Ezekiel 10 1

Ezekiel 10:1 kjv

Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Ezekiel 10:1 nkjv

And I looked, and there in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim, there appeared something like a sapphire stone, having the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Ezekiel 10:1 niv

I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of lapis lazuli above the vault that was over the heads of the cherubim.

Ezekiel 10:1 esv

Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne.

Ezekiel 10:1 nlt

In my vision I saw what appeared to be a throne of blue lapis lazuli above the crystal surface over the heads of the cherubim.

Ezekiel 10 verses

Ezekiel 10 1 Meaning

Ezekiel 10:1 presents a renewed and clarified vision of God's celestial throne-chariot, specifically detailing the magnificent platform upon which it rests. The prophet describes observing a brilliant, crystalline expanse, resembling a sapphire stone, stretched out directly above the cherubim. This firmament serves as the foundation for an object that, though not the throne itself, bore its distinct appearance and symbolic significance, powerfully asserting God's transcendent majesty, authority, and divine dwelling place. This vision sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of God's glory departing from the Jerusalem Temple.

Ezekiel 10 1 Context

Ezekiel 10:1 immediately follows the traumatic events of Ezekiel chapters 8 and 9. In Chapter 8, Ezekiel is transported to Jerusalem and witnesses the abhorrent idolatry being practiced within the Temple grounds by the elders, women, and priests. This deep corruption provoked God's wrath, leading to the divine judgment outlined in Chapter 9, where six executioners are commanded to slay the idolaters, starting with those who did not bear the mark of repentance. As the narrative progresses toward the final and complete departure of God's glory from the Temple in chapters 10-11, verse 10:1 serves as a re-orientation, re-establishing the celestial setting and the grandeur of the Lord's mobile throne. It clarifies and elaborates on the imagery first introduced in Chapter 1, particularly explicitly naming the "living creatures" as "cherubim" (in verse 2), which previously were only described. This description reminds the reader of God's holiness and ultimate sovereignty, underscoring the severity of the loss implied by His glory's impending departure due to Judah's sin and faithlessness during the Babylonian exile.

Ezekiel 10 1 Word analysis

• Then I looked (וָאֵרֶא - va'ere):
  • Word: "And I saw/looked." The Hebrew conjunction "waw" (and) followed by the imperfect verb in waw-consecutive form indicates a sequential action, linking this vision directly to the preceding events of judgment.
  • Significance: It emphasizes Ezekiel's active observation, his continued reception of divine revelation through visual experience. This vision is a continuation, a deeper unveiling following a previous one.
  • Polemics: Contrast to cultic practices where people might "look" at idols; here, Ezekiel looks upon the true, living God's manifestation.
• and behold (וְהִנֵּה - vehineh):
  • Word: "Behold," "look," "lo!" An interjection drawing immediate attention.
  • Significance: Highlights the dramatic, surprising, and often awe-inspiring nature of the revealed image, marking a new, important detail in the prophetic vision.
• on the firmament (אֶל הָרָקִיעַ - el haraqiya):
  • Word: "To/on the expanse," "firmament." (Raqiya) is the same Hebrew term used in Gen 1:6-8 for the "expanse" separating waters. In Ezekiel, it represents a solid, crystalline platform.
  • Significance: Establishes the vision's setting as a celestial realm, implying divine order and separation. Its crystalline nature suggests purity, brilliance, and strength, reflecting God's transcendence and glory. This links to God's presence as revealed to Moses in Exod 24:10, emphasizing a divine platform or foundation.
• that was over the head (אֲשֶׁר מֵעַל לְרֹאשׁ - asher me'al l'rosh):
  • Word: "Which above to head." A precise spatial descriptor.
  • Significance: Locates this firmament directly above the cherubim, indicating it is an integral part of their "chariot" assembly and serves as the immediate foundation for the divine throne. It signifies an elevation and separation from the creatures beneath it, even as it is supported by them.
• of the cherubim (לַכְּרֻבִים - lakkeruvim):
  • Word: "To/for the cherubim." The Hebrew plural (keruvim) is explicit. These are powerful, winged, angelic beings.
  • Significance: This is a crucial clarification. While Ezek 1 described "four living creatures," this verse names them, unequivocally identifying them as cherubim. These are guardians of God's holiness (Gen 3:24) and attendants of His throne (1 Kgs 6:23-28, Ps 18:10), central to the divine presence and mobility.
• there appeared above them (נִרְאָה עֲלֵיהֶם - nir'ah aleihem):
  • Word: "It was seen upon/above them." The verb (nir'ah) is in the Nifal (passive) stem, emphasizing that it was manifested or revealed.
  • Significance: Highlights the divine initiation of the vision; Ezekiel is not creating the image but perceiving what God makes visible. "Above them" reinforces the firmament's elevated position.
• something like a sapphire stone (כְּאֶבֶן סַפִּיר - ke'even sappir):
  • Word: "As a stone of sapphire." (Sappir) is a precious, deep blue gemstone.
  • Significance: Emphasizes both color and material. Sapphire signifies purity, value, and especially in biblical contexts, the azure blue of the sky and heavenly glory (Exod 24:10). The "likeness" (ke) suggests human description struggles to capture the full divine reality.
• in appearance (מַרְאֵה - mar'eh):
  • Word: "Sight," "appearance," "vision."
  • Significance: Re-emphasizes the visual nature of the revelation, reminding the reader that these are visions given to Ezekiel, which may defy full human comprehension or literal description. It's how it appeared to him.
• like the likeness of a throne (כְּמַרְאֵה דְּמוּת כִּסֵּא - ke'mar'eh demut kisse):
  • Word: "Like an appearance of the likeness of a seat/throne." The Hebrew repetition of "likeness" (demut) and "appearance" (mar'eh) further underscores the symbolic, non-literal nature.
  • Significance: This is not a literal, physical throne, but a representation or approximation of God's majestic authority. It conveys God's regal power and sovereignty without attempting to depict God Himself, respecting divine ineffability. This "likeness of a throne" implies that God's presence, authority, and ultimate dwelling are inextricably linked to this celestial platform above the cherubim.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Then I looked, and behold": This opening phrase, characteristic of Ezekiel's prophetic visions (cf. Ezek 1:4, 8:2), signifies an immediate, divinely-initiated continuation of the revelatory experience. It compels the audience to prepare for another dramatic manifestation of God's presence.
• "on the firmament that was over the head of the cherubim": This complex phrase specifies the location of the primary element of the vision. The "firmament" (raqiya), often interpreted as a solid, transparent expanse in Ezekiel, functions here as a vast, elevated platform or canopy. Its position "over the head of the cherubim" reiterates the Cherubim's role as carriers and attendants, supporting this divine platform which itself undergirds God's presence. It creates a hierarchical spatial structure, with the Cherubim supporting a majestic foundation.
• "there appeared above them something like a sapphire stone, in appearance like the likeness of a throne": This forms the core descriptive statement, defining what Ezekiel perceived. The "something like a sapphire stone" speaks to the brilliant, blue, precious, and transcendent quality of the divine realm. It directly links to the pavement of sapphire beneath God's feet in Exod 24:10, confirming it as a traditional image for the divine foundation. This platform is not just material but also possesses a functional aspect: its "appearance" is "like the likeness of a throne." The double use of "likeness" (demut) and "appearance" (mar'eh) underscores the symbolic, aniconic nature of the vision. It conveys the concept of God's sovereign authority and royal dwelling without literally depicting a man-made throne, thus preserving divine transcendence and mystery.

