Overview

Ezekiel 10 records one of the most sobering moments in all of Scripture – the departure of the glory of God from the temple in Jerusalem. In a continuation of the vision that began in Ezekiel 8, Ezekiel sees the same heavenly throne and the same four living creatures (cherubim) that he described in chapter 1. The glory of God, which had dwelt above the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, begins to move out of the temple, symbolizing God’s withdrawal of His presence from a defiled and rebellious people.

The vision begins with God commanding a man clothed in linen to take burning coals from between the cherubim and scatter them over the city. This act symbolizes the coming judgment – the fires of destruction that would soon consume Jerusalem. As Ezekiel watches, the glory of God moves from above the cherubim to the threshold of the temple, filling the temple court with the brilliance of His presence and the sound of heavenly wings.

The cherubim, the holy creatures who serve as guardians of God’s presence, move in perfect obedience to the Spirit’s direction. As they move, the wheels from Ezekiel’s first vision appear again, showing that God’s presence is not confined to the temple – He moves according to His own sovereign will. Eventually, the glory of the Lord lifts off from the temple entirely, leaving behind the place that was meant to be the earthly dwelling of God’s presence.

Theologically, Ezekiel 10 teaches the reality of divine judgment when sin and idolatry are tolerated in the very place meant for God’s worship. It emphasizes that God’s presence cannot remain where His holiness is rejected. This chapter also highlights God’s sovereignty over judgment and history, showing that even the destruction of Jerusalem is not the result of Babylon’s power, but of God’s decision to remove His hand of protection.

At the same time, Ezekiel 10 demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His word. Through the prophets, God had repeatedly warned that judgment would come if Israel persisted in idolatry. Now, in Ezekiel’s vision, that warning is fulfilled – God’s glory departs because the people refused to repent. This affirms the absolute authority and inerrancy of God’s word – what God speaks, He accomplishes.

Historical and Literary Context

Ezekiel 10 takes place in the sixth year of Ezekiel’s exile, around 592 BC, while Ezekiel is living among the exiles in Babylon. Though Ezekiel is far from Jerusalem, God transports him by vision into the temple, showing him what is happening spiritually in Jerusalem at that very time. The historical background is crucial – Jerusalem is still standing, but its spiritual condition is utterly corrupt. The leaders, priests, and people have embraced idolatry inside the very temple that was meant to be holy to the Lord.

This historical moment is part of the larger story of Judah’s downfall, which culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC. Ezekiel’s vision reveals the spiritual reality behind that destruction. The fall of Jerusalem is not just a political event – it is the result of God withdrawing His glory because His presence was rejected by the people’s sin.

Literarily, Ezekiel 10 mirrors and expands upon the inaugural vision of God’s glory in Ezekiel 1. The same heavenly throne, the same cherubim, and the same wheels appear – but this time, the movement is away from the temple, showing God’s active judgment against His people. The repeated imagery reinforces that God’s presence is majestic, holy, and uncontainable – He is not limited to any building, no matter how sacred.

The chapter also uses powerful sensory descriptions – brilliant light, thunderous sounds of wings, and fire – to emphasize the holiness and weight of God’s glory. This is not just a symbolic dream; it is a real vision showing Ezekiel the ultimate consequence of Israel’s unrepentant sin.

Understanding this historical and literary context confirms that Ezekiel 10 is not abstract poetry but a literal vision of God’s presence departing His earthly dwelling. This underscores the seriousness of covenant unfaithfulness and the authority of Scripture to reveal both God’s heart and His actions.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

Ezekiel 10 teaches the doctrine of God’s holiness. God’s glory filled the temple because the temple was set apart for His worship. When that worship was corrupted by idolatry, God’s holiness required that His presence depart. Holiness is not an optional aspect of God’s nature – it defines how He relates to creation and His people (Leviticus 19:2).

This chapter also emphasizes God’s sovereignty over judgment. The removal of God’s glory is a deliberate act, not a reaction. God is not forced out of the temple – He chooses to leave because the people’s rebellion has made continued presence impossible. This reinforces the truth that God rules over nations and history according to His perfect will (Daniel 4:34-35).

Another key theme is the authority of God’s word. Everything Ezekiel sees fulfills the warnings God had already given through earlier prophets. This confirms that God’s word is true, inerrant, and never fails (Isaiah 55:11).

