Ezekiel 11:22

Ezekiel 11:22 continues the profound and somber vision of the prophet Ezekiel, detailing the progressive departure of the Lord's glorious presence from the Jerusalem Temple, a powerful symbol of divine judgment against the idolatry and sin of Israel.

Context

This verse is situated within a series of visions (Ezekiel chapters 8-11) where God reveals to Ezekiel, who is in Babylonian exile, the abominations being committed in the Temple in Jerusalem. These sins, including idolatry and violence, provoke God's wrath and lead to the withdrawal of His glorious presence, often referred to as the Shekinah glory. The departure is depicted in stages, beginning from the Holy of Holies, moving to the threshold of the Temple (Ezekiel 9:3), then to the east gate (Ezekiel 10:18), and finally, in this verse and the next, ascending from the city entirely. The cherubim and wheels are integral parts of the divine chariot-throne, signifying God's mobility and sovereignty even in judgment.

Key Themes

• The Departure of God's Glory: The central theme is the tragic withdrawal of the "glory of the God of Israel." This visible manifestation of God's presence, which had resided among His people since the Tabernacle and later the Temple, is now leaving due to their unfaithfulness. It signifies the removal of divine protection and blessing, paving the way for Jerusalem's destruction by Babylon.
• Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: God's departure is not a passive act but an active, deliberate judgment. He is not abandoning His people out of weakness but withdrawing His presence as a consequence of their sin, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over His creation and His covenant.
• The Cherubim and Wheels: These mystical beings and structures, first introduced in Ezekiel chapter 1, serve as the carriers of God's throne. Their lifting of wings and movement of the wheels emphasize the organized and powerful nature of God's departure, not a hasty retreat but a majestic and solemn exit.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the glory of the God of Israel" translates from the Hebrew kabod (כָּבוֹד), which literally means 'weight' or 'heaviness', and by extension, 'honor', 'dignity', or 'splendor'. It refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of God's presence and majesty. The "cherubims" (Hebrew: keruvim) are powerful, winged heavenly beings often associated with guarding sacred space and serving as the bearers of God's throne, as seen in Psalm 18:10. The "wheels" (Hebrew: ophannim) are part of this elaborate divine chariot, described with intricate detail in Ezekiel 1:15-21, symbolizing God's omnipresence and swift movement.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 11:22 serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and its impact on our relationship with God. While God does not physically depart from believers today as He did from the Temple, unconfessed sin and idolatry can grieve the Holy Spirit and diminish our experience of His presence and blessing (see Ephesians 4:30). This verse calls us to:

• Value God's Presence: To cherish and protect the spiritual presence of God in our lives, our churches, and our communities.
• Repent from Sin: To earnestly turn away from anything that would cause God to withdraw His favor or blessing.
• Hope in Restoration: Despite this grim judgment, God ultimately promises a new heart and a new spirit to His people, and the eventual return of His glory to a rebuilt Temple, as described in Ezekiel 43:4. This offers enduring hope for restoration and renewal.