Ezekiel 10 1 Bonus section

• The raqiya (firmament) in Ezekiel's vision, described as a "sapphire stone," is often understood by scholars to suggest a solid, reflective, and possibly crystalline expanse, giving the sense of both great distance and a polished, radiant surface beneath God's throne. This emphasizes the ethereal yet substantial nature of the heavenly realm.
• The recurrence of these specific details (firmament, sapphire, throne) throughout Ezekiel's visions (especially Chapters 1, 8, and 10) serves to confirm the consistent and reliable nature of divine revelation to the prophet, strengthening the authority of his message to an exiled people.
• The theological concept of demut (likeness) is critical in Ezekiel. It acts as a divine filter, allowing the prophet to glimpse heavenly realities without being overwhelmed or tempted to create an idol. It's a way for the infinite to reveal itself to the finite, while maintaining its transcendence. God's majesty is too great for direct perception, hence the "likeness" of His glory and throne. This echoes biblical aniconism – the prohibition against making images of God, and underscores that even His revealed form is an accommodation for human perception.
• The placement of this throne-like appearance directly over the mobile cherubim, which are now definitively identified, reinforces the idea of God's presence being not fixed in a human temple but dynamic and able to move according to His divine will and purpose. This prepared the exiles for the devastating reality that God was not confined to Jerusalem but could be found even in Babylon, though in judgment for Israel's sin.

Ezekiel 10 1 Commentary

Ezekiel 10:1 acts as a pivotal reaffirmation and clarification of God's glory vision from Chapter 1, now in the context of His imminent departure from the Temple. After witnessing the extreme idolatry (Ezek 8) and subsequent divine judgment (Ezek 9), Ezekiel's gaze returns to the majestic mobile throne. This verse is not merely descriptive but profoundly significant. It re-establishes the incredible holiness, sovereignty, and transcendence of the God whose people have so grievously offended.

The "firmament" (raqiya) over the cherubim is vividly depicted as a brilliant sapphire, echoing Exodus 24:10, where Moses and the elders saw a sapphire pavement under God's feet. This imagery signifies God's heavenly purity, brilliance, and invaluable worth. It presents a stark contrast between the desecrated, earthy temple in Jerusalem and the pure, unblemished celestial throne-room of the Almighty. The platform supports "the likeness of a throne," deliberately avoiding a direct depiction of God's actual seat to maintain reverence for His ineffable nature. This underscores that even when manifest, God's true essence remains beyond full human grasp; we only see representations.

Moreover, the explicit identification of the "living creatures" as "cherubim" (in subsequent verses, informed by this one) solidifies the theological connection to their roles as guardians of Eden, the ark, and God's glory. By recalling this vision of God's sublime majesty before the glory actually departs, Ezekiel amplifies the tragedy of Israel's sin. It wasn't just something leaving, but this awe-inspiring, transcendent glory, highlighting the profound consequences of their unfaithfulness and demonstrating that God's presence is not static or obligated, but sovereignly offered and withdrawn based on His holiness and covenant fidelity. The meticulous detail in the description ensures that the weight of God's nature is fully understood as His people face the void of His absence.