Ezekiel 10 also highlights the spiritual reality behind physical events. What appears to be political or military disaster – the coming destruction of Jerusalem – is actually the result of God’s sovereign decision to withdraw His presence. This teaches the important biblical principle that spiritual realities govern physical events, not the other way around (2 Kings 6:15-17).

Finally, this chapter affirms that God’s glory is not confined to a building or nation. The portable throne, supported by wheels, shows that God’s presence is not tied to any one place. God’s glory goes where He wills, and His purposes cannot be contained (Acts 7:48-50).

These themes are foundational to evangelical theology today, reminding the church that God’s presence is holy, that sin drives out His blessing, that God’s word always comes true, and that God’s purposes extend far beyond human institutions and traditions. Ezekiel 10 is a powerful warning that outward religious forms mean nothing if God’s presence is not honored, and a reminder that true security comes only from faithfulness to God’s covenant and truth.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Ezekiel 10:1

“I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of lapis lazuli above the vault that was over the heads of the cherubim.”

Ezekiel sees a throne made of brilliant blue stone above the cherubim. This throne represents God’s supreme authority and sovereign rule. The imagery recalls Ezekiel’s initial vision in chapter 1, where the same throne appeared above the living creatures. The throne’s position above the cherubim emphasizes that God reigns over all creation, including His heavenly servants. This scene reflects the biblical teaching that God is enthroned above all powers and authorities (Psalm 103:19, Isaiah 66:1).

Application: Worship begins by recognizing that God alone reigns supreme. All creation, from heavenly beings to earthly nations, answers to Him. Christians are called to live with reverence for God’s authority over every area of life.

Ezekiel 10:2

“The Lord said to the man clothed in linen, ‘Go in among the wheels beneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from among the cherubim and scatter them over the city.’”

The man in linen – likely the same figure from chapter 9 – is instructed to take burning coals from God’s presence and scatter them over Jerusalem. This symbolizes divine judgment, as fire often represents purification or destruction in Scripture (Isaiah 6:6-7, Genesis 19:24). The coals come directly from God’s holy presence, meaning the coming judgment is both holy and fully authorized by God.

Application: God’s judgments are always righteous and holy. He does not act out of cruelty, but from His holiness and justice. This calls believers to take sin seriously and repent quickly, knowing God’s holiness requires judgment for unrepentant sin.

Ezekiel 10:3-5

“Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple when the man went in, and the cloud filled the inner court.”

As God’s glory begins to move, His presence fills the temple court with a cloud, reminiscent of how God’s glory filled the tabernacle in Exodus 40:34. This confirms that what Ezekiel sees is not symbolic imagination but a real theophany – a visible manifestation of God’s actual glory. The sound of the cherubim’s wings is like the voice of Almighty God, showing that these heavenly creatures move in perfect obedience to His command.

Application: God’s presence is both glorious and fearful. Reverence for His holiness should shape how believers worship, pray, and live in His presence (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Ezekiel 10:6-7

“When the Lord commanded the man in linen, ‘Take fire from among the wheels, from among the cherubim,’ the man went in and stood beside a wheel.”

The man in linen follows God’s exact command, showing that judgment is carried out according to God’s word. The fire comes from God’s presence itself, underscoring that this is not random disaster but holy judgment.

Application: God’s word determines what is right, what is wrong, and what judgment will come. Christians must anchor their understanding of sin, judgment, and mercy in the clear teaching of Scripture, not cultural opinion (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Ezekiel 10:8-13

“Under the wings of the cherubim could be seen what looked like human hands.”

The cherubim are again described in detail, matching Ezekiel’s vision from chapter 1. Their human hands emphasize their skill and purpose – they are heavenly beings equipped to carry out God’s will. The complex description of wheels within wheels and eyes covering them highlights that God’s throne is mobile, omniscient, and unstoppable. God’s presence is not limited to one place, even the temple (Jeremiah 23:23-24).

Application: God is not confined to buildings or human institutions. His purposes move throughout the earth, and His sovereign will cannot be blocked. This calls Christians to trust God’s power and presence, even when circumstances seem chaotic.

Ezekiel 10:14-15

“Each of the cherubim had four faces: one face was that of a cherub, the second the face of a human being, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.”

The faces of the cherubim highlight different aspects of God’s creation – humanity, wild animals, domesticated animals, and birds. This represents God’s authority over all creation. Ezekiel notices one change from chapter 1 – what was called the face of an ox is now called the face of a cherub, suggesting that the cherub face may itself resemble an ox.

