How does Ezekiel 10:1's vision of cherubim enhance our understanding of God's holiness? Glimpsing the Throne in Ezekiel 10:1 “Then I looked, and I saw above the expanse over the heads of the cherubim a sapphire stone resembling a throne appearing above them.” (Ezekiel 10:1) Cherubim—Guardians of the Holy • Genesis 3:24 places cherubim at Eden’s gate, blocking sinful humanity from re-entering God’s presence. • Exodus 25:18-22 stations them above the mercy seat, overshadowing God’s earthly throne. • 1 Samuel 4:4 and Psalm 80:1 call the Lord “the One enthroned between the cherubim.” Their consistent role: protect, proclaim, and highlight divine holiness. Three Fresh Facets of Holiness in Ezekiel 10:1 1. A throne “above” them • God sits not alongside His servants but exalted over them. • Holiness means absolute otherness—no created being, however glorious, shares His level (Isaiah 40:25). 2. Sapphire-like brilliance • Sapphire connotes purity, transparency, steadfastness (Exodus 24:10). • The gemstone imagery underscores a holiness unsullied by the corruption driving God’s departure from the temple (Ezekiel 9:3). 3. Coordinated, obedient cherubim • In the following verses they move only at the Spirit’s command (Ezekiel 10:16-17). • Holiness evokes perfect obedience; rebellion has no place near the throne (Psalm 103:20-21). Holiness That Judges and Purifies • Ezekiel 10:2 has burning coals taken from between the cherubim—judgment fire destined for Jerusalem’s sins. • Hebrews 12:29 reminds, “our God is a consuming fire.” Holiness refuses to coexist with unrighteousness; it must cleanse or consume. Echoes and Reinforcements Elsewhere • Isaiah 6:1-3—seraphim veil faces while crying, “Holy, holy, holy.” Same exalted throne, same sin-exposing light. • Revelation 4:6-8—living creatures (cherubim-like) circle the throne, repeating the triple “Holy,” underlining the timelessness of divine purity. • 1 Peter 1:15-16—because God is holy, His people are called to be holy in every conduct. Living in the Light of This Vision • Revere—approach worship with awe, not casual familiarity. • Reflect—pursue personal purity, letting Scripture and Spirit expose hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24). • Obey—yield promptly to God’s direction as the cherubim do, showing that holiness delights in instant obedience. • Hope—Christ, our mercy seat (Romans 3:25), enables us to draw near to the throne now and forever (Hebrews 4:16), experiencing God’s holiness without terror but with redeemed wonder. |
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