Ezekiel 10:22

Their faces looked like the faces I had seen by the River Kebar. Each creature went straight ahead.

Study Bible

Their faces looked like the faces I had seen by the River Kebar.
This phrase refers back to Ezekiel's earlier vision in chapter 1, where he describes the living creatures with four faces: a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. The River Kebar is a canal near Babylon, where Ezekiel received his initial vision. This location is significant as it represents the place of exile for the Israelites, highlighting God's presence even in foreign lands. The repetition of the vision emphasizes the consistency and reliability of God's revelation to Ezekiel. The faces symbolize various attributes of God: humanity (intelligence), lion (royalty and strength), ox (service and power), and eagle (sovereignty and swiftness). These creatures are often associated with the cherubim, angelic beings that serve as guardians of God's holiness, seen also in Revelation 4:7.

Each creature went straight ahead.
This phrase indicates the purposeful and unwavering movement of the creatures, symbolizing the direct and determined execution of God's will. The creatures' ability to move straight ahead without turning reflects the divine guidance and the unchangeable nature of God's plans. This imagery is consistent with the vision in Ezekiel 1:12, where the creatures move in any direction the Spirit would go, signifying obedience and alignment with God's Spirit. The straight movement can also be seen as a metaphor for the righteous path that believers are called to follow, as seen in Proverbs 4:25-27, where the path of the righteous is described as straight and unwavering.

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, depicted with multiple faces and wings.

3. River Kebar
A location in Babylon where Ezekiel received several visions, including the initial vision of the cherubim.

4. Vision of God's Glory
This chapter is part of a larger vision where Ezekiel sees the glory of God departing from the temple in Jerusalem.

5. Babylonian Exile
The historical context in which Ezekiel prophesied, a time when the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Holiness
The cherubim's presence signifies the holiness and majesty of God. As believers, we are called to revere and worship God with awe and respect.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The vision of God's glory departing from the temple is a sobering reminder of His sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience. We must examine our lives and ensure we are living in obedience to God's commands.

Continuity of God's Revelation
The consistency of the imagery of cherubim from Ezekiel to Revelation shows the unchanging nature of God's revelation. This encourages us to trust in the reliability and truth of Scripture.

The Role of Angels
Understanding the role of cherubim helps us appreciate the spiritual realm and the ways God uses His angels to accomplish His purposes.

Hope in Exile
Even in the midst of judgment and exile, God provided visions of His glory to Ezekiel, offering hope and assurance of His ultimate plan for redemption.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the cherubim in Ezekiel 10:22 compare to their initial appearance in Ezekiel 1, and what does this teach us about the consistency of God's revelation?

2. In what ways does the vision of God's glory departing from the temple challenge us to reflect on our own spiritual lives and the presence of God in our communities?

3. How can the imagery of cherubim and their role in God's heavenly court deepen our understanding of God's holiness and majesty?

4. What parallels can we draw between the visions in Ezekiel and the descriptions of heavenly beings in Revelation, and how do these connections strengthen our faith in the Bible's message?

5. How can the hope and assurance given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile encourage us in our own times of trial and uncertainty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezekiel 1
The initial vision of the cherubim by the River Kebar, providing a detailed description of their appearance and movement.

Revelation 4
The vision of the throne room of God, where similar creatures are described, emphasizing the continuity of God's heavenly court.

Exodus 25
The instructions for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, which included cherubim, symbolizing God's presence.

Isaiah 6
The vision of the seraphim in the temple, highlighting the holiness and majesty of God.

Psalm 18
A poetic depiction of God riding on a cherub, illustrating His power and sovereignty.