Ezekiel 10:20

This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.

Ezekiel 10:20 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament. The prophet Ezekiel was a priest and was taken into exile in Babylon along with the Israelites. During this time, God called him to be a watchman and speak His words to the people of Israel. Ezekiel received several visions and symbolic messages from God, often depicting the judgment and restoration of Israel.

This verse is a summary statement within Ezekiel’s vision of the cherubim. It identifies the living creatures he saw by the river Chebar as the same beings he had seen in his earlier vision recorded in Ezekiel 1. The river Chebar was in Babylon, where Ezekiel and the exiled Israelites resided, and it was there that he received many of his visions.

Meaning

The “living creature” referred to in this verse represents the cherubim. These angelic beings are associated with the presence and glory of God throughout Scripture, particularly in the tabernacle and temple, where their images were placed on the mercy seat and in the inner sanctuary. The phrase “under the God of Israel” indicates their position beneath the divine throne, emphasizing their role as bearers of God’s glory.

Ezekiel’s recognition that these were the cherubim is a key moment of understanding. It confirms the continuity of his visions and the biblical portrayal of cherubim as guardians of God’s holiness. The Hebrew term “cherubim” is the plural of “cherub,” and these beings are depicted with multiple wings and faces, serving in God’s heavenly host.

Biblical connections

This verse directly connects the vision of Ezekiel 1 with the vision of the cherubim in Ezekiel 10, showing that these are the same living beings. The presence of the cherubim signifies the continuing presence of God among His people, even in exile. For the Christian reader, the cherubim’s role in bearing God’s presence foreshadows the greater revelation of God’s glory in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God’s presence among His people.

Application

As we reflect on this verse, we can draw spiritual lessons. God’s presence and heavenly beings remind us of His sovereignty and power. Even in difficult times, God remains in control. The vision points to the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God’s presence and glory in our lives, and it invites us to worship Him with awe and reverence.

• Application: In our daily lives, we should strive to cultivate an awareness of God’s presence and seek His guidance. Just as Ezekiel was called to be a watchman for Israel, we are called to be vigilant in our faith, watching for the signs of God’s work and actively participating in His plans for our lives.

Reflection

Ezekiel 10:20 presents a vision of the cherubim and emphasizes the continuing presence of God among His people, even in times of exile and judgment. The verse reminds us of God’s sovereignty, His glory, and the importance of acknowledging His presence in our lives.