What can we learn about God's glory from Ezekiel's vision in Ezekiel 10:20? Setting the Scene • Ezekiel is in exile beside the Kebar River when he repeatedly sees “the glory of the LORD” revealed through four extraordinary, winged beings. • In 10:20 he writes, “These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I realized that they were cherubim”. • By identifying them as cherubim, Ezekiel links the vision to the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22) and to God’s throne room scenes in Isaiah 6:1-3 and Revelation 4:6-8. The Cherubim and God’s Glory • Literal, personal beings — not symbols only. Their existence underscores that God’s glory is an objective reality, not a mere idea. • Positioned “beneath the God of Israel” (10:20), they highlight His transcendence; His glory is always exalted above every created order. • Their four faces and wheels (10:9-14) demonstrate the all-seeing, all-moving nature of His glory—nothing escapes His gaze, and His presence can relocate in an instant. • Fire among them (10:6-7) emphasizes that His glory is holy and purifying (Hebrews 12:29). What God’s Glory Is Like • Awe-inspiring holiness—Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8 echo the same song the cherubim sing: “Holy, holy, holy.” • Sovereign authority—Psalm 99:1: “He sits enthroned between the cherubim.” His glory is the throne room of the universe. • Mobile presence—Ezekiel 10:18-19 shows God’s glory departing the temple; He is not confined to human structures. • Majestic brightness—Ezekiel 1:26-28 describes “a brilliant light all around,” signaling His moral perfection. • Faithful consistency—Ezekiel sees the same creatures years apart (1:1; 10:20). God’s glory doesn’t change with circumstances. Lessons for Today • Approach with reverent awe: God’s glory demands humble worship, not casual familiarity (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Depend on His nearness: Because His glory moves, He can be present with exiles, wanderers, and worshipers alike (Psalm 139:7-10). • Trust His sovereignty: The cherubim obey instantly; so can we, confident His purposes will prevail (Proverbs 19:21). • Seek holiness: The fiery glory that purifies invites us to pursue purity of heart and life (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Anticipate restoration: Though the glory departs in Ezekiel 10, it will return (Ezekiel 43:1-5). God’s story ends with His glory filling the earth (Habakkuk 2:14). Putting It All Together Ezekiel 10:20 reminds us that the dazzling, living reality of God’s glory is anchored in His holy presence, enthroned above the cherubim, able to move anywhere, and certain to fill creation. Recognizing that glory fuels reverence, confidence, obedience, and hope in every season of life. |
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