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.
Ezekiel 10:19 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel describes the awe-inspiring vision that the prophet Ezekiel had of the cherubims in the Lord's house. The cherubims lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth in front of Ezekiel, with the wheels beside them. This imagery symbolizes the majestic and powerful presence of God as the cherubims are often associated with protecting the divine presence. The fact that they stood at the east gate of the Lord's house highlights their significance and connection to the divine sanctuary. The glory of the God of Israel was seen above them, signifying the divine authority and majesty that accompanied the cherubims. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence and sovereignty, as well as the reverence and awe that should be given to Him.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the image of cherubim lifting up their wings and mounting up from the earth symbolizes the divine presence of God. Cherubim are often associated with protection, guidance, and divine wisdom in the Bible. The mention of wheels beside them may refer to the complexity and order of God's divine plan, as wheels are often used as symbols of movement and progress in the Bible. The fact that every cherubim stood at the east gate of the Lord's house highlights the importance of this location as the entrance to God's dwelling place. The glory of the God of Israel hovering above the cherubim signifies the majesty and power of God watching over His people. This verse conveys a powerful image of God's presence and protection through the symbolism of cherubim, wheels, and the glory of His majesty.
Ezekiel 10:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went forth, and the wheels beside them: and they stood at the door of the east gate of Jehovah's house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
World English Bible
The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went out, and the wheels beside them: and they stood at the door of the east gate of Yahweh’s house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
Douay-Rheims
And the cherubims lifting up their wings, were raised from the earth before me: and as they went out, the wheels also followed: and it stood in the entry of the east gate of the house of the Lord: and the glory of the God of Israel was over them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Cherubims lift vp their wings, and mounted vp from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheeles also were besides them: and euery one stoode at the entrie of the gate of the Lordes House at the East side, and the glorie of the God of Israel was vpon them on hie.