Ezekiel 10:21

Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man [was] under their wings.

Every one {H259} had four {H702} faces {H6440} apiece {H259}, and every one {H259} four {H702} wings {H3671}; and the likeness {H1823} of the hands {H3027} of a man {H120} was under their wings {H3671}.

Each of the four had four faces, and each had four wings, and what looked like a man's hands was under their wings.

Each had four faces and four wings, with what looked like human hands under their wings.

Every one had four faces, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 10 continues the prophet's profound vision of God's glory and the divine chariot-throne, first introduced in Ezekiel chapter 1. This chapter specifically details the cherubim, who are the "living creatures" from the earlier vision, as God's glory prepares to depart from the Jerusalem Temple due to Israel's idolatry and sin. Verse 21 reiterates and reinforces the detailed description of these celestial beings, emphasizing their complex and awe-inspiring appearance as they serve as the vehicle for God's majestic presence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Majesty and Sovereignty: The intricate and powerful description of the cherubim highlights the immense power and glory of God, whose throne is borne by such magnificent creatures. Their multiple faces and wings speak to divine omnipresence and swiftness in executing God's will.
  • Detailed Revelation: The repeated and precise description of the cherubim (first in Ezekiel 1:5-10 and again here) underscores the deliberate and specific nature of God's revelation to Ezekiel, intended to convey the awe and transcendence of the Almighty.
  • Service and Execution of God's Will: The phrase "the likeness of the hands of a man [was] under their wings" (also mentioned in Ezekiel 1:8) suggests capability, purpose, and active service. These hands imply an ability to manipulate, carry out tasks, and interact with the physical realm under divine direction, even within their ethereal form.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for these beings is keruvim (ื›ึฐึผืจื•ึผื‘ึดื™ื), typically translated as "cherubim." While the KJV text of Ezekiel 10:21 itself doesn't offer specific single words for deep linguistic dives beyond the description, the repetition of "every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings" emphasizes the consistent and uniform nature of these beings. The description of their faces (man, lion, ox, eagle) is further detailed in Ezekiel 10:14, reflecting comprehensive wisdom, strength, servitude, and swiftness, respectively.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, particularly the detailed account of the cherubim, invites us to contemplate the profound majesty and holiness of God. It reminds us that God is not confined to human understanding or earthly structures, but is transcendent and glorious, served by powerful celestial beings. For believers today, this passage can:

  • Inspire Awe: It cultivates a sense of wonder and reverence for the God who is so magnificent that even His attendants are described with such intricate power and symbolism.
  • Affirm God's Active Presence: The hands under the wings signify God's active involvement in the world, even as His glory moves. He is not a distant deity but one who acts with purpose and power.
  • Encourage Deeper Study: The rich symbolism prompts us to delve deeper into God's Word, seeking to understand the multifaceted nature of His character and plans, which are often revealed through vivid imagery like that found throughout Ezekiel and other prophetic books, including the similar descriptions in Revelation 4:6-8.
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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 10:14 (3 votes)

    And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a cherub, and the second face [was] the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

  • Ezekiel 1:6 (3 votes)

    And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.

  • Ezekiel 41:18 (3 votes)

    And [it was] made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree [was] between a cherub and a cherub; and [every] cherub had two faces;

  • Ezekiel 41:19 (3 votes)

    So that the face of a man [was] toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: [it was] made through all the house round about.

  • Revelation 4:7 (2 votes)

    And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.

  • Ezekiel 1:8 (2 votes)

    And [they had] the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.

  • Ezekiel 1:10 (2 votes)

    As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.