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Book of Ezekiel
Chapter 10

Chapter 10 . . . The LORD commands the same Person (man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn, 9:2), to go in between the wheels of the cherubim, and take His hand full of live coals, and scatter them over the city. He went as commanded, and one of the cherubim gave Him the coals; at the same time the glory of the LORD, that had removed to the threshold of the house, now returned, and stood over the cherubim. The cherubim, wheels, wings, etc., are here described as in Chapter 1. This is the bulk of the tenth chapter.

Chapter 10 continues Ezekiel's vision of the departing glory of the LORD. God has supernaturally transported Ezekiel to Jerusalem, in this vision, to let him see these things and then return to report to the people of Israel who were already in captivity in Babylon. They were being told by the false prophets that everything was fine in Jerusalem and they would return there shortly. Ezekiel will be able to go back and tell them exactly WHY God is going to destroy the Temple and the city and allow judgment to come upon them. Chapter 8 showed sufficient proof of the arrogant and abominable SIN in the lives of the people in Jerusalem . . . from the highest down to the lowest! ALL were guilty! And the LORD GOD made that perfectly clear to Ezekiel.

We today, need to realize the FACT that God indeed does judge! It is one of the proofs we have that there is a Living God, Who knows exactly what is taking place in this wicked world. As I sit here writing, I hear the rain coming down. It is coming from Hurricane Harvey that touched down on the coast last night. Could it be a warning of worse to come? I do not know, but I do know that the LORD is getting fed up with the increasing sin: abortion, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, same sex marriage, people living in sin without being married, etc., etc., etc. People today are not sacrificing their children to Baal, as they did in Ezekiel’s time (Chapter 7) . . . but they ARE killing their children by abortion! Do you really think there is a difference to the Almighty LORD? Murder is murder when you take a life of another, no matter how you do it! And what about the violence? It is not brought on today for exactly the same reason as it was in Ezekiel’s time . . . but in today’s world, violence is everywhere! Today it is Muslim extremists, racial bigotry, drug addiction which leads to violence and murder to support their habit, arguments about abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, etc., etc.
Isaiah 48:22 There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked. (KJV) . . . How true this is!
Dear one, we CANNOT get by with our sin, and the very fact that we do not get by with it is proof that God exists. The "wheel in the middle of a wheel" (1:16), which Ezekiel saw speak of the energy of God as He moves in the affairs of men.

The glory of the LORD was above the cherubim . . . between the cherubim in the Holy of Holies in the Holy Temple. The nation of Israel had what NO other nation had and, that the church does not have today . . . the Visible Presence of Almighty God, His Shekinah! These people had the Shekinah Glory, the Visible Presence of God, that which Ezekiel saw in his vision in Chapter 1.

That Glory began to depart in Chapter 9 and will now continue its departure. It moved out of the Temple and hovered over it.
For more on Shekinah, see Special Comments at the end of this Chapter.

Shekinah Glory Fills the Holy Place (10:1-15)

Ezekiel 10:1 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. (KJV)

Then I looked, and, behold . . . after the vision of the destruction of the greater part of the inhabitants of Jerusalem by the six men with slaughter weapons (9:2), and of the preservation of a few by the man clothed with linen (9:3), yet another vision is seen by Ezekiel, of which some things were similar to what he saw in Chapter 1, although in some ways different, and were revealed in a different way; in part to represent the destruction of Jerusalem by fire, and in part the LORD'S removal from it.
In the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim . . . this is the same as with the living creatures (1:22); where the sky or expanse of heaven is said to be over their heads.  
There appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne . . . (1:26); as it were a sapphire stone (1:22-26). The chariot, here mentioned by the prophet, was exactly the same as the one which he saw at the river Chebar (1:3).

*****We have a continuation of the major theme of Ezekiel Chapters 8-11, which for the most part deals with the final departure of the Presence of God (Shekinah) from the apostate capitol of the once Chosen people. Ezekiel 9:9-22 show preparations for the withdrawal of God's Presence, Ezekiel 10:1-8 prophesy the burning of Jerusalem; and the LORD’S final departure is revealed in Chapter 11.

Ezekiel 10:2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight. (KJV)

And he spake unto the man clothed with linen . . . this is still the God of Israel, or the glory of the LORD, that sat upon the throne before described; giving orders to the man clothed in linen, who appears now in another character, and represents the Chaldean or Roman army. The man . . . the Messenger of mercy (9:4), now becomes the Messenger of judgment (9:2). Human agents of destruction shall fulfil the will of the Man, who is the LORD of men.
And said, go in between the wheels, even under the cherub . . . cherub singular for the plural, cherubim; the wheels were under these; since the wheels were by the cherubim. Wheels . . . imply quick revolution; so was the impetuous onset of the foe (23:24; 26:10), whereas the word ophan (1:15-16) implies mere revolution.
And fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city . . . these coals of fire were a symbol of the wrath of God against Jerusalem, and of the destruction of it by fire. These coals of fire were gotten from between the cherubim, showing that the cause of this wrath and ruin was the bad treatment of the prophets of the LORD (2 Chron.36:15), as the destruction of the same city afterwards by the Romans was owing, as to the rejection and killing of the Messiah, so too the prosecution of His apostle (1 Thes.2:15).  
This fire is different from the fire on the altar never going out (Lev.6:12-13), whereby peace was made with God! See (Isa.33:12-14). So, these coals were NOT taken from the altar of reconciliation, but from between the wheels of the cherubim, representing the providence of God, and NOT by accident, because judgment is to fall.
And he went in my sight . . . in the sight of the prophet, as it appeared to him in the vision he saw, as he was ordered, between the wheels, and under the cherubim; but as yet he did not see Him take the coals of fire, nor scatter them . . . for this was done afterwards, as related in the other part of the vision.

*****The man clothed in linen immediately obeyed and went in between the whirling wheels below the purity and brightness of the throne, in Ezekiel’s full view. The sight clearly affected him for he precisely states what he saw it, possibly because he was stunned that any being other than a cherub (angel) could enter within that place of glorious majesty.
The LORD GOD reveals His Glory in the upper world, where all is perfection (Mat.6:10); and the vast expanse of the firmament speaks of the LORD that dwells there eternally. It is in the expanse of His power and of His viewpoint too; for it is from there He watches ALL the children of men, the good and the bad! His Divine nature infinitely exceeds the angelic nature, for God is far above the head of the cherubim, not only in respect of His dignity above them, but of His dominion over them. Cherubim have great power, wisdom and influence, but they ALL are subject to the LORD JESUS CHRIST. The LORD is there upon the throne, or that which seemed to be a throne, for God's glory and government definitely exceed all the brightest ideas our minds can ever form; for it was as it were a sapphire-stone, pure and sparkling; for such a throne does God have in the Heavens, far exceeding any throne of any earthly ruler.

