How does Ezekiel 10:20 connect with the vision in Ezekiel 1? Setting the Scene Ezekiel is already in Babylonian exile when the LORD grants him two astounding throne-room visions—first by the Kebar River (chapter 1), and later inside the soon-to-be-judged Jerusalem temple (chapter 10). Ezekiel 10:20 serves as the inspired bridge between these experiences. Reading Ezekiel 10:20 “ ‘These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I knew that they were cherubim.’ ” Echoes of Chapter 1: What Ezekiel Recognizes The prophet explicitly links the temple vision back to the earlier riverbank vision. Notice the matching details: • Four living creatures, each with four faces and four wings (1:5-6; 10:14, 21) • Straight legs ending in something “like the sole of a calf’s foot” (1:7; 10:15) • Human-like hands under their wings (1:8; 10:8, 21) • A brilliant, fiery appearance and lightning-like flashes (1:13-14; 10:2, 7) • Wheels “within wheels,” sparkling like topaz, moving in perfect synchrony with the creatures (1:15-21; 10:9-13) • The creatures supporting an expanse, above which sits the throne of God’s glory (1:22-28; 10:1) By rehearsing these identical marks, Ezekiel declares beyond doubt: “I’m seeing the very same beings again—this time in the temple itself.” Why Identifying Them as Cherubim Matters Chapter 1 never names the creatures; chapter 10 reveals their identity. Literal, personal cherubim: • Guardians of God’s holiness (Genesis 3:24) • Depicted on the mercy seat above the ark (Exodus 25:18-22) • Overshadowing Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:6-7) The God who once manifested His glory between carved cherubim in the Holy of Holies now appears on real cherubim—living thrones—signaling that His holiness is consistent across eras and locations. Theological Threads Woven Through Scripture • Psalm 18:10—“He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.” • Revelation 4:6-8—four living creatures around the throne cry “Holy, holy, holy,” echoing Ezekiel’s description. These passages confirm a literal heavenly host that continuously upholds and proclaims God’s glory. Mobility of God’s Glory—Both in Chapter 1 and 10 Chapter 1: God meets Ezekiel in pagan territory, proving His throne is not confined to Jerusalem. Chapter 10: The same throne departs the defiled temple, riding the cherubim out through the east gate. The repeated vision teaches: • God’s presence is real, holy, and movable. • Judgment on sin does not diminish His sovereignty; it showcases it. Key Takeaways for Today • Scripture presents a consistent, literal portrait of cherubim from Genesis to Revelation. • God’s holiness demands reverence—whether by a river in exile or inside the temple walls. • His throne moves, but His character never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). • Because the living God is not limited by geography or circumstance, His people can trust Him to be present and righteous wherever they are. |
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