Application: True worship recognizes God as Creator and Lord over every aspect of life, from nature to human government. Believers are called to live in awe of God’s creative power and His absolute right to rule over all He has made (Revelation 4:11).

Ezekiel 10:16-17

“When the cherubim moved, the wheels beside them moved; and when the cherubim spread their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels did not leave their side.”

The perfect synchronization of the cherubim and the wheels reflects the total harmony between God’s will and the actions of His heavenly servants. There is no delay, debate, or hesitation – everything moves at the impulse of the Spirit of God.

Application: This reminds believers that true obedience is immediate and wholehearted. Angels do not question God’s commands, and neither should God’s people. Trust in God’s wisdom and authority leads to joyful obedience (Psalm 103:20).

Ezekiel 10:18-19

“Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim.”

This is the central moment of the chapter – the glory of God physically departs the temple. The presence that once filled the temple in Solomon’s day (1 Kings 8:10-11) now leaves because of persistent sin and idolatry. This signals that God’s protection and blessing are also withdrawing. The cherubim carry the glory out of the temple, showing that God’s departure is deliberate and controlled.

Application: God’s presence is a privilege, not a guarantee. Churches and individual believers cannot assume God’s blessing will remain if they tolerate sin and reject His truth. Holiness and faithfulness matter (James 4:8).

Ezekiel 10:20-22

“These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I realized that they were cherubim.”

Ezekiel now fully understands that the creatures from his earlier vision were cherubim – heavenly beings who guard God’s glory and execute His will. This realization reinforces the unity of Ezekiel’s visions – God’s presence and glory are consistent whether in exile or in the temple.

Application: God is the same everywhere – in times of blessing or judgment, in places of worship or exile. Believers can trust God’s unchanging character no matter where life takes them (Hebrews 13:8).

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Ezekiel 10 points to Christ by showing the seriousness of sin, the necessity of divine judgment, and the desperate need for a mediator between a holy God and a sinful people. The departure of God’s glory from the temple highlights the separation caused by sin – a separation only Jesus could fully heal. When Christ came, He referred to His own body as the true temple (John 2:19-21), showing that God’s presence would no longer dwell in a building, but in the person of Jesus Himself.

Ezekiel 10 reveals a temple abandoned by God’s glory because of sin, but Jesus is the One who brings God’s glory back to humanity through His incarnation (John 1:14). Jesus is also the One who bore the fiery judgment of God on the cross, experiencing God’s wrath so that sinners could be forgiven and reconciled. While Ezekiel 10 depicts glory departing because of sin, the gospel proclaims glory returning through the perfect work of Jesus, who removes sin forever (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Ultimately, this chapter highlights humanity’s need for a greater temple, a greater priest, and a greater sacrifice. All these are fulfilled in Christ, who is the final meeting place between God and humanity (Colossians 2:9).

How the Chapter Connects to the Father

Ezekiel 10 reveals the Father as the holy and sovereign King who cannot dwell with sin. It is the Father who commands the cherubim, sends the man in linen, and orders the removal of His glory from the temple. The Father’s holiness is absolute – He will not tolerate the defilement of His dwelling place. This reinforces the biblical truth that the Father is perfectly holy, and all true worship must be in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

At the same time, the Father’s faithfulness to His covenant is visible in His controlled, deliberate actions. Even though His glory departs, it is not an emotional reaction but a just response to covenant violation. The Father’s willingness to remove His glory shows that He is faithful to His own word, fulfilling the warnings He gave through Moses and the prophets (Deuteronomy 28:58-63).

The Father’s sovereign rule is also evident in the fact that even the heavenly beings – the cherubim – move only at His command. This reveals that all creation exists to serve His will, and history unfolds according to His divine purpose (Isaiah 46:9-10).

How the Chapter Connects to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is present in Ezekiel 10 as the divine power that moves the cherubim and the wheels, ensuring that everything flows according to God’s command. The Spirit directs every movement of God’s heavenly throne, showing that the Spirit is not a passive force but the active executor of God’s will (Ezekiel 10:17).

This connection reinforces the biblical teaching that the Spirit always works in perfect unity with the Father and the Son. The Spirit’s role in guiding the cherubim points to His ongoing role in guiding believers, the church, and all creation according to God’s purposes (Romans 8:14).

