Ezekiel 10:9 kjv
And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone.
Ezekiel 10:9 nkjv
And when I looked, there were four wheels by the cherubim, one wheel by one cherub and another wheel by each other cherub; the wheels appeared to have the color of a beryl stone.
Ezekiel 10:9 niv
I looked, and I saw beside the cherubim four wheels, one beside each of the cherubim; the wheels sparkled like topaz.
Ezekiel 10:9 esv
And I looked, and behold, there were four wheels beside the cherubim, one beside each cherub, and the appearance of the wheels was like sparkling beryl.
Ezekiel 10:9 nlt
I looked, and each of the four cherubim had a wheel beside him, and the wheels sparkled like beryl.
Ezekiel 10 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Eze 1:15 | Now as I looked at the living creatures, behold, there was one wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, for each of the four of them. | Wheels beside the living creatures, identical setup. |
| Eze 1:16 | The appearance of the wheels and their construction was like the gleaming of a beryl... | Similar description of the wheels' appearance and material. |
| Eze 1:19 | When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose. | Synchronized movement of wheels and creatures. |
| Eze 1:20 | Wherever the spirit would go, they went, and the wheels rose along with them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. | Spirit governing both creatures and wheels. |
| Eze 10:13 | As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel. | Command issued to the wheels, their responsive nature. |
| Gen 3:24 | ...and placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. | Cherubim as guardians of holy presence. |
| Exod 25:18 | You shall make two cherubim of gold... | Cherubim ornamentation on the Ark of the Covenant. |
| Exod 37:7 | He made two cherubim of gold; of hammered work he made them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. | Construction of cherubim for the Ark. |
| Psa 18:10 | He rode on a cherub and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. | God riding on a cherub, divine transport. |
| Psa 80:1 | Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth! | God enthroned above the cherubim. |
| Psa 99:1 | The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved! | God dwelling among cherubim, sign of His sovereignty. |
| Isa 37:16 | O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God... | God enthroned on cherubim, universal sovereignty. |
| Dan 7:9 | As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. | Fiery wheels of God's throne, symbolizing judgment. |
| Eze 1:26 | And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire... | Description of the throne itself, with similar glory. |
| Eze 1:28 | Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. | Overall glorious appearance of God's glory. |
| Exod 24:10 | ...and they saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone... | Sapphire under God's feet, suggesting similar glorious elements. |
| Rev 4:6 | Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal... | Vision of God's throne in Revelation, clear, glorious aspects. |
| Rev 21:11 | having the glory of God, and her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a jasper stone, clear as crystal; | The glory of God likened to precious stones, transparent. |
| Exod 28:20 | ...and the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper; they shall be set in gold filigree. | Beryl stone listed as a precious stone on the high priest's breastplate. |
| Dan 10:6 | His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning... | Description of a glorious angel, body like beryl. |
Ezekiel 10 verses
Ezekiel 10 9 Meaning
Ezekiel 10:9 describes a part of God's mobile throne-chariot, detailing the appearance and arrangement of the wheels that accompany the cherubim. It emphasizes the intricate and dynamic structure that transports God's glory. The wheels are seen as an integral part of this divine vehicle, mirroring the configuration seen in Ezekiel chapter 1. Their precious, translucent, beryl-like appearance signifies purity, brilliance, and the inherent glory associated with the divine presence and movement. This vision underscores God's sovereignty, His readiness for judgment and redemption, and His majestic, awe-inspiring presence.
Ezekiel 10 9 Context
Ezekiel 10 is a continuation of the prophet Ezekiel's vision of God's glory departing from the Jerusalem Temple, a profound event given the centrality of the Temple in Israelite worship and identity. Chapter 9 described the judgment beginning in the Temple itself. Chapter 10 reiterates and expands upon the vision of the divine chariot-throne previously seen in Chapter 1. The prophet's perspective in this chapter focuses on the cherubim and the wheels, which together form the mobile platform for God's presence. Verse 9 specifically highlights the detailed construction and brilliant appearance of these wheels. This imagery underscores God's omnipresence, His freedom from earthly constraints (even His Temple), and His readiness to move and execute judgment or salvation. The historical context is the Babylonian exile, where God demonstrates that His glory is not confined to Jerusalem but accompanies His people and His purposes, even in their judgment.