Ezekiel 10:3 Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. (KJV)

Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house . . . according to the Targum, it was the south side of the house; but another interprets it as the opposite, to the north, where the gross idolatries were committed (8:3), standing at the greatest distance from them, and bearing their testimony against them.
When the man went in . . . it seemed as if they stood on an embankment, through which the man clothed with linen passed, waiting upon Him; paying respect to Him; agreeing to what He did; and approving of it: this circumstance is mentioned, because they were not always in this position, only at this time; nor did they continue so; we afterwards hear of their motion.
Now the cherubims stood on the right side . . . on the south side; being now removed from the north door (8:3-4; 9:3) as loathing that place of so great idolatry.
And the cloud filled the inner court . . . to indicate that now upon God’s departure, there would be darkness in the Temple, in the priests’ courts (Ps.18:11; Rev.15:8).

*****He is here attended with a glorious train of holy angels. When the man clothed with linen (9:3) came into His Temple the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, as the Prince's life-guard, attending the gate of His palace. Christ has angels at His command. The orders given to all the angels of God are to worship Him. Some say that they stood on the right side of the house (the south side), because on the north side the image of jealousy was (8:3, 5), and other instances of idolatry, from which they would place themselves at as great a distance as might be.

Ezekiel 10:4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory. (KJV)

Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub . . . or cherubim; those that were on the mercy seat, between which the Shekinah or glorious majesty of God dwelt, in the most holy place: this is a token and indication of the LORD'S leaving of the Temple; and a little before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, to which this vision chiefly, if not altogether. Glory of God gone: (9:3; 10:4, 18; 11:22)
And stood over the threshold of the house . . . either of the holy of holies, from where He was removing; or rather of the holy place, the court of the priests, the inward court, and so open to the outward court, and view of the people in it.
And the house was filled with the cloud . . . the Temple, being forsaken of God, was filled with darkness; a symbol of that BLINDNESS which had come over the Jews, and will continue on them until the fulness of the Gentiles is brought in (Rom.11:25).  
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_romans_ch.11.htm
And the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory . . .either the inward court, as the Glory of the LORD passed through it from the holy of holies; or the outward court, of which mention is made here; the Glory of the LORD being on the threshold of the House, which looked towards that, and so enlightened it. This outward court indicates the Gentiles; who, when the LORD removed from the Jewish nation and people, were favored with the glorious light of the Gospel, and ordinances of Christ; whereby they were enlightened, and filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Eph.1:17; Phil.3:8; Col.1:10; 2 Pet.1:2, 8; 2:20; 3:18), with the knowledge of him, who is the brightness of His Father's glory, and the express image of His Person; so through the fall of the Jews salvation came to the Gentiles.

*****The Glory of the LORD; the visible token of the Presence of the God of Glory. In token of His departure from the Temple; showing His unwillingness to leave, and giving the people time to return to Him, He stands where He might be easily seen, both by priests and people, that BOTH might be moved to repent . . . but they do NOT repent! Psalm 18:11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. (KJV) . . . In the Temple above there will be no cloud, so we will be able to see Him Face to face.

Ezekiel 10:5 And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh. (KJV)

And the sound of the cherubim's wings was heard even to the outer court . . . this great sound is described in different ways: as very loud, as the voice of the Almighty, as of a rushing mighty wind, etc. In the New Testament on the Day of Pentecost, when God's Glory was manifested by the appearance of the Holy Spirit upon the holy apostles, that event also was marked by cloven tongues like as of fire and the sound of a rushing mighty wind (Acts 2:2-3).
The meaning of this chapter is that the very Appearance of God's Glory which had appeared to Ezekiel in Babylon at the Chebar river (canal) is here seen in the process of deserting the Temple in Jerusalem, indicating that God's concern in the future from the destruction of Jerusalem would rest with the exiles in Babylon and not with any stragglers left in Jerusalem.
As the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh . . . the Gospel is as thunder, which is the voice of God; and the ministers of it are Boanergeses, sons of thunder (Mk.3:17). It shakes the conscience; shows men their danger; and points to the Saviour: it is NOT the word of man, but in deed and in truth it is the Holy Word of God: it is the Voice of Christ, who is the Almighty One; and it appears to be so, by its powerful effects, for it is joined with divine energy that quickens (brings to life) spiritually dead sinners; enlightening dark minds; unplugging deaf ears; softening hard hearts; and turning men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to the power of God (Acts 26:18); it is so when God speaks in it, and by it; when it comes not in word only, but in the Holy Ghost, and in great power.

*****The cherubim, made an alarming sound with their wings. The vibration of them, as of the strings of musical instruments, made an interesting melody, just as bees and other winged insects make a sound with their wings. This sound possibly meant they were preparing to lift up, by stretching forth and lifting up their wings, which made this noise as it were to give warning of it. This noise is said to be as the Voice of Almighty God when He speaks, as the thunder, which is called the voice of the Lord (Ps.29:3-8), or as the voice of the Lord when He spoke to Israel on Mount Sinai (Deut.5:22, 25); and therefore He then gave the Law with abundance of terror, to signify with what terror He would reckon for the desecration or violation of it, which He was now about to do. This noise of the cherub’s wings was heard even to the outer court, the court of the people.

Ezekiel 10:6 And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels. (KJV)

And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen . . . after the orders were given by Him that was on the throne to the man clothed with linen.
Saying, take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubim . . .  verse 2 is the same as this. What is said to be between the wheels is also said to be between the cherubim; which are angels, the ministers of God’s providence; and so what now is seen to be between the wheels, is the result of God’s providence, for the angels are the LORD’S servants. The cherubim, once the ministers of the amazing grace of God, are now the ministers of His vengeance.
Then he went in . . . the man clothed with linen went immediately into the place where the wheels and cherubim were; under the firmament of Heaven, where it appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne (verse 1). Went in . . . NOT in the Temple, but between the cherubim. When commanded, the man clothed with linen with no delay, obeys (Ps.40:8; Heb.10:7).         

*****When the prophet first saw this vision (Chapter 1), he saw that there were burning coals of fire, like lamps, that went up and down among the living creatures (1:13); so it was from there this fire was to be taken (verse7). It is by this heavenly fire, the fire from between the cherubim, that divine wonders are wrought. The cherubim will put the fire into His Hand (Christ, the man clothed with linen); for the angels are ready to be employed by the LORD Jesus and to serve all His purposes.

