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 declares, "Then I looked, and behold, above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim, something like a sapphire, like the likeness of a throne, appeared from above them." This verse signifies a progression in Ezekiel's vision. He shifts his gaze from the cherubim to what is above them, discerning a structure resembling a throne. This throne is described as being like a sapphire, indicating its celestial and perhaps majestic nature. The appearance is "from above them," reinforcing its supreme position over the cherubic beings.

Ezekiel 10 1 Context

Ezekiel chapter 10 continues the profound and symbolic vision Ezekiel received in Babylon, near the Chebar Canal. Chapter 10 builds directly upon the detailed description of the divine chariot-throne in chapter 1. The cherubim, which were central to the vision in chapter 1, are still present. However, in chapter 10, Ezekiel's focus shifts upward, above the heads of these cherubic creatures, to a distinct appearance that signifies God's dwelling place and sovereign authority. This vision unfolds as the glory of God departs from the Temple in Jerusalem, a highly significant event for the exiled Israelites, signifying divine judgment upon the city and its apostasy.

Historically, the Babylonian exile meant the physical destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple. Ezekiel’s visions were meant to offer spiritual insight and hope to the exiles, assuring them that while the earthly manifestation of God’s presence (the Temple) was being judged, God Himself still reigned supreme from a celestial throne. This vision provided a framework for understanding God's presence even in judgment and dispersion.

Ezekiel 10 1 Word Analysis

• Then (וְעַתָּ֗ה – wəʿat·tâ) - A temporal connector, indicating the sequence of events in the vision, following the previous observations of the cherubim.
• I looked (וָאֶרְאֶ֧– wā’er’ê) - First-person singular, emphasizing Ezekiel's active reception of the vision. The act of seeing is paramount in this prophetic encounter.
• and behold (וְהִנֵּ֗ה – wəhinnêh) - An expression introducing something new and significant that commands attention.
• above the expanse (מֵעַל֙ רָקִ֣יעַ – mê‘al rāqî‘) - Points to the area immediately over the heads of the cherubim. The Hebrew word raqia' refers to a firmament or expanse, often associated with the sky or the visible heavens, separating different realms.
• that was over the heads of the cherubim (אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל־רֹ֥אשׁ הַכְּר֖וּבִים – ’ăšer ‘al-rōš hakkərûḇîm) - Specifies the location of the expanse, directly above the living creatures that bear the divine presence. This links the celestial throne to its symbolic earthly representation.
• something like (כְּמַרְאֵ֣ה – kəmar’êh) - Indicates a resemblance, not a literal substance that can be fully grasped. The visionary experience is depicted through similitudes.
• a sapphire (סַפִּ֣יר – s Sapir) - A precious blue gemstone. Its color (blue) often symbolized heaven, royalty, and divinity in ancient cultures. This associates the appearance with celestial grandeur and the nature of God. It parallels the description in Exodus 24:10 where God's feet were seen on a sapphire pavement.
• the likeness of a throne (כְּמַרְאֵ֣ה כִסֵּ֔א – kəmar’êh kisse’) - A direct comparison to a throne, signifying divine authority, sovereignty, and judgment seat.
• appeared (נִרְאָ֣ה – nir’â) - Passive form, suggesting that this appeared to Ezekiel, not as if he initiated its appearance.
• from above them (מֵעֲלֵיהֶ֑ם – mê‘alêhem) - Reinforces the supreme position of the throne relative to the cherubim beneath it.

Word Group Analysis

• "above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim": This phrase precisely locates the celestial throne, situated over the cherubic beings. The cherubim are God's bearers of glory and divine carriers. This positioning highlights the hierarchy of the divine realm, with God's throne as the ultimate authority presiding over even these celestial agents.
• "like a sapphire, like the likeness of a throne": This pair of comparisons describes the nature of the manifestation. The sapphire hue speaks of the divine atmosphere, heavenly majesty, and possibly God's purity and holiness. The throne likeness directly points to His absolute sovereignty and reign. The use of "like" indicates a sensory impression of the ineffable glory of God, which cannot be fully described in earthly terms.

Ezekiel 10 1 Bonus Section

The mention of sapphire links directly to the encounter of Moses on Mount Sinai, as described in Exodus 24:10: "They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was as it were a pavement of sapphire, like the very sky." This imagery suggests a consistent theological understanding of God's manifestation. The throne appears "from above them," the cherubim. In ancient Near Eastern thought, deities were often depicted as enthroned upon symbols of power or cosmology. Here, the cherubim are depicted as the very carriers and supports of the divine presence, fulfilling their role as described in scriptures like Psalm 99:1 ("The Lord reigns… He sits enthroned between the cherubim"). The sapphire's color also resonates with descriptions of the divine garments or aura, suggesting the divine holiness and heavenly realm from which God governs.

Ezekiel 10 1 Commentary

Ezekiel 10:1 marks a significant visual progression. After the intricate description of the cherubim and the divine wheel-work that carries God's glory (Ezekiel 1), the prophet’s attention is directed upwards. He sees above the "expanse" (a dome-like sky) over the heads of the cherubim a radiant appearance. This appearance is likened to a "sapphire," a precious blue stone. In ancient thought, sapphire often represented the heavens, divine purity, and splendor. It evokes a sense of the ethereal and the celestial. More importantly, this luminous sight is described as "the likeness of a throne." This is a pivotal moment. It's the visible confirmation of God’s sovereign presence. The throne signifies God's ultimate authority, His reign, and His judgment. The throne appears "from above them" (the cherubim), reinforcing its supreme position. This isn't just a general vision of heaven; it's a specific manifestation of the enthroned God. This vision anticipates and echoes later visions of God's throne room in Isaiah 6, Daniel 7, and Revelation 4. It is particularly significant given the context of the impending destruction of the Jerusalem Temple. While the earthly symbol of God’s presence is being dismantled, Ezekiel sees that the true, heavenly throne of God remains secure and glorious. This vision underscores that God’s sovereignty is not bound to physical locations and provides a foundation for hope beyond immediate national catastrophe.