Ezekiel 10 9 Word analysis
And when I looked (וָאֶרְאֶה, va'er'eh): Signifies Ezekiel's direct experience and perception of the vision. It emphasizes the prophetic observer's firsthand account of the unfolding divine spectacle. This is an active and focused observation by the prophet.
behold (וְהִנֵּה, ve'hinneh): This interjection serves as an exclamation, drawing attention to something remarkable, surprising, or particularly significant that is about to be described. It signifies a fresh observation or a deepening of insight into the previous vision.
the four wheels (הָאוֹפַנִּים אַרְבָּעָה, ha'ophannim arba'ah): The Hebrew term for wheel, ophan, is used here. These are the same wheels described in Eze 1, forming the base of the divine chariot-throne. The number four universally represents completion and the four cardinal directions, implying universal reach and comprehensive power. These wheels are not static but designed for divine movement and omnipresent direction.
by the cherubims (אֵצֶל הַכְּרוּבִים, 'etzel hakeruvim): The Hebrew word cheruvim (plural of cheruv) denotes angelic, winged creatures, traditionally guardians of holy places and God's throne. Their presence signifies the holiness, power, and glory of God. Here, they are integrally connected to the wheels, forming a unified, dynamic system.
one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: This detailed repetition emphasizes the precise, symmetrical, and ordered arrangement of the components. Each cherub had a designated wheel, indicating the highly organized nature of God's divine apparatus and the unity of movement—the cherubim and wheels moved in perfect coordination (cf. Eze 1:19-20).
and the appearance (וּמַרְאֵה, u'mar'eh): The Hebrew mar'eh means "sight," "vision," or "appearance." It refers to the visual quality, the perceived look or aesthetic. This highlights that the external manifestation was striking and awe-inspiring.
of the wheels (הָאוֹפַנִּים, ha'ophannim): Specifies that the description of "appearance" pertains specifically to these unique components of the divine chariot.
was as the color of a beryl stone (כְּעֵין תַּרְשִׁישׁ, ke'ein tarshish): Tarshish (כּוּיְרֶןתַּרְשִׁישׁ) is the Hebrew name for a precious stone, commonly identified as chrysolite or topaz, characterized by a yellowish-green or sea-green hue, clarity, and brilliance. In biblical contexts, such precious stones often signify purity, value, glory, and divine splendor. The description ke'ein, "like the eye of" or "like the color of," indicates its sparkling, transparent quality, resembling polished glass or clear water with a distinctive hue.
the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub...: This grouping highlights the inseparable integration of the living creatures and the wheels. They are not merely separate entities, but parts of a singular, divinely directed mobile throne. This unified structure enables seamless movement in any direction, representing God's omnipresence and the unhindered execution of His will.
appearance of the wheels... as the color of a beryl stone: This phrase powerfully conveys the radiant, ethereal, and majestic quality of these divine instruments. The chosen stone, tarshish or beryl, signifies preciousness and purity, further amplifying the splendor of God's glory. This vivid visual description aims to inspire awe and reverence, showing that even the inanimate components of God's throne radiate His holy brilliance.
Ezekiel 10 9 Bonus section
The repetitive language concerning "one wheel by one cherub" echoes a liturgical or precise description, stressing that this divine apparatus is meticulously crafted and perfectly ordered, reflecting the perfect nature of God. The mention of "beryl stone" connects the appearance of these wheels to various biblical portrayals of divine splendor and holy garments, reinforcing their sacred nature. For instance, the High Priest's breastplate had a beryl stone, symbolizing the tribes' preciousness before God. This imagery in Ezekiel serves to reinforce the idea that even during judgment, God remains glorious, majestic, and in absolute control, and that His very being is associated with light, purity, and profound beauty. This contrast underscores the grave error of the idolatry that prompted His departure from the Temple.
Ezekiel 10 9 Commentary
Ezekiel 10:9 offers a close-up on the foundational mechanics and glorious appearance of God's throne-chariot as it prepares to depart from Jerusalem. It reaffirms the details of Ezekiel 1, specifically the integration of four magnificent wheels with the four cherubim, ensuring a perfectly synchronized, multi-directional movement. The description of their "beryl stone" appearance, likely a radiant yellowish-green or sea-green transparency, emphasizes the precious, pure, and awe-inspiring nature of every aspect of God's divine presence. This vivid imagery is not just about aesthetics; it portrays God's majestic power, His untainted glory, and His absolute sovereignty, allowing Him to move unfettered by earthly constraints and to execute His judgments according to His perfect will. The unified movement of the cherubim and wheels, described in detail here, speaks to the divine order and irresistible force of God's actions.