Ezekiel 10:15

Then the cherubim rose upward. These were the living creatures I had seen by the River Kebar.

Study Bible

Then the cherubim rose upward.
The cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence and glory of God. In Ezekiel's vision, they are depicted as part of the divine chariot or throne of God, symbolizing His majesty and sovereignty. The act of rising upward signifies movement and action, indicating God's presence is not static but dynamic. This movement can be seen as a representation of God's readiness to execute judgment or to depart from the temple, as the context of Ezekiel involves the impending judgment on Jerusalem. The cherubim's upward movement also reflects the heavenly nature of their mission, as they are not bound to the earthly realm.

These were the living creatures I had seen by the River Kebar.
The reference to the living creatures connects this vision to Ezekiel's earlier vision in chapter 1, where he first encountered these beings by the River Kebar. The River Kebar, likely a canal near Babylon, is significant as it represents the place of exile for the Israelites. This geographical context underscores the theme of God's presence with His people even in exile. The living creatures, identified as cherubim in this chapter, serve as a reminder of God's glory and His continued involvement with His people despite their circumstances. The consistency in the description of these creatures between the two visions emphasizes the reliability and continuity of Ezekiel's prophetic experience. This connection also highlights the unity of God's message and His unchanging nature throughout the visions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one receiving the vision.

2. Cherubim
Angelic beings associated with the presence and glory of God, often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces.

3. Living Creatures
These are the same beings Ezekiel saw in his earlier vision by the River Kebar, identified as cherubim in this passage.

4. River Kebar
A canal near Babylon where Ezekiel received his initial vision of God's glory and the living creatures.

5. Vision of God's Glory
The event in which Ezekiel sees the glory of God departing from the temple, symbolized by the movement of the cherubim.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Holiness
The presence of the cherubim signifies the holiness and majesty of God. As believers, we are called to revere and honor God's holiness in our lives.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
The movement of the cherubim represents God's sovereign control over His creation and His righteous judgment. We should trust in God's perfect justice and timing.

The Importance of Obedience
Ezekiel's faithful recording of his visions demonstrates obedience to God's call. We are encouraged to be obedient to God's Word and His direction in our lives.

The Presence of God in Exile
Even in exile, God's presence was with His people, as shown by the vision at the River Kebar. This reassures us that God is with us in all circumstances.

Worship and Reverence
The cherubim's role in worshiping God reminds us of the importance of worship in our relationship with Him. We should prioritize worship in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of the cherubim in Ezekiel 10:15 enhance our understanding of God's holiness and presence?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and justice reflected in the events of Ezekiel's vision?

3. How does Ezekiel's obedience to God's call challenge us in our own spiritual walk?

4. What lessons can we learn from the presence of God with His people during their time of exile?

5. How can we incorporate the principles of worship and reverence seen in the cherubim into our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 1
This chapter describes Ezekiel's initial vision of the living creatures by the River Kebar, providing context for their identification as cherubim in chapter 10.

Exodus 25:18-22
Describes the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting their role in symbolizing God's presence.

Revelation 4:6-8
Offers a New Testament parallel with the living creatures around God's throne, emphasizing their continuous worship and service.