Ezekiel 10:7 And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out. (KJV)

And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims . . . one of the four living creatures, or cherubim, put out his hand from among the rest. His hand . . . they had the hands of a man under their wings (1:8). . . . Fire evidently has no power over these angelical beings. Nothing is said about tongs as it does in (Isa.6:6), so it would be as stated here, as taking up coals with his bare hands.
Unto the fire that was between the cherubim . . . to which the reference is here . . . fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning (1:13).
And took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen . . . see verse  2; this cherub that put forth his hands, both hands, for it is plural; took thereof . . . as a servant reaches for what his master would have and use. The man clothed with linen took it, received it of the angel, as one who might use it when He would,
And went out . . . from among the angels, and out of the Temple; or from the threshold, where this vision appeared, and he goes into the city to prepare all, that nothing be done too soon, or too late.

*****When the cherub had taken the fire, he gave it to the man clothed with linen, Who no doubt would give orders to scatter it all around the city, as He was directed. Dear one . . . WHO is it that can abide the Day of His Coming? WHO is it that can stand before Him when His wrath has been filled to overflowing? I think that Ezekiel is teaching the end of this vision, and I believe that the end refers to the last days . . . so we better pay close attention!
These rebellious Jews (2:3-7), thought that they would always be protected under GOD’S Holy Presence(Shekinah), and they thought that the sacred fire on the altar would make amends for all their wickedness. BUT the LORD GOD showed that He, as He resided in His Holy Temple, saw first-hand their immoral and ungodly iniquities . . . so He clothed Himself with Holy and righteous wrath against them. And since the cherubim were keepers of the LORD’S weapons, it would be by them by which these rebellious people would be destroyed.

Ezekiel 10:8 And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings. (KJV)

And there appeared in the cherubim . . . there appeared to the prophet, in the vision, the cherubim, which are the LORD’S ministering spirits.
The form of a man's hand under their wings . . . (1:8), one of them seemed to put forth his hand, which was seen by the prophet (verse 7). But this was only the form of a man’s hand. Some say this is to show that this it is not to be taken literally, but only as was seen by Ezekiel in this vision of prophecy. This hand, being under their wings indicates secrecy and privacy, and it seems the whole of this applies to the ministers of the Word of God, and expresses their activity and diligence in the work of the LORD, both in private and in public. They make no boast nor spectacle of their work and labor, and take NO credit for anything to themselves, but all is for the grace and glory of God.

*****Hands appeared under the wings, so that the prophet might understand the great stamina of angels for action, but it also marks the agreement of their excitement with their ever so quick obedience which they offer to God. There is no doubt that the wings of angels represent direction, by which the LORD tells us that the angels have no proper or independent, motion, but are directed by His secret desire. It is clear that when wings were given to angels, by this symbol God’s secret government was pointed out (Col.1:16), for they are not only called principalities, but powers. So, since Almighty God directs angels by His own will, He as a result, wishes them to be represented in the sanctuary as winged (Ex.25:20; 37:9).
Because there is no action without hands, Ezekiel says that human hands appeared under the wings. . . it is as if he had said, that this eagerness was not without effect, because it was joined with action.

Ezekiel 10:9 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. (KJV)

And when I looked, behold, the four wheels by the cherubim . . . this verse and the verses that follow are similar to Ezekiel 1:15-18, except that now the living creatures are called cherubim. It could be that Ezekiel had not connected the living creatures with the cherubim until he saw them connected with the Temple. Maybe he did not want to tell his hearers in case they thought the LORD GOD had already deserted His Temple.
One wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub . . . the wheels express the many changes and revolutions in the world;
And the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone . . . beryl is a precious stone of a sea green color (1:16).  The Targum renders it in general, a precious stone; one version, a carbuncle; and another version, a chrysolite.

*****This awesome God, while He turns the world, preserves an even course with respect to Himself, so that what we call changes, have no disrespect to Him, but each change or revolution is in perfect harmony with all the others He makes. For He does not mean that one wheel was greater and another less, but that two wheels were so united that they were at right angles to each other. Therefore it is said, one wheel was in the middle, of another (1:16). Dear one, I think that God represents to us what life experiences teach . . . the world is carried along by the wheels, and that there is such great variety that God seems to send forth His compelling force, now to the right hand and then to the left and all according to His Holy purpose and will!  

Ezekiel 10:10 And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel. (KJV)

And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness. . . all four were exactly like one another; they all were made of the same matter, they all had the color of a beryl stone, they all were in the same form of a wheel; and in matter, form and shape, and always completely agreed one with another, as TRUE Gospel churches do (1:16). All four had one likeness . . . in the magnificent variety of God’s marvelous works there is great harmony; yet all four looked alike.  
As if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel . . . not included in one another, but were formed at right angles or in transverse way; cutting one another at right angles, so that the whole might move in any of the four directions or quarters of the world.

*****A wheel had been in the midst of a wheel . . . this is difficult to comprehend. It usually means one wheel within another, cutting each other at right angles, but this will not explain the motions ascribed to these wheels; nor can I see how, on this possibility, they could have any motion; for if one was moved on its axis, the other must be dragged contrary to its axis. This could mean a wheel within a wheel, or a wheel with two rims, working on the same axle (1:16-18). This really is not a matter of faith; so the reader may judge as he thinks is right. For other matters relating to this chariot, wheels, cherubim, wings, etc., re-reading Chapter 1 again may help.

Ezekiel 10:11 When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went. (KJV)

When they went, they went upon their four sides . . . all four (1:5, 10), had four sides, by being made in the transverse way before mentioned; just as the New Jerusalem church state is said to be foursquare (Rev.21:16); and this may mean the uniformity of Gospel churches in every state and condition, prosperous and adverse; and the constancy of their walk, conduct and their lifestyle.  
They turned not as they went . . . not to the right or the left, but went on in the path of faith and duty, keeping close to the Word of God, and keeping up a conversation, discipline and worship, according to it. Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (KJV) . . . Turned not . . . they moved straight on without turning (1:9), having a face towards each of the four quarters, they did not need to turn around to change direction. 

