Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While the text echoes Ezekiel's earlier vision, the specific placement of the sapphire-like throne above the cherubim, where the divine presence dwells, is crucial. This isn't just a repeat; it highlights that the glorious throne, and thus God's presence, is preparing to depart from the temple, signaling impending judgment.
Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following the intense vision of judgment on Jerusalem's wicked, Ezekiel sees again the divine chariot and the cherubim, much like in his first vision by the Chebar River. This vision, however, is now situated directly above the cherubim and a sapphire-like throne, signaling the imminence of God's departure from His temple. This reappearance of the divine glory above the cherubim, now poised to descend with coals of fire, emphasizes the coming destruction of the city as a direct consequence of its sin.
Ezekiel sees something that looks exactly like a vision he's already experienced. But this time, the message is different.
Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 10 is a deliberate echo of his earlier encounter with God's glory in chapter 1. The stunning imagery of the cherubim, the expanse, the sapphire stone, and the throne is intentionally repeated.
The Weight of Repetition
While chapter 1 introduced the majestic, mobile glory of God, chapter 10 uses these same symbols to signal something new and somber. The repetition isn't just for emphasis; it's to show that the same divine presence that once filled the Temple is now associated with impending judgment. The familiar heavenly throne room is now the backdrop for a message of destruction, not dwelling.
That shimmering 'sapphire' isn't just a pretty color; it speaks volumes about who is in charge and what's about to happen.
The appearance of the throne, described as being like a 'sapphire stone,' carries significant symbolic weight.
Heavenly Authority
In ancient Near Eastern thought, precious blue stones like sapphire were often associated with the heavens and divine royalty. The throne itself is the ultimate symbol of authority and rule. Placed above the cherubim—celestial beings designed to bear God's presence—it powerfully declares that God's sovereign rule extends even to the midst of His people and His holy Temple.
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A Glimpse of Coming Judgment
However, in this context, the throne isn't just a symbol of peaceful reign. Commentators note that this vision, unlike the one in chapter 1, directly precedes a message of judgment, specifically the use of coals of fire scattered over the city. The throne appears not to bless, but to oversee the execution of divine justice.
Understand the original words
keruvim · Hebrew Noun
Celestial beings of high rank associated with the immediate presence and throne of God; they represent the holiness and sovereignty of the Creator.
sappir · Hebrew Noun
A precious blue stone often symbolizing the heavens or the majesty of God’s royal presence, frequently associated with the appearance of God's throne.
kisse · Hebrew Noun
The elevated place where God sits as King and Judge; it symbolizes His absolute authority, sovereign rule, and exalted nature over all creation.
This vision in Ezekiel 10 occurs amidst the final, devastating siege and destruction of Jerusalem. It's not just a repeat of his first vision (Ezekiel 1), but a specific, immediate precursor to God's presence departing the very Temple about to be ravaged by fire, highlighting the imminent judgment and abandonment of His people and city.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and thousands of Judeans, including Ezekiel, to Babylon. This marks a significant weakening of Judean sovereignty and a prelude to further destruction.
c. 593 BC
Ezekiel's First Vision
The prophet Ezekiel receives his initial commissioning vision by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, depicting the majestic, mobile throne-chariot of God supported by cherubim. This establishes the symbolic language for his prophecy.
c. 587/586 BC
Siege and Fall of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar's Babylonian army besieges Jerusalem, leading to its eventual destruction, the burning of the Temple, and the second, larger deportation of Judeans. This is the ultimate catastrophe foreshadowed in Ezekiel's visions.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Vision of God's Glory Departing Temple
Ezekiel witnesses a terrifying vision where the divine glory, previously seen above the cherubim in Babylon, now appears above the cherubim within the Jerusalem Temple, but only to depart, signifying God's abandonment of His sanctuary before its destruction.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Following the vision of God's departure, Jerusalem is conquered and the Temple is burned by the Babylonians, fulfilling the prophetic judgments. The city and its holy place are left in ruins.
This verse directly echoes Ezekiel 1:26, describing the same sapphire-like appearance of a throne above the living creatures, reinforcing the continuity of the divine vision.
Isaiah 6:1Like Isaiah's vision of God enthroned amidst smoke and glory, this passage presents a majestic and awe-inspiring appearance of God's presence above the cherubim, signifying His sovereign authority.
1 Kings 8:10The description of God's glory filling the temple, as seen in this vision and referenced in 1 Kings, highlights the sacredness of the place and the immediate presence of God before its abandonment.
Ezekiel 9:3This verse follows the judgment scene in Ezekiel 9, and the appearance of the throne above the cherubim signals a pivotal moment where God's glory begins to depart from the temple, a direct consequence of the city's sin.
pooleEzekiel 10:1: "Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne."
The vision, of the coals of fire, which are ordered to be taken from between the cherubims, and scattered over the city, Ezekiel 10:1-7 . The vision of the cherubims and the glory of God removing from the temple, Ezekiel 10:8-22 . Then, or And , which connecting this with the ninth chapter, will…
barnesEzekiel 10:1: "Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne."
As in Ezekiel 1 , the vision of the glory of the Lord, the particulars given identifying the two visions.
While the text echoes Ezekiel's earlier vision, the specific placement of the sapphire-like throne above the cherubim, where the divine presence dwells, is crucial. This isn't just a repeat; it highlights that the glorious throne, and thus God's presence, is preparing to depart from the temple, signaling impending judgment.
Following the intense vision of judgment on Jerusalem's wicked, Ezekiel sees again the divine chariot and the cherubim, much like in his first vision by the Chebar River. This vision, however, is now situated directly above the cherubim and a sapphire-like throne, signaling the imminence of God's departure from His temple. This reappearance of the divine glory above the cherubim, now poised to descend with coals of fire, emphasizes the coming destruction of the city as a direct consequence of its sin.
Following the intense vision of judgment on Jerusalem's wicked, Ezekiel sees again the divine chariot and the cherubim, much like in his first vision by the Chebar River. This vision, however, is now situated directly above the cherubim and a sapphire-like throne, signaling the imminence of God's departure from His temple. This reappearance of the divine glory above the cherubim, now poised to descend with coals of fire, emphasizes the coming destruction of the city as a direct consequence of its sin.
"Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne." — While the text echoes Ezekiel's earlier vision, the specific placement of the sapphire-like throne above the cherubim, where the divine presence dwells, is crucial. This isn't just a repeat; it hig…
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Last reviewed October 2026