What does it mean that the cherubim lifted their wings and the glory was over them?

The cherubim lifting their wings with the wheels beside them shows that God’s throne, pictured in this vision, is moving. God’s glory is seen above them, which means he is the one in control and they serve him. Earlier in the visions, this same glory had come to the temple. Now it is leaving. This picture tells the people that God is not stuck in one place. He can depart from a place that has turned away from him, and he goes where he chooses.

Why did the glory of the Lord leave the midst of the city and stand on the mountain to the east?

The passage says God’s glory went up from the middle of Jerusalem and stood on the mountain east of the city, which is the Mount of Olives. This shows that God was leaving the temple and the city because of their sins. At the same time, he did not vanish at once but paused, as if still giving room for repentance and showing he left with reluctance. From that mountain there is a clear view of the city, so it is like God watching what would happen next and making clear that judgment was coming.

Where was Ezekiel when the Spirit brought him back to the exiles in Chaldea?

Ezekiel was physically living among the exiles in Babylon, but in this passage he is caught up in a vision by God’s Spirit. In that vision he is shown events in Jerusalem and the departure of God’s glory. Afterwards, the Spirit “brought” him back in the same vision to the exiles in Chaldea. This does not mean he traveled with his body. It means God showed these things to his mind in a clear, powerful way, then ended the vision so Ezekiel found himself again among the captives where he had been all along.

What does it mean that the vision went up from Ezekiel?

When Ezekiel says the vision went up from him, he means that what he was seeing and experiencing by the Spirit came to an end. The sights and sounds given by God were taken away, and he returned to his normal state. This shows that the vision came from above and was not his own imagination. It also shows that God’s special revealing work comes and goes at his choice. Ezekiel wanted his hearers to know that what he reported was from God, not from his own thoughts.

Why did Ezekiel speak all that the Lord had showed him to the people in captivity?

Ezekiel spoke everything God had shown him because that was his calling. The exiles were confused and hurting, tempted to envy those still in Jerusalem and to regret going into captivity. By telling them about the sin in the city and the coming ruin, he helped them see that it was better to be in a foreign land under God’s care than in Jerusalem under God’s anger. He did not hold back hard truths or comforting words. He simply passed on the full message he had received from the Lord.

What was happening in Jerusalem when God’s glory departed in this vision?

At this time, Jerusalem was full of idolatry and injustice. People trusted in the temple building instead of truly turning to God. They thought God was tied to that place and would never leave it, so they felt safe to go on in their sins. In the vision, God’s glory leaving the temple and the city shows that this false security was empty. God was withdrawing his special presence because they had repeatedly rejected him, and soon the city would face siege and ruin, just as his prophets had warned.

What does this passage teach about God’s presence and judgment?

This passage shows that God’s presence is a gift, not something people can control. He had chosen to put his glory in the temple, but when the people filled his house and city with sin, he left. His moving to the mountain to the east shows both patience and firmness. He is slow to depart and seems to linger, yet he will not stay where he is despised. It also shows that God can be with his people in exile, speaking through his prophet, even when the temple has lost its glory.

How might this vision encourage people who feel far from home or under hardship?

For the exiles, this vision taught that God had not abandoned them. While the city they once trusted was losing God’s glory, his word and Spirit were active among them in a foreign land. They were not cast off from his care. Today, this can help someone who feels far from home, church, or comfort. God is not limited to buildings or places. He can meet people where they are, speak through his word, and give strength to stand, even when familiar supports have been taken away.

Why is it important that Ezekiel faithfully reported every part of the vision?

Ezekiel’s faithfulness shows what a servant of God should be like. He did not soften the message about Jerusalem’s sin, and he did not hide the hope and comfort God gave for the captives. By saying he told the exiles “all the things” the Lord had showed him, the passage stresses that God’s word must not be edited to please people. Those hearing needed the full picture so they would not envy those in the city or despise their own situation, but instead see events from God’s point of view.

Why might this passage feel difficult or heavy to read?

This passage can feel heavy because it shows God’s glory leaving the temple and the city, which sounds like the end of hope. The people had trusted that God would always stay there, so the thought of him departing is painful. Yet this hard picture matches their long history of ignoring him. The wording can also be difficult, with visions of cherubim, wheels, and the Spirit lifting Ezekiel. Still, underneath the heaviness is a quiet comfort: God continues to speak and care for a people even in exile.

Ezek.11.22

Ezekiel 11:22

KJV

¶ Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

God’s Glory Leaves Jerusalem

¶ Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.

¶ Afterwards the Spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me.

Then I spake unto them of the captivity all the things that the Lord had shewed me.

Cross References

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