Ezekiel 10:21

Each had four faces and four wings, with what looked like human hands under their wings.

Study Bible

Each had four faces
The four faces of the cherubim symbolize completeness and the multifaceted nature of God's creation and character. These faces are traditionally understood to represent a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle, each symbolizing different aspects of God's majesty and authority. The lion represents strength and royalty, the ox symbolizes service and power, the man denotes intelligence and reason, and the eagle signifies swiftness and vision. This imagery is consistent with the vision in Ezekiel 1 and is echoed in Revelation 4:7, where similar creatures surround the throne of God, emphasizing the continuity of God's revelation.

and four wings
The four wings of the cherubim indicate their readiness to act on God's behalf and their ability to move swiftly in any direction, signifying divine omnipresence and omnipotence. Wings in biblical literature often symbolize protection and deliverance, as seen in passages like Psalm 91:4, where God covers His people with His wings. The number four is often associated with universality in the Bible, suggesting that God's presence and power extend to the four corners of the earth.

with what looked like human hands under their wings
The presence of human hands under the wings of the cherubim suggests the capability for action and interaction with the physical world. Hands are a symbol of work, skill, and power, indicating that these heavenly beings are not only messengers but also active participants in carrying out God's will. This detail highlights the connection between the divine and the human, as hands are a distinctly human feature, suggesting that God's heavenly agents are equipped to engage with His creation. The imagery of hands also points to the incarnation of Christ, who, as God in human form, worked among humanity with His own hands, performing miracles and acts of compassion.

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 visions from God.

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

3. Wheels
Part of the vision of God's chariot-throne, symbolizing divine mobility and omnipresence.

4. Jerusalem
The city where God's glory was departing from, as seen in Ezekiel's vision, symbolizing judgment and the consequences of Israel's sin.

5. The Glory of the LORD
Represents God's presence, which is departing from the temple due to the people's unfaithfulness.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Holiness
The vision of the cherubim and wheels underscores God's supreme authority and the holiness that surrounds His presence.

The Consequences of Sin
The departure of God's glory from the temple serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unfaithfulness and idolatry.

God's Omnipresence
The wheels within wheels symbolize God's ability to be present everywhere, reminding us that He is not confined to one place.

Hope in Restoration
Even as God's glory departs, the vision foreshadows eventual restoration, encouraging believers to trust in God's redemptive plan.

The Role of Angels
The cherubim illustrate the role of angels as servants and messengers of God, emphasizing the spiritual realities that surround us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of the cherubim and wheels in Ezekiel 10:21 enhance our understanding of God's nature and character?

2. In what ways does the departure of God's glory from the temple challenge us to examine our own lives and relationship with God?

3. How can the imagery of God's omnipresence in Ezekiel's vision encourage us in times of uncertainty or difficulty?

4. What parallels can we draw between Ezekiel's vision and the visions of God's throne in other parts of Scripture, such as Isaiah and Revelation?

5. How does understanding the role of cherubim in Scripture impact our view of spiritual realities and the unseen world?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:18-22
The cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant highlight their role as guardians of God's holiness.

Isaiah 6:1-4
Isaiah's vision of the Lord's glory parallels Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing God's holiness and majesty.

Revelation 4:6-8
The living creatures around God's throne in Revelation echo the cherubim in Ezekiel's vision, underscoring the continuity of God's heavenly court.

Psalm 18:10
Describes God riding on a cherub, illustrating His sovereignty and power.

2 Kings 2:11
Elijah's ascent to heaven in a whirlwind connects to the theme of divine transport and presence.