Chapter Summary

Visions of the altar fire scattered over Jerusalem. Description of the cherubim.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 10

1. The "man clothed in linen (ESV)" appears to have a different role in chapter 10 than he did in chapter 9. What is the difference? Do we learn anything about angels from this change of role? If so, what? Who is in control of the responsibilities of the angels? What can we learn about how we should relate to God from the angels?
2. What is communicated by the description "there appeared above them something like sapphire, in appearance like a throne (ESV)?" Where else do we see a description like this? What might be the connection between the two passages?
3. What is the purpose of the burning coals in 10:2? How do you know? What are some widespread sins in the church today that we need purification from?
4. Chapter 10 makes it clear that the cherubim are the same creatures mentioned in chapter 1 as the living creatures. How might this connection help us interpret the book? What other clues help us to see the visions as connected?
5. As we continue to see the expression "the glory of the Lord (ESV)," what do we learn about it here in chapter 10? What other Old Testament and New Testament passages help us understand what it means?
6. What is the significance of the movement of the glory of the Lord? What does the glory of the Lord represent? What makes this such a devastating reality? What would it look like today if God removed his presence from the church?
7. What do the cherubim's four faces represent? What do the wheels and eyes represent? How could the awe-inspiring description of the cherubim lead us to worship God? Give some examples of how God's glory is shown in his creation.
8. What do you think is the reason that the glory of the Lord departs gradually, in stages throughout Ezekiel 1-10? What does this teach us about God's grace and patience? What do we learn about sin?
9. In Genesis 3, there is an angelic figure that is present as Adam and Eve are forced to leave Eden. What might be the connection between Eden and Ezekiel 10? Who bears the responsibility for the departure from God's presence in both places? How should this cause is to evaluate our own relationship with God?
10. It appears that in this vision, only Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord depart? What kind of situations begin to make us blind to the beauty of the glory of the Lord? How can we help prevent this type of blindness?

Key Words/Phrase

Glory, v. 4.

Characters

God, Ezekiel, Christ.

Strong Verse(s)