Ezekiel 10:9

And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels [was] as the colour of a beryl stone.

And when I looked {H7200}, behold the four {H702} wheels {H212} by {H681} the cherubims {H3742}, one {H259} wheel {H212} by {H681} one {H259} cherub {H3742}, and another {H259} wheel {H212} by {H681} another {H259} cherub {H3742}: and the appearance {H4758} of the wheels {H212} was as the colour {H5869} of a beryl {H8658} stone {H68}.

I looked and saw four wheels next to the k'ruvim, one wheel next to one keruv and another wheel next to another keruv: the wheels had the color of beryl.

Then I looked and saw four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub. And the wheels gleamed like a beryl stone.

And I looked, and behold, four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside one cherub, and another wheel beside another cherub; and the appearance of the wheels was like unto a beryl stone.

Commentary

Ezekiel 10:9 is a vivid description from the prophet Ezekiel's profound vision of God's glory and His divine chariot-throne. This particular verse focuses on the intricate details of the wheels associated with the cherubim, emphasizing their appearance and connection to the heavenly beings.

Context

This verse is found within Ezekiel's second major vision of the divine throne chariot, detailed in Ezekiel chapters 8-11. Unlike the initial vision in chapter 1 which introduced these celestial beings, chapter 10 describes the Lord's glory preparing to depart from the Temple in Jerusalem. This departure signifies God's judgment upon Judah due to their rampant idolatry and moral corruption (Ezekiel 9:3). The wheels, therefore, are not merely static elements but are integral to the mobility of God's majestic presence as it prepares to leave the defiled sanctuary.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Mobility: The presence of "four wheels by the cherubims" underscores God's ability to move freely and purposefully throughout His creation. These wheels, often described as having wheels within wheels (Ezekiel 1:16), suggest omnidirectional movement, symbolizing God's complete control and the unhindered execution of His will.
  • God's Awe-Inspiring Glory: The description of the wheels' appearance as the "colour of a beryl stone" highlights the immense beauty and splendor of God's presence. Even in judgment, His glory remains magnificent and awe-inspiring.
  • Imminent Judgment: In the broader context of Ezekiel 10, the movement of the cherubim and wheels signifies the departure of God's protective glory from Jerusalem, paving the way for its destruction by the Babylonians. This serves as a powerful visual warning against persistent sin and rebellion.

Linguistic Insights

The "beryl stone" (Hebrew: tarshish) is a significant detail. This precious or semi-precious gem is often associated with a blue-green or yellowish color, reminiscent of the sea. Its inclusion here speaks to the brilliance, clarity, and majesty of God's glory. The same term is used to describe one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:20) and appears in other prophetic visions describing divine or angelic beings (Daniel 10:6), reinforcing the celestial and holy nature of what Ezekiel saw.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision reminds us of God's absolute sovereignty and His dynamic presence. His glory is not confined but moves according to His perfect will, whether in blessing or in judgment. For us today, this verse underscores the importance of holiness and reverencing God's presence. Just as His glory departed from a defiled Temple, so too can His manifest presence withdraw from lives or communities that embrace unrepentant sin. Conversely, it also assures us that God is ever-present and able to move in powerful ways, demonstrating His glory and executing His plans, whether for redemption or righteous judgment.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 10:6 (5 votes)

    His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

  • Revelation 21:20 (5 votes)

    The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

  • Ezekiel 1:15 (4 votes)

    ¶ Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.

  • Ezekiel 1:17 (4 votes)

    When they went, they went upon their four sides: [and] they turned not when they went.