The Spirit’s presence in the vision also reveals that God’s glory is not confined to a building, but is mobile and sovereign, moving wherever God wills. This anticipates the New Testament reality that the Holy Spirit now dwells in believers, making them the living temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Connection to God’s Love

Ezekiel 10 reveals God’s love through His willingness to confront sin rather than allow His people to remain deceived. True love does not ignore rebellion but exposes it so that there can be restoration. The departure of God’s glory is heartbreaking, but it is also necessary – God loves His people too much to pretend that sin does not matter.

This act of removing His glory ultimately prepares the way for the greater display of God’s love in Jesus Christ, who came to bring God’s presence back to His people permanently. The love of God seen here is holy love – love that is faithful to truth and righteousness. This same love is what led God to send Jesus, so that the separation caused by sin could be healed forever (Romans 5:8).

Even in judgment, God’s love is seen in His care for His glory and His desire to cleanse His people. By removing His presence from the defiled temple, God is ultimately preserving the purity of His worship and showing that His love for His people includes a refusal to allow them to live comfortably in sin. True love seeks what is best, even when that requires painful confrontation and discipline (Hebrews 12:5-6).

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “When Glory Departs: Why God’s Presence Matters More Than Anything”

Introduction:

Begin by asking the congregation to think about the most beautiful building they have ever entered – a cathedral, a historic church, or a grand place of worship. Then ask: What if God’s presence was not there? Would the beauty or history mean anything without God Himself dwelling there? This is exactly what Ezekiel 10 describes – a temple full of religious history and ritual, but abandoned by God’s glory because of sin.

Transition into the text:

Ezekiel 10 shows us the heartbreaking moment when God’s glory leaves His own temple. This vision is not just about Israel’s past; it speaks directly to us today about the danger of empty religion, the holiness of God, and the importance of guarding our hearts, churches, and lives to remain places where God’s presence dwells.

Point 1: God’s Presence is a Gift, Not a Guarantee (Ezekiel 10:1-5)

• Transition: The chapter opens with Ezekiel seeing God’s throne once again – a reminder that God’s presence had once filled the temple with His glory, but that glory is now preparing to leave.
• Explanation: The cherubim, the throne, and the cloud of glory all highlight that God’s presence is the source of life, worship, and blessing. But God’s presence is not guaranteed when His people reject Him. The glory that once filled the temple with power and blessing now prepares to depart because of sin.
• Application: Christians often assume God’s blessing and presence will always be with them simply because they attend church or perform religious duties. But Scripture teaches that true fellowship with God requires holy living and sincere worship (James 4:8).
• Example: A wedding ring is beautiful, but if the marriage relationship is broken, the ring loses its meaning. The same is true of religious rituals without true devotion.

Point 2: Sin Drives Out God’s Presence (Ezekiel 10:6-13)

• Transition: The glory leaves not because God is weak, but because God is holy – and His holiness cannot dwell with unrepentant sin.
• Explanation: The burning coals scattered over the city show that God’s judgment flows directly from His holy presence. The very fire from His throne becomes the fire of destruction because the people rejected God’s presence and filled the temple with idolatry. God’s holiness means He will not stay where sin is welcomed.
• Application: When we allow hidden sin, idolatry, or compromise to remain in our hearts, we push away the presence of God. God will not coexist with what offends His holiness (Isaiah 59:2).
• Example: Imagine a homeowner ignoring a gas leak because they love the smell of their scented candles. It is only a matter of time before disaster comes. In the same way, ignoring sin while still expecting God’s presence is dangerous self-deception.

Point 3: God’s Glory Moves – But It Always Moves with Purpose (Ezekiel 10:14-17)

• Transition: The vision does not just show God’s glory departing, but God’s glory moving with purpose and power.
• Explanation: The wheels and cherubim show that God’s glory is not stuck in one place. God’s presence does not depend on buildings, rituals, or human institutions. He moves according to His will, and His glory will ultimately fill the earth (Habakkuk 2:14).
• Application: This reminds believers that true security is found not in religious traditions, but in ongoing fellowship with God. Wherever God’s people honor Him in worship and obedience, His glory will be there – whether in a church building, a living room, or a prison cell.
• Example: A family heirloom only matters if the family still treasures the story behind it. A church building only matters if the presence of God dwells there. Without God’s presence, any place – even a temple – becomes meaningless.

