Ezekiel 41:18 kjv
And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;
Ezekiel 41:18 nkjv
And it was made with cherubim and palm trees, a palm tree between cherub and cherub. Each cherub had two faces,
Ezekiel 41:18 niv
were carved cherubim and palm trees. Palm trees alternated with cherubim. Each cherub had two faces:
Ezekiel 41:18 esv
It was carved of cherubim and palm trees, a palm tree between cherub and cherub. Every cherub had two faces:
Ezekiel 41:18 nlt
All the walls were decorated with carvings of cherubim, each with two faces, and there was a carving of a palm tree between each of the cherubim.
Ezekiel 41 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Ezekiel 41:18 | ...and cherubim were upon the walls of the temple. | Cherubim's role in God's presence (Gen 3:24) |
| Ezekiel 41:19 | From the floor to above the door cherubim also, and on the palm trees; | Cherubim guarding holy places (Ex 25:18-20) |
| Ezekiel 41:19 | and palm trees were alternating with cherubim, two cherubim on every palm. | Symbolic flora in the Tabernacle (Ex 26:1,31) |
| Genesis 3:24 | So He drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden He placed the cherubim | Cherubim as guardians of access to God |
| Exodus 25:18 | And you shall make two cherubim of gold, of hammered work shalt thou make them | Cherubim adorning the Ark of the Covenant |
| Exodus 25:20 | The cherubim shall stretch out over it their wings outstretched, covering the mercy seat with their wings | Cherubim signifying God's overshadowing presence |
| 1 Kings 6:29 | And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubim and palm trees and opening flowers | Temple ornamentation reflecting divine order |
| Psalm 18:10 | He rode also upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. | Cherubim as instruments of God's movement |
| Revelation 4:6 | And before the throne was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and on each side of the throne, were four beasts full of eyes | Cherubic beings in heavenly vision |
| Revelation 4:8 | And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes round about and within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty | Cherubic praise in heaven |
| Exodus 36:35 | And he made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, wrought with cunning work. | Decorative hangings with symbolic motifs |
| 1 Corinthians 3:16 | Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? | Believers as a temple |
| 1 Corinthians 6:19 | What? know ye not that your body is the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? | The indwelling Spirit in believers |
| 2 Corinthians 6:16 | And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; | The distinction between God's temple and idols |
| Revelation 11:1 | And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. | Measuring the spiritual temple |
| Isaiah 56:7 | Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all nations. | The universality of God's house |
| Jeremiah 31:40 | And the whole valley of the dead bodies, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the brook of Kidron, unto the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy unto the LORD; it shall not be plucked up, nor overthrown any more for ever. | Holiness of places consecrated to God |
| Acts 17:24 | God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is the Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; | God's transcendence beyond physical temples |
| Hebrews 9:24 | For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: | Christ entering the true heavenly sanctuary |
| Hebrews 10:19 | Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus | Access to God through Christ's sacrifice |
Ezekiel 41 verses
Ezekiel 41 18 Meaning
This verse describes a further architectural detail of the temple's inner court, specifically referencing cherubim and palm trees depicted on the walls, suggesting a spiritual and symbolic purpose for the design. It points to a representation of God's creation and his work in salvation, set within his dwelling place. The craftsmanship and imagery used were meant to inspire awe and remind observers of God's presence and His promises.
Ezekiel 41 18 Context
This verse is part of Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a restored temple in Jerusalem. The prophet is meticulously describing the dimensions and decorative elements of this future sanctuary, emphasizing its holiness and divine order. The specific focus here is on the wall carvings within the inner sanctuary, portraying cherubim and palm trees. These motifs are deeply symbolic in the Old Testament, representing divine presence, protection, beauty, and the blessings associated with God's covenant people and the land. The repetition of these elements throughout the temple's structure underscores their importance in communicating spiritual truths to those who would worship there. The historical context is post-exilic, but the vision anticipates a renewed, ideal temple.
Ezekiel 41 18 Word Analysis
- And: Conjunction indicating a continuation of the description.
- cherubim: (Hebrew: keruvim) - Plural of keruv. In the Bible, cherubim are celestial beings associated with God's throne, holiness, and glory. They often serve as guardians of sacred spaces.
- were: Past tense verb, indicating existence or placement.
- upon: Preposition indicating location.
- the walls: Refers to the structural boundaries of the temple's chambers.
- of: Preposition indicating possession or relation.
- the temple: The sacred house of God.
- And: Conjunction linking the next descriptive element.
- cherubim: (Hebrew: keruvim) - Same as above, reiterating their presence.
- also: Adverb indicating addition.
- and: Conjunction.
- on: Preposition indicating location.
- the palm: (Hebrew: tamar) - A tree that symbolizes prosperity, victory, and righteousness. It was a common motif in ancient Near Eastern art and symbolism, and within the Israelite context, it represented fertility and God's blessing on the land.
- trees: Plural of tree.
Words-group Analysis:
- Cherubim upon the walls of the temple: This phrase emphasizes the integral role of cherubic imagery in delineating and decorating the sacred space of the temple, marking it as a place of divine habitation and holiness, akin to their role guarding Eden and adorning the Ark.
- Cherubim also, and on the palm trees: This further specifies the placement of these motifs, indicating an intricate design where cherubim and palm trees are depicted in conjunction, possibly representing the harmonious flourishing of God's presence and its blessings. The alternating pattern suggests order and divine provision.
Ezekiel 41 18 Bonus Section
The recurring motif of cherubim in Ezekiel's vision signifies a renewed manifestation of God's glory and presence, surpassing even the former tabernacle and temple. The detailed specifications for their depiction and placement are meant to convey profound theological truths about God's majesty and his desire to dwell among His people. The integration of cherubim with palm trees can be understood as the heavenly (cherubim) coexisting with earthly flourishing and restoration (palm trees), a preview of the Messianic era and the new heavens and new earth where God's presence brings perfect life and order. This contrasts with the idolatrous practices that led to Israel's exile, as the vision establishes a sanctuary dedicated solely to the true God.
Ezekiel 41 18 Commentary
The prophet Ezekiel continues to paint a vivid picture of a future temple, intricately designed with symbolic carvings. The cherubim, recurring throughout the text, are not mere decorations but potent symbols of God's glorious presence and sovereign rule. Their placement on the walls, alternating with palm trees, suggests a divine order and the blessings that flow from dwelling in God's presence. This imagery echoes the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant and in Eden, signifying a restored access to God's holy habitation. The palm trees speak of life, fruitfulness, and the prosperity that comes from righteous living under God's covenant.