Ezekiel 10:16

And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.

And when the cherubims {H3742} went {H3212}, the wheels {H212} went {H3212} by them {H681}: and when the cherubims {H3742} lifted up {H5375} their wings {H3671} to mount up {H7311} from the earth {H776}, the same wheels {H212} also {H1992} turned {H5437} not from beside {H681} them.

When the k'ruvim moved, the wheels went with them; and when the k'ruvim lifted their wings to rise off the ground, these wheels did not stop going with them.

When the cherubim moved, the wheels moved beside them, and even when they spread their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels did not veer away from their side.

And when the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels also turned not from beside them.

Commentary

Ezekiel 10:16 continues the prophet Ezekiel's profound and often enigmatic vision of the glory of God and its movement, particularly in the context of its departure from the Jerusalem Temple. This verse specifically highlights the incredible synchronization between the mysterious "wheels" and the "cherubims" (cherubim), emphasizing their unified movement and divine purpose.

Context

This verse is part of a larger vision in Ezekiel chapters 8-11, where God reveals to the prophet the idolatry and abominations taking place within the Temple in Jerusalem. As a consequence of this defilement, God's glory is depicted as progressively departing from His dwelling place. The cherubim and the wheels (often referred to as 'ophannim' in Hebrew, meaning 'wheels') are central components of the divine chariot-throne, first introduced in Ezekiel's initial vision in chapter 1. Here, in chapter 10, the focus shifts to the glory's movement towards the east gate, signifying its imminent departure from a defiled sanctuary before the city's destruction by Babylon. The detailed description of their coordinated movement underscores the precision and order of God's divine actions.

Key Themes

  • Divine Harmony and Synchronization: The verse vividly portrays a seamless coordination between the cherubim and the wheels. "When the cherubims went, the wheels went by them," and when the cherubim prepared for ascent, "the same wheels also turned not from beside them." This speaks to the perfect unity and obedience within God's heavenly host, illustrating that all aspects of His divine administration move in perfect concert.
  • God's Sovereign Control: The intricate, synchronized movement of these celestial entities underscores the absolute sovereignty of God. Nothing happens by chance in His divine plan; every action, every movement, is precisely orchestrated according to His will. This vision powerfully communicates that even in judgment, God is in complete control.
  • The Departure of Glory: This specific movement of the cherubim and wheels is integral to the broader narrative of the departure of the glory of the Lord from the Temple. Their readiness to "mount up from the earth" signifies the solemn and deliberate act of God withdrawing His immediate presence due to the people's unfaithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cherubims" (Hebrew: kĕrûvîm) refers to powerful, angelic beings often associated with guarding God's holiness and presence, as seen at the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). The "wheels" (Hebrew: 'ôphannîm) are described in Ezekiel 1 as having wheels within wheels, capable of moving in any direction without turning. Their interconnectedness with the cherubim, even sharing the same Spirit (Ezekiel 1:20), signifies that they are not independent entities but components of a single, unified, living divine mechanism that executes God's will with omnidirectional swiftness and perfect alignment.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, though grand and symbolic, offers profound truths for believers today. The perfect synchronization of the cherubim and wheels serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans are always executed with precision and order. For us, this means we can trust in God's sovereign hand, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unclear. It encourages us to seek alignment with God's will, knowing that His purposes are always harmonious and purposeful, moving towards a divine end. Just as the wheels never turned "from beside them," so too does God's presence and power remain intimately connected to His divine operations, guiding all things for His glory and for the good of those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 1:19 (3 votes)

    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 1:21 (3 votes)

    When those went, [these] went; and when those stood, [these] stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature [was] in the wheels.