Ezekiel 10 Footnotes

10:14-15 In this description of the cherubim, the first of the four faces, that of the ox (1:10), was replaced by the face of a “cherub.” Otherwise the faces were the same, and the text makes clear that these were the same creatures as those of chap. 1 (10:15,20,22). Rabbinic interpreters explained that the face of the ox was removed at Ezekiel’s request because of its association with the golden calf of Ex 32. Since the cherubim, or similar figures, are known from other ancient Near Eastern cultures (see note on 10:18-22), it is also possible that the ox was the ordinary face of a cherub, so that the two terms are synonymous.

10:18-22 Figures similar to the biblical cherubim (see the “living creatures” of Rv 4:6-8) are found in excavations of sites from other ancient Near Eastern cultures. Their purpose was to signify the presence of royalty; large statues of such composite creatures flanked the throne of the Assyrian ruler at Nineveh, for example. Their function in the Bible differs somewhat. In Ezekiel’s vision, the cherubim transported God in his glory from the threshold of the temple to the east gate of the temple complex. Cherubim appear as servants, worshipers, and guardians of God’s holy presence. In addition to the similar “living creatures” in John’s vision, cherubim are found exercising this role in five places in the Bible: guarding access to the garden and to the tree of life (Gn 3:24); mounted atop the ark of the covenant as guardians of the holiness of God in the inner sanctuary (Ex 25:18-22; 1Sm 4:4; 2Sm 6:2; Is 37:16; see Ps 80:1; 99:1); embroidered on the veil of the most holy place in the tabernacle, and later on the veil of the temple (Ex 26:31; 2Ch 3:14); carved from olive wood and placed inside the inner sanctuary of the temple (1Kg 6:23-25; 8:6-7); associated with the movement of God’s presence (1Ch 28:18; Ps 104:3; Ezk 10:19; 41:18-20).

10:19 The eastern gate is especially significant in the eschatological doctrines of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. For Jews and Muslims the golden gate is the site of the last judgment (Zch 14:1-9). Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives on the east side of Jerusalem. He told his disciples he would return to the same place in like manner as he departed (Ac 1:9-12). Both Christians and Jews believe the Messiah will reenter the city through the golden gate (Ezk 44:1-3) from which the glory of God departed (11:22-25).