God’s glory leaving the temple illustrates that persistent disobedience inevitably leads to separation from His protective presence.
Ezekiel describes how “Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the temple, and the temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD” (v.4). Here, the prophet witnesses God’s majestic presence symbolically lifting away from the cherubim stationed by the inner chamber. Ezekiel was part of the second wave of exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, and he penned these visions while living near the Chebar River in a foreign land. Nevertheless, his focus stayed on Jerusalem, where the temple sat atop Mount Moriah—the holiest place in Judah—revealing how God’s imminent departure signaled that judgment was coming upon a rebellious people.
Cherubim in scripture are not the childlike figures of popular art, but mighty angelic beings near God’s throne. One passage notes how these “crazy creatures” are filled with eyes and have multiple faces, embodying God’s power, presence, and omniscience. Their association with the ark (Exodus 25:22) and other visions (Revelation 4) shows they serve as guardians of His holiness. By stating that the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, Ezekiel alludes to how God’s presence was once enthroned between these cherubim. Now, with the glory moving away from its central position, it portends the withdrawal of divine protection.
The phrase the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD (v.4) signifies both splendor and sorrow. God’s dazzling majesty still illuminates the temple’s courtyard, underscoring His rightful place, yet this display is also a final notice before full departure. Jerusalem—located in Judah’s southern highlands—would soon face devastation in 586 BC. This frightening scene is a reminder that God never abandons His people lightly. Ezekiel’s vision remains a solemn call to return to faithfulness, since once God’s presence has departed, the city is left unshielded against impending judgment.
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Ezekiel 10:4 meaning
Ezekiel describes how “Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the temple, and the temple was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD” (v.4). Here, the prophet witnesses God’s majestic presence symbolically lifting away from the cherubim stationed by the inner chamber. Ezekiel was part of the second wave of exiles taken to Babylon in 597 BC, and he penned these visions while living near the Chebar River in a foreign land. Nevertheless, his focus stayed on Jerusalem, where the temple sat atop Mount Moriah—the holiest place in Judah—revealing how God’s imminent departure signaled that judgment was coming upon a rebellious people.
Cherubim in scripture are not the childlike figures of popular art, but mighty angelic beings near God’s throne. One passage notes how these “crazy creatures” are filled with eyes and have multiple faces, embodying God’s power, presence, and omniscience. Their association with the ark (Exodus 25:22) and other visions (Revelation 4) shows they serve as guardians of His holiness. By stating that the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, Ezekiel alludes to how God’s presence was once enthroned between these cherubim. Now, with the glory moving away from its central position, it portends the withdrawal of divine protection.
The phrase the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD (v.4) signifies both splendor and sorrow. God’s dazzling majesty still illuminates the temple’s courtyard, underscoring His rightful place, yet this display is also a final notice before full departure. Jerusalem—located in Judah’s southern highlands—would soon face devastation in 586 BC. This frightening scene is a reminder that God never abandons His people lightly. Ezekiel’s vision remains a solemn call to return to faithfulness, since once God’s presence has departed, the city is left unshielded against impending judgment.