*****Ezekiel sees the Glory of God (Shekinah) shining in the Sanctuary, just as he had seen it by the river of Chebar, and gives an account of it, that those who had by their wickedness provoked God to depart from them might know what they had lost and might lament after the LORD. Ezekiel here sees the working of Divine Providence in the government of the lower world, and the affairs of it, represented by the four living creatures (1:5, 15) and the perfections of the holy angels, the inhabitants of the upper world, and their ministrations, represented by the four living creatures, every one of which had four faces. The agency of the angels in directing the affairs of this world is represented by the close communication that was between the living creatures and the wheels, the wheels being guided by them in all their motions, as the chariot is by him that drives it. But it was the same Spirit being both in the living creatures and in the wheels, indicating the infinite wisdom which serves its own purposes by the ministration of angels and all the occurrences of this lower world.
This vision gives a view of the throne which the LORD has prepared in the Heavens, and which Kingdom rules over all (Ps.103:19). The prophet notices that this was the same vision that he saw by the river of Chebar, yet one thing seems different, that which was there was the face of an ox, and was on the left side (1:10), but is here the face of a cherub, and is the first face (verse 14), where some have concluded that the unusual face of a cherub was that of an ox, which the Israelites had an eye to when they made the golden calf.

Ezekiel 10:12 And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had. (KJV)

And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings . . . this is to be understood not of the wheels, to whom body or flesh, backs, hands and wings, do not belong, but of the cherubim. . . the sense is, that as the wheels were alike, and have one and the same form and appearance, so too have the cherubim; they were exactly alike in their body, backs, hands and wings; indicating the agreement between Gospel ministers, in their doctrine, work and conversation. Body is literally flesh, because a body consists of flesh.
And the wheels were full of eyes round about . . . meaning the rings or circles of the wheels (1:18), suggesting that churches are made up of enlightened persons, who was able to see their sin and danger of it, and looked to Christ for salvation, and walked cautiously, and watched over one another. Wheels, full of eyes . . . Ezekiel 1:18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. (KJV) . . . this attributes eyes to the wheels alone; but here (10:12), the cherubim themselves were full of eyes. The eyes imply that the LORD GOD, sees all things: (2 Chron.16:9; Job 34:21; Ps.34:15; 113:6; Pro.5:21; 15:3; Jer.16:17; 32:19; Zec.4:10).
Even the wheels that they four had . . . the wheels belonged to the four living creatures or cherubim. These creatures of GOD with their whole body, backs, hands, wings and wheels full of eyes would appear as very strange to us. In Chapter 1, just the rims of the wheels were said to   be full of eyes, but here, all other parts of their bodies are so described to be full of eyes.  These eyes are eyes that report back to GOD!

*****God has been called All Eye, All Seeing Eye or All Knowing God. To the wicked, this is the terrible thing about living, because there is no privacy, no way to conceal wrong-doing, and no possibility of hiding anything from this All-Seeing GOD! All they do is wide open to this Holy One Who looks down on us and SEES everything!

People can actually hide many immoral and vulgar things they do from the public, sort of shut the door on that kind of world . . . but do you honestly think you can shut the door of Heaven so that GOD’S Eyes CANNOT see what you are doing? GOD’S EYES are everywhere!

People are fools when they think they are not being observed, watched, condemned and judged. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth (Zec.4:10). We do NOT need to regard this part of Divine providence as alarming. The feature will be to us what we are to it. Faithful servants are encouraged by remembering the fact that the Master’s Eye is upon them (Jn.13:13) . . . whereas unfaithful servants will regard the action of that eye as judgment (1 Jn. 5:12). Dear one . . . the LORD GOD is to us what we are to Him! If we are humble, He is gracious; if we are stubborn, He is determined; if we are sinful, He is angry; if we willingly disobey, His Holy wrath brings vengeance, but if we are prayerful, He is kindhearted and compassionate.

The wicked should indeed tremble when he hears that the whole skyline is filled with eyes that do not miss a single thing; but the good man can rejoice that Heaven’s eyes are looking at him with satisfaction, watching his actions that it may come to joy, reward, rest and greater power of service in the generations yet to come.

Ezekiel 10:13 As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel. (KJV)
As for the wheels, it was cried to them in my hearing . . . by Him Who sat upon the throne calling for their obedience, as indeed all things are God’s servants. Psalm 119:91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. (KJV) . . . It seems this verse refers back to verses 2 and 6, also see Isaiah 17:13 “a rolling thing.”
O wheel . . . the wheels either had the ability to hear, or they have been represented as such.
To me, the meaning of this statement is unclear.

*****There is a marvelous harmony and uniformity in the various occurrences of Divine providence. As for the wheels, although they moved several ways, yet it was cried to them, O wheel . . . for all the wheels acted and moved as one, being guided by ONE Spirit for one purpose. Our Almighty and wise God works all things according to the guidelines of His will, for His own glory. When we consider each work of the LORD’S Creation separately, they are good, but when all put together, they are wonderful . . . so the wheels of Providence, considered separately are good, but when they work together, they are truly wonderful. O wheel!

Ezekiel 10:14 And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. (KJV)

And everyone had four faces . . . meaning every one of the wheels had four faces, for Ezekiel is still talking about wheels, which agrees with Ezekiel 1:15.
The first face was the face of a cherub . . . the face of a cherub takes the place of the face of an ox (1:10), and shows that the face of an ox and a cherub are the same; and that the living creatures. Ezekiel 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. (KJV)
And the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle . . . the primary face of the four cherubs was not the ox, but man. So cherub cannot be the same as ox. Most likely Ezekiel, standing in front of one of the cherubim (namely, that which handed the coals to the man in linen), saw of him, not just the ox-form, but the whole fourfold form, and therefore calls him simply cherub; whereas of the other three, having only a side view, he states the form of each which met his eye.

CONSIDER: We have here a glorious appearance of the Divine Majesty, like that which the prophet saw in Chapter 1; a throne of dazzling brightness set in the firmament (sky, space) above the cherubim, with God's attending ministers ready and willing to obey His commands.
<><><>God departs from His Holy Place,  from the cherub, where the Shekinah, the symbol of His Divine Presence, rested, and stood over the threshold of the house, as ready to depart; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the Lord's glory (1 Ki.8:11).
<><><>The Temple was in darkness, a symbol of the blindness of the Jews; and the court of the Gentiles illuminated, God being determined to send to these the light of His Gospel (Eze.47:22; Ps.2:8; 102:15)
<><><> And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court (10:5),as loud as the voice of mighty thunderings (Rev.19:6).  
<><><>The city of Jerusalem is doomed to be burned with fire, indicated by the command to the man clothed with linen to go in between the wheels under the cherub, and take the burning coals, and scatter them on the city (10:2, 6).
<><><> That the wrath of God against sin is most holy: it is fire from between the cherubims.