Point 4: Christ Restores the Glory We Lost (Ezekiel 10:18-22)

• Transition: God’s glory leaves in Ezekiel 10, but that is not the end of the story – God’s glory returns through Jesus Christ.
• Explanation: Jesus came as the new and better temple, the place where God’s glory dwells fully (John 1:14). Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, sinners can be cleansed so that God’s Spirit can dwell within them. What was lost in Ezekiel’s day is restored in Christ – not in a building, but in the hearts of God’s people.
• Application: Every Christian is now a temple of the Holy Spirit. The question is: Are our hearts a place where God’s presence is welcomed, or are they filled with idols and compromise?
• Example: A house with beautiful furniture but no foundation will eventually collapse. Our lives may look religious on the outside, but if God’s presence is not at the center, it will not stand.

Conclusion and Call to Action:

Ezekiel 10 warns us that religious appearance without true devotion will not keep God’s presence with us. But it also offers hope – God’s glory moves with purpose, and in Christ, His glory comes to dwell with us forever. The call is clear: repent of sin, remove any idol that competes with God’s presence, and make your life a place where His glory is welcome.

Call to Action: Ask the congregation to spend time this week praying Psalm 139:23-24, asking God to search their hearts for any area where compromise has driven out His presence. Challenge each person to renew their commitment to living as a holy temple, welcoming God’s presence daily through prayer, worship, and obedience.

Illustrations and Examples

• The Wedding Ring: A wedding ring means nothing if the relationship itself is broken. Outward religion means nothing without true love for God.
• The Gas Leak: Ignoring hidden sin is like ignoring a gas leak – eventually, it will lead to disaster. God’s presence cannot coexist with unrepentant sin.
• The Family Heirloom: A building or tradition only matters if God’s presence dwells there. Otherwise, it is just an empty shell, no matter how beautiful.
• The House Without a Foundation: A religious life without God’s presence is like a house with no foundation. It may look impressive, but it will collapse when trouble comes.
• Personal Story: Share a time when God convicted you about a compromise you were tolerating – a habit, attitude, or sin you had justified. Explain how removing that compromise restored your sense of God’s nearness and peace.

Application for Today’s Christian

First, Christians must remember that God’s presence is a privilege, not a guarantee. Just as God’s glory left the temple in Ezekiel’s day, God’s manifest presence will not remain where sin is tolerated. Believers must live in ongoing repentance and pursue holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Second, every Christian is now a temple of the Holy Spirit. This means personal holiness matters deeply. God’s presence is not confined to buildings but dwells in the hearts of His people. We are called to guard our hearts as the dwelling place of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Third, Christians must value substance over appearance. Outward religion, church attendance, and ministry involvement mean nothing if God’s presence is not truly honored. The real question is whether God’s presence is welcome in our daily lives (Isaiah 29:13).

Fourth, God’s presence goes where He is honored. This gives hope – no matter where believers are, whether in prosperity or persecution, if they honor God’s truth and walk in obedience, His glory will be with them (Matthew 18:20).

Finally, the greatest application is to treasure Jesus Christ, the true temple. In Christ, the glory of God returns to dwell with humanity, and through the Spirit, every believer carries that glory into the world. To live in the presence of God means to live with Christ at the center of all we do (Colossians 3:17).

By taking these applications to heart, believers today can avoid the tragedy of Ezekiel 10 – a life, a church, or a community from which God’s presence departs – and instead become a people where His glory dwells richly.

Reflection Questions

1. Ezekiel 10 shows God’s glory leaving the temple because of persistent sin and idolatry. What does this teach you about how seriously God takes holiness in the lives of His people? Are there areas in your life where you have allowed compromise to settle in?
2. When you think about your own heart as a temple of the Holy Spirit, do you believe God’s presence feels welcome there? Are there attitudes, habits, or priorities that might grieve the Spirit and hinder your fellowship with God?
3. In the vision, the cherubim and wheels obey God’s Spirit instantly and completely. How does this challenge you to think about your own obedience to God? Do you obey fully and immediately, or do you tend to delay, argue, or compromise?
4. God’s presence leaves the temple, but His glory is never lost – He is still reigning, still holy, and still at work. How does this truth encourage you when you see brokenness in the world or even within the church? How does it strengthen your trust in God’s sovereignty?
5. God’s glory left the temple in Ezekiel’s time, but in Christ, God’s glory came to dwell with His people again. How does this deepen your appreciation for Jesus’ coming and for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in your life today?
6. What does this chapter teach you about the danger of empty religion – going through spiritual motions without true devotion to God? Are there any areas where your faith has become more about outward routine than inner surrender?
7. God’s glory moves wherever He wills – His presence is not tied to buildings, traditions, or institutions. How does this shape the way you think about church today? Are you more focused on maintaining traditions or pursuing God’s presence?