Cherubim in Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple
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In the prophetic book of Ezekiel, the cherubim play a significant role, particularly in the vision of the temple described in chapters 40-48. Ezekiel, a priest and prophet during the Babylonian exile, receives a series of visions that reveal God's glory and the future restoration of Israel. The cherubim are central to these visions, symbolizing divine presence, holiness, and the majesty of God.

Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple

Ezekiel's vision of the temple begins in chapter 40, where he is transported in a vision to the land of Israel and set on a very high mountain. There, he sees a structure resembling a city. An angelic figure, described as a man whose appearance was like bronze, guides Ezekiel through the temple complex, providing detailed measurements and descriptions of its features.

The Role of Cherubim

The cherubim are prominently featured in the temple's design, particularly in the inner sanctuary, known as the Most Holy Place. In Ezekiel 41:18-20 , the walls of the temple are adorned with carvings of cherubim and palm trees: "And it was made with cherubim and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between cherub and cherub. Every cherub had two faces: the face of a man toward the palm tree on one side and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side. Thus it was made throughout the temple all around. From the floor to the space above the entrance, cherubim and palm trees were carved on the wall of the main hall."

These carvings are not merely decorative but serve to remind the Israelites of the cherubim's role in the divine order. The cherubim, with their dual faces of a man and a lion, symbolize both intelligence and strength, attributes associated with God's sovereignty and protection.

Symbolism and Significance

The presence of cherubim in the temple vision underscores the holiness and separateness of God. In the broader biblical narrative, cherubim are often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces. For instance, in Genesis 3:24, cherubim are stationed at the east of the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life. Similarly, in the tabernacle and Solomon's temple, cherubim are positioned over the Ark of the Covenant, signifying God's throne and His dwelling among His people.

In Ezekiel's vision, the cherubim also serve as a reminder of God's promise to restore His people and dwell among them once more. The intricate design of the temple, with its cherubim and palm trees, points to a future where God's presence is fully realized in the midst of His people, a theme that resonates with the hope of redemption and restoration.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the cherubim in Ezekiel's vision highlight the transcendence and immanence of God. They emphasize His holiness and the reverence due to Him, while also pointing to His desire to be present with His people. The vision of the temple, with its detailed descriptions and symbolic imagery, serves as a powerful reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and the ultimate hope of His eternal kingdom.

Ezekiel's vision, with its rich symbolism and prophetic insight, continues to inspire and challenge believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's holiness and His redemptive plan for humanity. The cherubim, as part of this vision, remain a testament to the glory and majesty of the Almighty.
Nave's Topical Index
Ezekiel 41:18-20,25
And it was made with cherubim and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;
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Library

Ezekiel's vision (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, June 16 ...
... All that we discover is, a vision of huge creatures with the feet, and (as ... Ezekiel
seems to discover afterwards that these are the cherubim, the same ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ix ezekiels vision preached.htm

The River of Life
... Mercy-seat where the brooding Cherubim sat in ... must come from below the Temple threshold. ...
these nineteen centuries corresponds with Ezekiel's vision"which is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the river of life.htm

The Figurative Language of Scripture.
... The four faces of the cherubim, moreover, which answer to the four principal ... The
meaning of Ezekiel's vision of a New Jerusalem, with its temple and altar ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxv the figurative language.htm

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
... They are also called cherubim and seraphim, that is, cherubs and ... the tabernacle,[
101] in the temple,[102] and in Ezekiel's vision of a new temple,[103] and ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/v an advance step in the.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Cherubim over the ark, God's dwelling-place, 588 ... New Jerusalem of Ezekiel's vision,
321, 627 ... Solomon, his temple, 253; his splendor and profuse expenditures, 253 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

John.
... 26:61: This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to ... that there must
be just four Gospels to answer the four cherubim in Ezekiel's vision. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 83 john.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... But (22) as there were differences in Ezekiel between cattle and cattle, so in St. ...
all worldly business and cares, and were ever in the temple, studying nature ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Resources
What were the wheels in Ezekiel 1? | GotQuestions.org

