Ezekiel – Chapter 10

Old Testament22 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And I saw and behold in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubims, there appeared over them as it were the sapphire stone, as…" — so begins Ezekiel 10. Across its 22 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's kingdom and kingship. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And I saw and behold in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubims, there appeared over them as it were the sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

2And he spoke to the man, that was clothed with linen, and said: Go in between the wheels that are under the cherubims and fill thy hand with the coals of fire that are between the cherubims, and pour them out upon the city. And he went in, in my sight:

3And the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in, and a cloud filled the inner court.

4And the glory of the Lord was lifted up from above the cherub to the threshold of the house: and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the Lord.

5And the sound of the wings of the cherubims was heard even to the outward court as the voice of God Almighty speaking.

6And when he had commanded the man that was clothed with linen, saying: Take fire from the midst of the wheels that are between the cherubims: he went in and stood beside the wheel.

7And one cherub stretched out his arm from the midst of the cherubims to the fire that was between the cherubims: and he took, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it and went forth.

8And there appeared in the cherubims the likeness of a man's hand under their wings.

9And I saw, and behold there were four wheels by the cherubims: one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was to the sight like the chrysolite stone:

10And as to their appearance, all four were alike: as if a wheel were in the midst of a wheel.

11And when they went, they went by four ways: and they turned not when they went: but to the place whither they first turned, the rest also followed, and did not turn back.

12And their whole body, and their necks, and their hands, and their wings, and the circles were full of eyes, round about the four wheels.

13And these wheels he called voluble, in my hearing.

14And every one had four faces: one face was the face of a cherub, and the second face, the face of a man: and in the third was the face of a lion: and in the fourth the face of an eagle.

15And the cherubims were lifted up: this is the living creature that I had seen by the river Chobar.

16And when the cherubims went, the wheels also went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings, to mount up from the earth, the wheels stayed not behind, but were by them.

17When they stood, these stood: and when they were lifted up, these were lifted up: for the spirit of life was in them.

18And the glory of the Lord went forth from the threshold of the temple: and stood over the cherubims.

19And 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.

20This is the living creature, which I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chobar: and I understood that they were cherubims.

21Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings: and the likeness of a man's hand was under their wings.

22And as to the likeness of their faces, they were the same faces which I had seen by the river Chobar, and their looks, and the impulse of every one to go straight forward.

Important Verses in Ezekiel 10

And I saw and behold in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubims, there appeared over them as it were the sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Ezekiel 10:1

And the glory of the Lord was lifted up from above the cherub to the threshold of the house: and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the Lord.

Ezekiel 10:4

And the glory of the Lord went forth from the threshold of the temple: and stood over the cherubims.

Ezekiel 10:18

And as to the likeness of their faces, they were the same faces which I had seen by the river Chobar, and their looks, and the impulse of every one to go straight forward.

Ezekiel 10:22

Historical Context

Ezekiel belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for the exiles in Babylon, moved from despair to hope of restoration. Chapter 10 of 48 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 22 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "And I saw and behold in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubims, there appeared over them as it were the…" It concludes: "And as to the likeness of their faces, they were the same faces which I had seen by the river Chobar, and their looks,…" The wider setting of Ezekiel is this: Ezekiel was deported to Babylon in 597 BC and prophesied among the exiles through astonishing visions: God's throne-chariot, the departure of His glory from the Temple, the valley of dry bones brought to life, and a new… The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About 593-571 BC, in Babylon.

Who Wrote It

The prophet Ezekiel, priest and exile

When It Was Written

About 593-571 BC, in Babylon

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter presents teaching, action, or revelation within the broader account of judgment, restoration, and God's glory. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And I saw and behold in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubims, there appeared over them as it were the sapphire stone, as the appearance of…" The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of judgment, restoration, and God's glory. Ezekiel's visions inform Catholic understanding of heaven and liturgy (CIC 1137). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 113).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our faith and the promise of our own resurrection.

Reflection for Today

The early section of Ezekiel—Chapter 10 of 48—opens a particular moment in the story of judgment, restoration, and God's glory.

According to Catholic teaching, Ezekiel's visions inform Catholic understanding of heaven and liturgy (CIC 1137). This chapter especially highlights Mary and the communion of saints, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 133).

May your reading of Ezekiel Chapter 10 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God will give His people a new heart applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ezekiel Chapter 10 about?

Ezekiel 10 contains 22 verses. It opens with "And I saw and behold in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubims, there appeared over them as it were the…" and closes with "And as to the likeness of their faces, they were the same faces which I had seen by the river Chobar, and their looks,…". The book as a whole is prophetic visions and oracles.

What is a key verse in Ezekiel 10?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And I saw and behold in the firmament that was over the heads of the cherubims, there appeared over them as it were the sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Ezekiel and when?

The prophet Ezekiel, priest and exile. About 593-571 BC, in Babylon.

Deepen your understanding with these related articles