<><><>The LORD JESUS has all judgment committed to Him (Jn.5:22, 27; 3:35; 17:2); and at His Second Coming (Zec.14:1-5; Rev.19:11-21) shall judge the world, and shall burn up the Earth, as then Jerusalem, with fire (Rev.18:9-24).
<><><>Those who say the cherubim are angels, and the wheels are Divine Providence of this world, is in a state of constant revolution; and although the principles of providence appear sometimes intricate, as wheel in the middle of a wheel (1:16; 10:10), they all exactly correspond, and have one great end, the glory of God, Shekinah: (Eze.1:28; 3:12, 23; 8:4; 9:3; 10:19; 11:22-23; 39:21; 43:2, 4-5; 44:4).
<><><> Nothing can interrupt the counsels and will of God: no matter what difficulties that get in the way, the wheels go forward, and every obstruction is tromped down, or removed.
<><><>The angels are the ministering spirits, whose service God is pleased to employ in His providential government of the world.

*****Verses 12-14 is highly symbolic, but it could well be that we have the messages of the FOUR Gospels set before us. Ezekiel 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. (KJV) . . . The face of the lion pictures the kingship of Christ, the lion of the tribe of Judah (Matthew's Gospel); the face of the cherub (sometimes it is the ox) pictures the servanthood of Christ (Mark's Gospel); the face of the man pictures the humanity of Christ (Luke's Gospel); and the face of the eagle pictures the deity of Christ (John's Gospel). As a final point, CHRIST JESUS shed His precious Blood (1 Pet.1:18-19) that you and I might have eternal life, when we believe.
1 John 5:10-13 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (KJV)
John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)
CHRIST JESUS prepared a mercy seat for us! In the Temple of God the cherubim look down upon the Blood of His Perfect Sacrifice.

Ezekiel 10:15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. (KJV)
And the cherubim were lifted up . . . from the Earth. Ezekiel 1:19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. (KJV)
This is the living creature that I saw by the river Chebar . . . a river in Chaldea, where Ezekiel was when he had the vision of the living creatures recorded in Chapter 1. There can be no doubt that the living creatures and the cherubim are the same (verse 20).  The living creatures and the cherubims are usedjointly (1:5, 13-15, 20; 3:13; 6:2; 10:1-3, 5-9, 15-20; 11:22; 41:18, 20, 25).
Ezekiel 10:20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims. (KJV)

*****The idea of repeating this superior and outstanding appearance here, seems to be to rebuke the wickedness and folly of those rebellious people (2:3, 5-8), who incited the One and Only Glorious God to depart from them, as He was now about to do. He departs from the threshold, ascends His cherub chariot, and upward they ascend, removing first to the outer gate of the LORD'S House, then to a mountain on the east (11:23) and finally He totally abandons their land. God at first caused His Word to be preached to the Jews; and when they rejected His Gospel, He departed from them, and sent His ministers far away to the Gentiles.

Ezekiel 10:16 And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them. (KJV)

And when the cherubim went, the wheels went by them . . . ministers are guides to the churches in doctrine, worship, devotion and lifestyle (1:19).  
And when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth . . . (1:19; 10:11). Lifted up their wings . . . to depart, for they would follow the glory of the LORD which was at the point of departing (verse 18).
The same wheels also turned not from beside them . . . ministers and churches go together; if one is removed, the other also is gone, for they cannot exist without each other; for as one is the light, knowledge, zeal, affection and devotion . . . so too is the same of the other (1:19).

*****The Prophet here simply confirms what he had said before, that being that there was no distinctive motion in the wheels, but that they were drawn by a secret instinct wherever the cherubim moved themselves. So from this we gather that the events of things are not accidental, nor excited in different directions by any blind impulse, but are directed by the hidden energy of God, and that too by means by His angels. First he says, when the cherubim set out, the wheels set out at the same time: then when the cherubim raised their wings upwards, the wheels followed the same course, and did not return; that is, they were NOT drawn aside from that agreement of the command which He had spoken before.

Ezekiel 10:17 When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them. (KJV)

When they stood, these stood . . . when one was inactive and without motion, making no progress, so too were the others (1:12, 20-21). There was one agreement between the cherubims and the wheels.
And when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also . . . whatever one did, the others did exactly the same.
For the spirit of the living creature was in them. . . the EXACT SAME Spirit that was in the cherubim was also in the wheels; for it is the SAME Spirit of God, Who is a spirit of life (Rev.11:11), is in the churches, as in the ministers; and IF the one is lively, the other is also, and BOTH move as they are moved by the Spirit of Christ (Rom.8:9); and also their motion from place to place, which is spoken of in verse 18, for ALL is directed by the Spirit of God. God never stands still (Jn.5:17), neither do the angels; but to our human emotions, He seems to stand still.

*****All the movements of God’s Providence and all the movements of the angels are TOTALLY under the amazing government of the awesome and great God. These angelic beings are all full of eyes (1:18; 10:12), for those eyes of the LORD, run to and fro through the earth (2 Chron.16:9). The living creatures and the wheels agree in all their motions and rest periods. The Spirit of life (Rom.8:2; Rev.11:11), or the Spirit of the living creatures, is in the wheels. The Spirit of God (11:24) directs ALL creatures, both upper and lower, so they may serve the Divine purpose and perfect will of God. Events in our lives are not decided by a supposed wheel of fortune, which is fantasy, but by the wheels of God’s Providence, which are full of eyes. Isaiah 6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. (KJV) . . . These flying creatures have wings for the air and feet for the ground (1:7). This special ouch of Creation is put on ALL God’s cherubim.

Ezekiel 10:18 Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. (KJV)

Then the glory of the Lord departed from off the threshold of the house . . . whether He had removed from the cherubim, between the mercy seat (verse 3- 4), taking another step towards a general departure from the Temple and city, of which this was another signal and warning.
The stubborn Jews would not believe this was possible, until it happened; even though they heard of it so often, but did little good for them. 
And stood over the cherubim . . . not on the mercy seat from where it came, for there it did not return; but over the cherubim or living creatures which was seen in the vision, which were under the throne in the firmament of heaven (1:22-26); a symbol, as we have seen, of Gospel ministers: and this may mean the exaltation of Christ, who is the glory of the Lord, the brightness of His glory (Heb.1:3), His protection over them, and His Presence with them; for, let Him move where He will, He will not depart from His faithful ministers; He will be with them to the end of the world (Jn.14:16-21).  Over the cherubims on the right side of the house, where the cherubims were in the inner court (10:3).

