How does Ezekiel 11:22 illustrate God's presence departing from Jerusalem's temple? Ezekiel 11:22—“Then the cherubim lifted their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them.” A Dramatic Lift-Off • The “cherubim” are the same living creatures first seen upholding God’s throne in Ezekiel 1. • “Wheels beside them” re-emphasize the heavenly chariot that moves wherever God chooses (Ezekiel 1:15-21). • “The glory of the God of Israel was above them” shows the very presence that once filled the Holy of Holies (2 Chronicles 7:1-3) now mounting up for departure. Step-by-Step Exit of the Glory 1. Ezekiel 9:3 – Glory moves from the inner sanctuary to the threshold. 2. Ezekiel 10:18-19 – Moves to the east gate of the temple. 3. Ezekiel 11:22 – Rises above the cherubim chariot. 4. Ezekiel 11:23 – Settles on the Mount of Olives, outside the city. • The progression underscores that God’s withdrawal is deliberate, not impulsive; Jerusalem has been warned repeatedly (Ezekiel 8–11). Why Departure Was Necessary • Pervasive idolatry and violence (Ezekiel 8:5-18; 11:6-12). • The covenant people had defiled the very house meant for God’s name (Jeremiah 7:9-14). • Holiness cannot coexist with unrepentant sin; just as Ichabod was declared in 1 Samuel 4:22, the weight of glory must depart when the people persist in rebellion. Theological Significance • God is neither confined to buildings nor obligated to remain where His worship is corrupted. • His mobility—pictured by wheels within wheels—highlights both omnipresence and sovereignty. • Departure is not abandonment of the covenant; it is disciplining love meant to bring about repentance (Hebrews 12:6; Ezekiel 11:17-20). Hope Foreshadowed Even in Departure • The same chariot-throne that leaves will one day return with greater glory (Ezekiel 43:1-5). • The Mount of Olives, final stop of the glory’s flight, becomes the launch point for Messiah’s ascension and promised return (Acts 1:9-12; Zechariah 14:4). • Revelation 21:3 looks ahead to the full restoration: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.” Takeaway for Today • God’s presence is precious and not to be presumed upon. • Persistent sin drives a wedge between God and His people (Isaiah 59:2). • Repentance and obedience invite the return of His manifest glory (John 14:23). |
    |