What was the Holy of Holies? | GotQuestions.org

How many angels are there? | GotQuestions.org

Cherubim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Cherubim

Cherubim Cherub

Cherubim in Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple

Cherubim in the Tabernacle

Cherubim in the Temple

Cherubim of Gold: Formed out of, and at Each End of the Mercy Seat

Cherubim of Gold: God's Presence Manifested Between

Cherubim of Gold: Placed Over the Ark of the Covenant

Cherubim of Gold: The Oracles or Answers of God Delivered from Between

Cherubim: Animated by the Spirit of God

Cherubim: Called the Cherubim of Glory

Cherubim: Eastward of the Garden of Eden

Cherubim: Engaged in Accomplishing the Purposes of God

Cherubim: Figurative

Cherubim: Figures of On the Curtain

Cherubim: Figures of On the Lavers

Cherubim: Figures of On the Walls

Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: And on the Curtain

Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: On the Walls of the Tabernacle

Cherubim: Form and Appearance of

Cherubim: Placed at the Entrance of Eden

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Bases of Brazen Lavers

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Curtains of the Tabernacle

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Doors of the Temple

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Tabernacle

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Temple

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Walls of the Temple

Cherubim: Riding On, Illustrative of Majesty and Power of God

Cherubim: Sound of Their Wings Was As the Voice of God

Cherubim: Symbolical

Cherubim: The Ark of the Covenant Rested Beneath the Wings of

Cherubim: The Glory of God Exhibited Upon

Related Terms

Cherubim's (1 Occurrence)

Ark-cover (21 Occurrences)

Mercy-seat (23 Occurrences)

Enthroned (25 Occurrences)

Cherub (21 Occurrences)

Palm-trees (23 Occurrences)

Carved (36 Occurrences)

Wheels (30 Occurrences)

Overshadowing (5 Occurrences)

Living (3112 Occurrences)

Finely (27 Occurrences)

Twined (25 Occurrences)

Craftsman (23 Occurrences)

Artistic (14 Occurrences)

Screening (3 Occurrences)

Skilled (44 Occurrences)

Skillful (42 Occurrences)

Skilful (38 Occurrences)

Workman (22 Occurrences)

Curious (18 Occurrences)

Cunning (43 Occurrences)

Ends (108 Occurrences)

Byssus (40 Occurrences)

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)

Twisted (79 Occurrences)

Material (61 Occurrences)

Wings (81 Occurrences)

Olivewood (4 Occurrences)

Olive-wood (4 Occurrences)

Graved (5 Occurrences)

Stuff (49 Occurrences)

Cherubims (19 Occurrences)

Carvings (6 Occurrences)

Skilfully (13 Occurrences)

Seraphim (2 Occurrences)

Flowers (42 Occurrences)

Scarlet (54 Occurrences)

Staffs (47 Occurrences)

Nave (19 Occurrences)

Wing (18 Occurrences)

Poles (58 Occurrences)

Yarn (37 Occurrences)

Sits (52 Occurrences)

Covering (191 Occurrences)

Hammered (22 Occurrences)

Threshold (28 Occurrences)

Purple (54 Occurrences)

Engraved (62 Occurrences)

Beaten (73 Occurrences)

Blue (51 Occurrences)

Staves (50 Occurrences)

Beneath (73 Occurrences)

Faces (158 Occurrences)

Inner (141 Occurrences)

Palm (49 Occurrences)

Oracle (57 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Underneath (19 Occurrences)

Overshadowed (4 Occurrences)

Lions (50 Occurrences)

Ledges (7 Occurrences)

Whirling (7 Occurrences)

Wreaths (9 Occurrences)

Innermost (22 Occurrences)

Faced (32 Occurrences)

Cover (254 Occurrences)

Panels (10 Occurrences)

Chebar (8 Occurrences)

Curtains (34 Occurrences)

Seatward (1 Occurrence)

Sittest (15 Occurrences)

Extended (40 Occurrences)

Upward (74 Occurrences)

Vail (44 Occurrences)

Sitteth (74 Occurrences)

Spread (257 Occurrences)

Center (30 Occurrences)

Carrying (88 Occurrences)

Cherubim Covering the Ark
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