***** The departure of the symbol of God’s Presence from the Temple introduced the utter destruction of the city, which was foretold (Deut.31:17). Woe be to those from whom God departs (Hos.9:12; 1 Sam.4:21; 28:15-16). God’s Glory is departed. Continuous steps are marked in His departure; so slowly and reluctantly does the merciful God leave His House. First He leaves the Sanctuary (9:3); He rises above the threshold of the House (10:1); leaving the cherubim, He sits on the throne (10:4); He and the cherubim, after standing for a time at the door of the east gate (where the exit to the lower court of the people was), leave the house altogether (10:18-19), not to return until Ezekiel 43:2.

Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. (KJV)

And the cherubim lifted up their wings . . . as birds do when they are about to fly away; the cherubim were ready to depart, along with the Glory of the LORD.
And mounted up from the earth in my sight . . . from the land of Judea, where the Gospel was first preached; but where it was slighted and despised, the apostles and first ministers of the Gospel then took their flight from there, and turned to the Gentiles (Hos.1:10; Zec.2:11).  
When they went out, the wheels also were beside them . . . wherever they went in the Gentile world, their ministry was successful, souls were converted, and churches formed; when the glory of the God of Israel departed from the Temple, and from the city of Jerusalem, and from the land of Judea, the Gospel ministry and the Gospel church state were removed likewise, and carried and secured elsewhere.
And everyone stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house . . . that is, the Glory of the God of Israel, and the cherubim, and the wheels, stood together in one place, the eastern gate of the Temple, one of the outward gates: the gate of the court of the Israelites, or outward court, which looked to the east; which shows that they were just going, and leaving the House or Temple desolate, no more to return to it (Mat.23:38). The next move was into the city, and then to a mountain on the east side of it (11:23) . . . it was in the eastern part of the world that the Gospel was first preached, after it was carried from Judea.  
And the glory of the God of Israel was over them above . . . over both the cherubim (chariot) and the wheels; great gifts were bestowed upon the ministers, and great grace was upon the churches; and the Presence of God (shekinah) was with both, and a glory upon them, and on that glory a defense.

*****The cherubim had stood first on the threshold (9:3; 10:4, 18) of the Temple door, and it was there they received the glory of the LORD. They then lifted their wings, rose, and left the Temple by the east gate (10:19; 11:1) of the outer court at the entrance of which they now for a time stood. It was by the east gate of the outer court that the glory of the LORD returned to the new Temple (43:4). The cherubim and wheels are viewed as one living creature.

Ezekiel 10:20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims. (KJV)

This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel, by the river of Chebar . . . this is repeated from verse 15; not only to confirm it; but with an addition, to show that the Appearance of the Man upon the throne (1:26), is none other than the LORD GOD of Israel; and that the LORD JESUS CHRIST is here meant, because God the Father has never appeared in a human form, as His only begotten Son did (Jn.1:14). The living creature, although four in number, is really only ONE in form, mind and work.
Ezekiel 1:26-28And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. 27  And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. 28  As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. (KJV) . . . The God of Israel, appearing as He did, in the likeness of a man, indicates that it could be none except CHRIST JESUS!  
And I knew that they were the cherubim . . . since Ezekiel had not seen the cherubim on the mercy seat, which none but a high priest could ever see there; for it does not appear that he was a high priest . . . he had only seen forms of cherubim carved on the doors and walls of the Temple (1 Ki.6:29), yet he knew either by special assurance as the LORD’S prophet, or by comparing the  portrayals with those which he had often seen, as priest around the Temple.

*****In this departure of the glory of the LORD from the Temple, the prophet recognizes for the first time the full meaning of the vision which he had seen on the banks of Chebar, in Chapter 1 of Ezekiel. What he had seen there did indeed indicate that the LORD GOD had forsaken His House; but now this is made clear. The Glory of God has left the Holy of Holies, and has appeared in the court, has been enthroned on the Four Living Creatures, and has departed with them from the Holy Temple. It was now so very clear that these four living creatures (1:5, 8, 10, 16) were in similar form to, yet different from, the cherubim of the Temple, and ALL are indeed the cherubim, in the midst of whom the LORD dwells. He now knew that Divine light was applied to the angelic beings by degrees, and at different times.
Cherubim are symbolic, complex figures representing glorified human life, or angelic life (Mat.22:30; Mk.12:25), spiritualized and exalted to have a part in the service of God Himself.
In the Holy Scriptures, the cherubim perform a number of functions:
<><><>They are bearers of the sapphire throne of God (Eze.1:26-28).
<><><>They guard the tree of life (Gen.3:24).
<><><>They have a place of honor above the Mercy Seat in the ancient Tabernacle (Ex.25:18-20; 37:7-9).
<><><>They are represented as wind or cloud (Eze.1:4; Ex.13:21-22).
<><><>They form the chariot of Deity (2 Sam. 22:11; 1 Chron.28:18; Ps.104:3).
<><><>They worship God continually, forever (Rev.4:4-6; 5:6).
There is absolutely no way to be sure about the nature and the work of these amazing creatures, but it seems to me that they have many characteristics which lift them far, far above us humans.

Ezekiel 10:21 Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. (KJV)

Every one had four faces apiece . . . every one of the four living creatures, or cherubim, had four faces; which were the face of a man, of a lion, of an ox, and of an eagle (1:10; 10:14).
And everyone four wings . . . every living creature had four wings (1:6, 8, 11).
And the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings . . . (10:8).

The repetition seems to mean that the people now about to live without the Temple, might have the knowledge of the Temple mysteries, thus preparing them for a future restoration of the covenant. So rebellious, stubborn and perverse were these people that they would say that Ezekiel saw what had no existence . . . so he, therefore, repeats it over and over again.

*****In two places in Ezekiel we are told there were the likeness of human hands under the wings (10:8, 21); hands like ours. Dear one, IF this world is ever to be brought to God, it will be by understanding the fact that supernatural and human agencies must work together . . . that which soars and that which is hands-on works; that which reaches forth to Earth  . . . and that which ascends to the heavens . . . the joining of the celestial and the terrestrial, the hand and the wing.

Ezekiel 10:22 And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward. (KJV)

And the likeness of their faces was the same faces . . . all their faces were the same,
Which I saw by the river of Chebar . . . which prove that the living creatures and the cherubim must be the same.
Their appearance and themselves . . . were exactly the same; there was no difference in their faces or in their bodies.
They went everyone straight forward . . . their movements as well as their form were the same.  They all kept on an even course, looking straight ahead. They went every one straightforward . . . may we, by their example, learn to advance toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil.3:14).

