Ezekiel

Ezekiel 10: God withdraws His glory

Begin in prayer

Before watching God's glory move from the temple, let us pause in reverence before Him. Seek His help to listen with calm hearts, His nearness to our family and a clear sight of Christ in Ezekiel 10.

Though they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them, so that not a man shall be left. Indeed, woe also to them when I depart from them!

Hosea 9:12

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Help us understand Your holiness and see Christ, who brings His people into Your presence. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

Ezekiel sees the likeness of a throne above the cherubim. God commands the man clothed in linen to take coals from among them and scatter them over Jerusalem. A cherub puts fire into his hands, and he goes out. The temple fills with cloud and its court with the brightness of the LORD's glory. The cherubim and wheels move together as the glory leaves the threshold and stands above them at the east gate. Ezekiel recognizes the cherubim as the living creatures he saw by the river Chebar.

As you read Ezekiel 10, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God withdraws His glory from the temple that His people have defiled.

The throne above the cherubim places Jerusalem's coming judgment under the rule of the God whose house the people have defiled. Fire taken from among them pictures the destruction God commands against the city. The coals come from beneath His throne, so this ruin cannot be explained as an enemy acting beyond His authority. The bright glory remains distinct from the temple even as it fills the court, for God can leave the place He has honored. Its movement from the threshold to the cherubim marks another stage of departure, warning that His presence is being withdrawn. Creatures and wheels rise together beneath that glory, displaying the same ordered movement Ezekiel saw among the captives. His recognition of the Chebar creatures joins the visions, showing the same God ruling in exile and departing from Jerusalem. A building defiled by false worship cannot hold the glory of the Lord who rules above it.

How does Ezekiel 10 show us that God withdraws His glory from the temple that His people have defiled?

God rules over the judgment of the city.

Ezekiel sees the likeness of a throne above the cherubim (verses 1 to 7). God commands the man in linen to take coals for the city. The man receives fire from a cherub and goes out as commanded.

God moves His servants together beneath His glory.

The cherubim and wheels move together, with the spirit of the living creature in them (verses 9 to 17). Where the head looks, the wheels follow without turning. Above these creatures is the glory of Israel's God.

God withdraws His glory from the house.

The LORD's glory leaves the threshold and stands over the cherubim (verses 18 and 19). They rise and stand at the east gate. The temple cannot hold God's glorious presence while its people reject Him.

Memorize

Yahweh’s glory went out from over the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim.

Ezekiel 10:18

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what am I valuing more than coming near to God through Jesus?

Ezekiel sees that “Yahweh’s glory went out from over the threshold of the house.” The temple's place in Jerusalem cannot secure God's presence for people who defile His worship. The glory rises above the cherubim, and the city faces judgment. We need a way to draw near to this holy Lord.

Christ suffered for sins to bring His people to God (1 Peter 3 verse 18). He bore their sins in His own body and died in their place. His death has accomplished their reconciliation, fully securing the salvation they need. God raised Him from the dead, and He lives as the Lord who receives sinners.

Please turn from sin and put your trust in Jesus Christ. Everyone who comes to Him will be forgiven and welcomed through His saving work. Please seek God through His Son, with honest sorrow for the sin that separates you from Him. His glorious presence is worth more than any building or outward form of worship.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God's glory leaves a defiled house, and Christ died and rose to bring sinners into God's presence. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for showing the holiness of His presence, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.

Revelation 3:19

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to bring sinners near to You. Forgive us for valuing outward worship while neglecting You, and help each one turn from sin and trust Him. Please teach us to honor Your holiness and seek Your presence through Christ this week. Amen.