusalem Temple that provoke God's wrath and necessitate the withdrawal of His glorious presence. The departure is not an abrupt flight but a solemn, staged procession. It commences from the inner sanctuary, progresses to the threshold of the Temple ([Ezekiel 9:3](/ezekiel/9-3 "Ezekiel 9:3 - God's Glory at the Temple Threshold")), then to the East Gate ([Ezekiel 10:18](/ezekiel/10-18 "Ezekiel 10:18 - The Glory Moves to the East Gate")), and finally, in this verse and the subsequent one, ascends completely from the city. The cherubim and the wheels are not incidental but are integral components of the divine chariot-throne, first introduced in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Chariot-Throne"), underscoring God's mobility, sovereignty, and deliberate action even in the act of judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel delivered his prophecies during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma for the Israelites. Jerusalem, the spiritual and political heart of the nation, was under siege and eventually faced utter destruction. The Temple, constructed by Solomon, was considered the very dwelling place of God's presence ([1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory Fills Solomon's Temple")) and the epicenter of Israelite worship and identity. For the *kâbôwd*, the visible glory of God, to depart from the Temple was an unthinkable, catastrophic event, signaling the removal of divine protection and blessing. This act validated the impending destruction of the city by Babylon, underscoring the covenantal principle that divine presence was conditional upon faithfulness, not an automatic guarantee.
* **Key Themes:** The most impactful theme presented is the **Departure of God's Glory**. The "glory of the God of Israel," often referred to as the *Shekinah*, was the visible manifestation of God's presence among His people. Its withdrawal signifies the profound consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry, leading to the removal of divine favor and protection. This departure is an act of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is not bound by a physical structure but is free to move and judge according to His righteous character. The **Cherubim and Wheels** are not mere angelic beings but are depicted as the mobile throne of God, emphasizing His majestic power, omnipresence, and the organized, deliberate nature of His departure. Their movement underscores that this is not a hasty retreat but a solemn, powerful act of a sovereign God. Despite the grim reality of judgment, the vision implicitly carries a theme of **Hope in Future Restoration**, as God's glory would one day return to a purified people and a new temple, as later described in [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "Ezekiel 43:4 - The Return of God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cherubims (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** These are powerful, winged heavenly beings, often associated with guarding sacred spaces (e.g., [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard the Way to the Tree of Life")) and serving as the bearers of God's throne or chariot, as seen extensively in Ezekiel's visions. Their presence here signifies the divine entourage accompanying God's glory, indicating a deliberate and majestic movement.
* **wheels (Hebrew, _ʼôwphân'_):** These are the intricate, interlocked wheels described in [Ezekiel 1:15-21](/ezekiel/1-15 "Ezekiel 1:15-21 - The Vision of the Wheels"). They are part of the divine chariot-throne, symbolizing God's omnipresence, omnipotence, and the swift, coordinated movement of His sovereign will. Their lifting indicates a clear, intentional movement, emphasizing the precision of God's actions.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** This term, literally meaning "weight" or "heaviness," metaphorically refers to God's splendor, honor, and visible manifestation of His presence. It is the tangible evidence of God's majesty and power, which had resided in the Temple. Its departure is the central, tragic event of this vision, signifying the withdrawal of divine favor and protection due to Israel's unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then did the cherubims lift up their wings":** This clause describes the initial action of the cherubim, the celestial beings intimately associated with God's throne. Their "lifting up their wings" signifies preparation for flight and movement, indicating a deliberate and powerful departure. This is not a passive event but an active, willed action on the part of God's divine escort, setting the stage for the glory's movement.
* **"and the wheels beside them":** This phrase further details the components of God's mobile throne. The "wheels" are intrinsically linked to the cherubim, moving in perfect synchronicity with them. Their presence emphasizes the intricate, supernatural mechanism by which God's glory moves, highlighting divine precision and control even in judgment. The wheels' readiness to move underscores the inevitability of the glory's departure.
* **"and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above":** This is the climactic statement of the verse. It confirms that the divine glory, the visible manifestation of God's presence, is positioned "over them above"—that is, above the cherubim and wheels, indicating its sovereign control and elevated status as it ascends. The phrase "the God of Israel" underscores that it is the covenant God, the one who chose and sustained Israel, who is now departing due to their unfaithfulness, making the judgment all the more poignant.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 11:22 is rich in **Symbolism**. The cherubim and wheels are not literal creatures and objects but powerful symbols of God's transcendent presence, mobility, and sovereign power. Their movement symbolizes the active, deliberate withdrawal of God's protective and blessing presence from His unfaithful people. The "glory of the God of Israel" itself is a profound **Metonymy**, where the visible manifestation stands for God's entire being and character, representing His holiness, power, and covenant faithfulness. The entire scene employs vivid **Imagery**, painting a picture of a majestic, yet terrifying, divine exodus, which evokes both awe and dread in the prophet and his audience. The progressive, staged departure of the glory throughout [Ezekiel 8-11](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8-11 - The Abominations in the Temple and the Departure of God's Glory") is a form of **Narrative Progression** that builds tension and underscores the gravity of Jerusalem's sin and impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 11:22 serves as a stark theological statement about the holiness of God and the severe consequences of human sin. The departure of God's glory from the Temple signifies that God's presence is not automatically guaranteed by a physical structure or ritual, but is contingent upon the faithfulness and obedience of His people. This event highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His righteous judgment against idolatry and moral corruption. Yet, even in judgment, there is an underlying theme of God's covenant faithfulness; His departure is a disciplinary act intended to lead His people to repentance and ultimately, to a future restoration where His glory will return to a purified people and a renewed temple. This foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence not in a building, but in His Son and His people.