*****God removes His Presence by degrees from this provoking people; and, when He is finally ready to depart in anger, He would gladly return to them in mercy IF they would only repent, but they do NOT repent! Ezekiel sees the working of God’s divine providence in the government of the lower world, and the affairs of it. Let us too be watchmen, like Ezekiel (3:17; 33:2, 6-7), and warn sinners to seek the LORD while he may be found, and to call on him while he is near (Isa.55:6), and encourage all to walk humbly with our God (Mic.6:8).

SPECIAL COMMENTS

EZEKIEL'S JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM (Ezekiel Chapters 8-11)
Ezekiel's prophecy in these four chapters form ONE connected whole prophecy.
<><><>Chapter 8 gives in detail the horrible defilement of God's Holy Temple by apostate Israel, which God forewarns will cause Him to remove His Presence from it (8:6).
<><><>The supernatural ministers of instruments of Israel's punishment appear in Ezekiel 9.                           <><><>The cherubim make preliminary movements to depart the Temple in Ezekiel 10.
<><><>The definite departure of God's Holy Presence from the Temple occurs in Ezekiel 11:22-25. The one topic here is the defilement of the Temple and God's removal from it.

Chapter 9 . . . About the same time as the departure of GOD’S Presence from the Temple, Ezekiel saw six men come from the higher gate with swords in their hands; and one among them had an inkhorn. It was then the Divine Presence left the cherubim, and took position at the entrance of the Temple, and gave orders to the man with the inkhorn to put a mark on the foreheads of those who sighed and prayed because of the abominations of the land; and then commanded the men with the swords to go forward, and slay every person who did not have this mark (Rev.14:9-11). The prophet, while they were slaying them, fell up his face, and made intercession for the people. The LORD gives him the reason of his conduct; that being that the iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness; and the man with the inkhorn returns, and reports to the LORD what was done. These are the general contents of the ninth chapter.

Chapter 10 . . . The LORD commands the same person to go in between the wheels of the cherubim, and take his hand full of live coals, and scatter them over the city. He went as commanded, and one of the cherubim gave him the coals; at the same time the glory of the LORD, that had removed to the threshold of the house, now returned, and stood over the cherubim. The cherubim, wheels, wings, etc., are here described as in Chapter 1. This is the bulk of the tenth chapter.

Chapter 11 . . . The prophet then finds himself transported to the east gate of the Temple, where he saw twenty-five men, and among them Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people, against whom the LORD commands him to prophesy, and to threaten them with the utmost calamities, because of their crimes. After this GOD Himself speaks, and shows that the Jews who would be left in the land, whould be driven out because of their iniquities, and that those who had been led captive, and who acknowledged their sins and repented of them, would be restored to their own land. Then the glory of the LORD arose out of the city, and rested for a time on one of the mountains on the east of Jerusalem, and the prophet being carried in vision by the Spirit to Chaldea, lost sight of the chariot of the Divine glory, and began to show to the captivity what the LORD GOD had shown to him. This is the substance of the eleventh chapter.

We may see from all this was what prompted the LORD to abandon His people, His city and His Temple; were the abominations of the people in public and in private. But because those carried away captives with Jeconiah acknowledged their sins, and their hearts turned to the LORD, GOD informs them that they shall be brought back and restored to a happy state both in temporal and spiritual matters, while the others, who had filled up the measure of their iniquities, would be quickly brought into a state of desolation and ruin. This is the sum and intent of the vision in these four chapters.

What is the Shekinah Glory?
What is Shekinah Glory? Is This In The Bible?

Glory of God, Shekinah: (Eze.1:28; 3:12, 23; 8:4; 9:3; 10:19; 11:22-23; 39:21; 43:2, 4-5; 44:4)

Jesus’s glory as God was veiled in human flesh but at times His glory, the so-called Shekinah glory, was revealed.  What is the Shekinah glory of God?

Shekinah
What does the word “Shekinah” mean?  It is not in the Bible, so why do we need to know what this word means regarding God’s Glory?  The word Shekinah is from the Hebrew word “shekinot” and actually is in the Bible where God is said to “settle in” or “dwell with.”  This word means where God is dwelling, settling or where His Divine Presence is.  This Glory is seen when God’s glory filled the Temple and even in the wilderness where He was a light during the night and the Shekinah cloud of His Glory shaded Israel in the scorching sun of the desert.  His Presence was revealed by the intense light that filled the Tabernacle, the Temple in Jerusalem and even in the Transfiguration on the Mount (Mat. 17), where Jesus shone as bright as the sun when He spoke with Moses and Elijah.

Jesus’ Glory of the Transfiguration
Jesus partially revealed His Shekinah Glory on a mountain and allowed Peter, James and John to see this awesome Glory. This is why the Apostle John said that Jesus “dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father” (Jn.1:14); and that Jesus is “the light of men.” John 1:4-7 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7  The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. (KJV) . . . Christ Jesus is the very essence and nature of God as light and that is part of His Shekinah Glory which was why John said “we have seen his glory.”

The Transfiguration is where Jesus allowed Peter, James and John to see His Glory in Matthew 17:1-8. It is where Jesus for a very short time, peeled back His humanity to allow the disciples to see the very Shekinah Glory of God. It overwhelmed them just as it does to anyone where God reveals His Glory. Humans become like dead men when they see this awesome Glory of God!
Genesis 17:3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, (KJV)  
Leviticus 9:24 And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. (KJV)  
Ezekiel 1:28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. (KJV)  
Ezekiel 3:23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face. (KJV) 
Daniel 8:18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. (KJV)  
Daniel 10:8-9 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.
9  Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. (KJV)
Daniel 10:17-19 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. 18  Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, 19  And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. (KJV)
Habakkuk 3:16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops. (KJV)  
Matthew 17:2-6 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3  And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4  Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 5  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
6  And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. (KJV)
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (KJV)  
Revelation 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: (KJV)
Everyone will see the LORD someday in all His splendor, majesty and Shekinah Glory and ALL will fall down before Him on bended knees. 
Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. (KJV)
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (KJV)
Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (KJV) . . . Some (a few Mat.7:14), will do so willingly as He is their Saviour, LORD and King but for others, they will wait until He becomes their Judge (     Jn.5:22, 27; 2 Tim.4:1, 8; 1 Pet.4:5; Rev.19:11), when He shall send them off into eternal torment (Rev 20:11-15). God CANNOT dwell where there is unconfessed sin or where someone has not repented and trusted in Christ. It is YOUR decision which of two places you will spend eternity: Heaven or Hell! That day to decide should NOT be put off because today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2), for tomorrow you may not be here . . . and it will be your day of condemnation (Jn.3:18, 36; 8:24).

The LORD GOD’S Shekinah Glory

Most people have little, or NO understanding of what the Shekinah Glory of the LORD GOD is, let alone realize the prophetic importance of this awesome Appearance of Almighty God. The Jewish rabbis invented this extra-biblical expression, and it is form of a Hebrew word that literally means "he caused to dwell" suggesting that it was/is a Divine Visitation of the awesome Presence or Dwelling of the LORD GOD on this Earth. In order to fully understand the prophetic Passages in the Book of Revelation, we need to carefully understand the idea of the physical appearances or displays of our Creator God.
Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. (KJV)   http://www.godcannotlie.org/rev_ch21.htm
The city has no need for the sun or the moon to shine in it, because God’s Shekinah gives it light, and its Lamp is the Lamb. This is very important. The word Shekinah (Sh'khinah) was devised from related words in the Bible which describe the PRESENCE of Jehovah. The word Shekinah is not found in the Bible, but the idea clearly is. Shekinah is also used to describe the spiritual Shekinah Presence in the Tabernacle and later in the first and second Temples.

The word Shekinah is defined in the Encyclopedia Judaica as the Divine Presence, the numinous (spiritual) immanence of God in the world . . . a revelation of the holy in the midst of the profane. The Encyclopedia goes on to say: One of the more prominent images associated with the Shekhinah is that of light.

Throughout the Bible the LORD GOD speaks of His desire to have a close relationship with His people. During the time of Moses the added PHYSICAL Shekinah Presence was evidence of the REAL Presence which is omnipresent and unseen. During the Mosaic dispensation the Shekinah was physically disturbing. The Presence then was NOT spiritual . . . it was a PHYSICAL APPEARANCE of the actual Presence of the LORD GOD among His people.                             
We are to know that there is a difference from the Shekinah and the angel of the LORD. The Shekinah was first apparent when the Israelites set out from Succoth in their escape from Egypt. There it appeared as a cloudy pillar in the day and a fiery pillar by night.
Exodus 13:21-22 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: 22  He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. (KJV)
The physical Shekinah was also evident at the crossing of the Red Sea.
Exodus 14:24-25 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25  And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians. (KJV)
The Israelites were led by the physical Shekinah for 40 years, after which the Holy Presence of the omniscient God inhabited the Tabernacle and the land of Israel. The Shekinah was not always afterwards physically manifested.
Numbers 35:34 Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel. (KJV)  
Exodus 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (KJV)
When Moses and the Israelites finished erecting the Tabernacle, the Shekinah of JEHOVAH filled it (Ex.6:3; Ps.83:18; Isa.12:2; 26:4).
Exodus 40:33-38 And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. 34  Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35  And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36  And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 37  But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. 38  For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. (KJV)

Whenever that Presence was physically manifested, it terrified those who experienced it.
Exodus 24:15-17 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. 16  And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17  And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. (KJV)

When Moses went to the mountain to get the Ten Commandments, the appearance of the physical Presence of the LORD GOD on Mount Sinai is described as fire and cloud and thick darkness.
Exodus 24:15-18 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. 16  And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17  And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. 18  And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. (KJV)

Earlier, the seventy elders had gone up into the cloud and actually saw the Shekinah Glory, and they were so afraid they could not eat or drink (Ex.24:10-11).

The Psalms contain a description of the Shekinah Presence:
Psalm 68:16-18 Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever. 17  The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. 18  Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. (KJV) . . . God’s chariots (angels): (Deut.33:2; 2 Ki.2:11; 6:1617; Ps.18:10; Eze.1:15-28; Dan.7:10; Mat.26:53; Rev.9:16).           

There are many other times when the direct intervention of the LORD GOD was manifest in a Shekinah Presence to Moses.
After Israel entered the Promised Land, the LORD GOD’S Presence was revealed spiritually in the Tabernacle, but not often in a physical manner. GOD’S actual Presence was always accepted by the Israelites as being in the Tabernacle (and later in the Temple), but was not always physically confirmed by the visible Shekinah.

Whenever the LORD GOD makes a forever Promise in the Bible, there are always conditions connected to it, and the Shekinah is no different. When He said He would dwell in the Temple forever, there were conditions to this Promise. Therefore, at the destruction of the First Temple, He did NOT allow His Shekinah Presence to stay in the Holy of Holies (inner sanctuary of the Temple) because so much abominable corruption had taken place. It is very surprising that the LORD stayed in the Temple as long as He did! Clearly, His love for His people is such that He endures far more than any human judge would think possible. Even with all the abominations that occurred during the last days of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin (and most of the reign of Zedekiah); Ezekiel's vision of the departure of the LORD’S Shekinah from the Temple and city did not take place until after the beginning of the final siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and his army.

Ezekiel's description of the LORD GOD’S "Shekinah" is more detailed but very similar to what the 70 elders saw on Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 24. Ezekiel's description of the Shekinah in EZEKIEL Chapter one of his prophecy is described as fire enfolding itself borne by cherubim whose appearance pulsated with surging light, themselves borne by seemingly gyroscopic wheels within wheels. Ezekiel 1:5 Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. (KJV) 
There are other descriptions of the nature of the LORD GOD’S Shekinah that Ezekiel saw LEAVING a then desolate Temple. The building was still standing but no longer had the LORD’S Glory before it was destroyed.

Book of Ezekiel

Eze.Ch.1 . . Eze.Ch.2 . . Eze.Ch.3. . Eze.Ch.4 . . Eze.Ch.5 . . Eze.Ch.6 . Eze.Ch.7 . . Eze.Ch.8 . . Eze.Ch.9 . . Eze.Ch.10 . .. . Eze.Ch.11 . . Eze.Ch.12 . . Eze.Ch.13 . . Eze.Ch.14. . Eze.Ch.15 . . Eze.Ch.16 . . Eze.Ch.17 . . Eze.Ch.18 . . Eze.Ch.19 . . Eze.Ch.20 . . Eze.Ch.21 . . Eze.Ch.22 . . Eze.Ch.23 . . Eze.Ch.24 . . Eze.Ch.25 . . Eze.Ch.26 . . Eze.27 . . Eze.28 . . Eze.29 . . Eze.30 . . Eze.31 . . Eze.32 . . Eze.33 . . Eze.34 . . Eze.35 . . Eze.36 . . Eze.37 . . Eze.38 . . Eze.39 . . Eze.40 . . Eze.41 . . Eze.42 . . Eze.43 . . Eze.44 . . Eze.45 . . . Eze.46 . . . Eze.47 . . . Eze.48 . . . Eze. Millennial Temple . . . Eze.Special Comments . . . Eze.What is Shekinah Glory? . . . Home Page