* [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10 "The Glory Fills Solomon's Temple")
* [Ezekiel 43:4](/ezekiel/43-4 "The Return of God's Glory")
* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "God's Glory as the Light of the New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 11:22 is a sobering reminder that God's presence is a sacred trust, not an entitlement. While believers today are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and God does not "depart" from us in the same visible way He left the Temple, this passage still speaks powerfully to the seriousness of sin and its capacity to grieve the Spirit ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")) and diminish our experience of God's manifest presence and blessing. It calls us to a profound reverence for God's holiness and a vigilant commitment to purity and obedience. We are to cherish the spiritual presence of God in our lives, our families, and our communities, actively repenting from anything that would hinder our fellowship with Him. This verse also instills a deep appreciation for the New Covenant, where God's presence is secured in Christ and indwells His people, promising a permanent, intimate relationship that transcends physical structures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What aspects of my life or community might be "grieving" the Holy Spirit or diminishing the manifest presence of God?**
* **How does understanding the departure of God's glory from the Temple deepen my appreciation for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in believers today?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a greater reverence for God's holiness and to live in a way that honors His presence?**
* **How does the historical context of judgment in Ezekiel inspire me to pray for repentance and revival in the church and the world today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the cherubim and wheels in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The cherubim and wheels are integral parts of God's mobile throne-chariot, first described in [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Chariot-Throne"). The cherubim are powerful, winged heavenly beings who serve as guardians of God's holiness and bearers of His throne. The wheels, described as having wheels within wheels and full of eyes, symbolize God's omnipresence, omniscience, and the swift, coordinated execution of His sovereign will. Together, they emphasize God's majesty, power, and His freedom to move and act anywhere, not being confined to a physical temple. Their movement in [Ezekiel 11:22](/ezekiel/11-22 "Ezekiel 11:22 - The Glory Departs") signifies the deliberate, majestic, and terrifying departure of God's glory from Jerusalem.

**Why did the glory of the God of Israel depart from the Temple?**

Answer: The departure of God's glory was a direct consequence of the rampant idolatry, moral corruption, and violence committed by the people of Israel, particularly within the Temple itself. [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple") provides a detailed account of the "great abominations" being practiced, including the worship of idols, sun worship, and other detestable rituals. God's holiness cannot coexist with such blatant sin and rebellion. The departure was an act of divine judgment, signaling the removal of God's protective presence and paving the way for the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, fulfilling the covenant curses for disobedience ([Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")).

**Does God's glory still "depart" from places or people today?**

Answer: While God's glory does not physically depart from a temple in the same visible way as described in Ezekiel, the principle remains. In the New Covenant, God's presence dwells in believers through the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Unconfessed sin, idolatry, and rebellion can grieve the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")) and hinder our experience of God's manifest presence, power, and blessing. While God never abandons His true children, a lack of spiritual vitality and a diminished sense of His presence can be a consequence of unrepentant sin in individual lives and in the church. This calls believers to holiness and a continuous pursuit of God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic departure of God's glory from the Temple in Ezekiel finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. First, in the incarnation, Jesus Christ *is* the very glory of God made manifest ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). When God's glory departed the Temple, it left a void, but Christ's coming filled that void by bringing God's presence into the world in a new, ultimate, and personal way. Second, Jesus declared Himself to be greater than the Temple ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Matthew 12:6 - Something Greater Than the Temple")), signifying that true worship and God's presence would no longer be confined to a physical building but would be found in Him. Third, through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the way was opened for God's presence to indwell believers by the Holy Spirit, making the Church the new "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The glory that departed a physical structure now resides within the redeemed community of God. Finally, the promise of God's glory returning, as hinted in Ezekiel, finds its ultimate consummation in the New Heavens and New Earth, where there will be no need for a temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb *are* its temple, and the glory of God gives it light ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")). Thus, Christ is the embodiment, the new locus, and the eternal source of God's glory, ensuring that God's presence will never again depart from His people.

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 10:19

And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

Ezekiel 1:19

And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.

Ezekiel 1:20

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither [was their] spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature [was] in the wheels.