Ezekiel 10:14
And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was a human face, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Here, the text subtly shifts from describing the creatures as an "ox" in the first vision (Ezekiel 1:10) to calling it a "cherub" here, emphasizing its unique, divine identity. This isn't just a name change; it highlights Ezekiel's growing recognition of the cherub's distinct, heavenly form as he revisits the vision.
Ezekiel is getting a second, more detailed look at the divine chariot he saw previously, now situated in the temple complex. This time, the focus sharpens on the four living creatures beneath God's throne, revealing their complex, multi-faced nature and their role in carrying out divine judgment. The vision shifts to the specific actions of these creatures as they take coals of fire to scatter over the city, setting the stage for God's departure and the impending destruction of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel's vision of these heavenly beings shifts from the first chapter to the tenth. What does this change tell us about God's presence and our understanding of it?
In chapter 1, Ezekiel describes the living creatures as having the face of an ox. But here in chapter 10, he calls it the 'face of a cherub.' This isn't a contradiction, but an evolution in his understanding and God's self-revelation.
A Deeper Recognition
The 'ox' face likely represented strength and tireless service – fitting for divine messengers. However, by calling it a 'cherub' here, Ezekiel recognizes the unique, holy identity of these beings as specified in Scripture and associated with God's throne. It’s like seeing a familiar object in a new light, recognizing its deeper significance.
Focus on God's Glory
This shift emphasizes that these creatures are not just abstract symbols, but specific divine beings connected to God’s presence and glory. The change prompts us to look beyond the immediate appearance to the deeper reality and purpose behind what we see.
Each of these divine beings has four faces: man, lion, eagle, and cherub. What does this incredible combination reveal about the nature of God and His work in the world?
This quartet of faces isn't random; it symbolizes the multifaceted nature of God's attributes and His sovereign rule.
Wisdom, Courage, Vision, and Holiness
Understand the original words
kerub · Hebrew Noun
In biblical theology, this refers to a high-ranking order of angelic beings who serve as guardians of God’s holiness and throne, often associated with divine manifestation and presence.
Ezekiel's detailed description of the cherubim in chapter 10, a repeat and expansion of his earlier vision, occurs immediately after the devastating fall of Jerusalem and the Temple. He sees the very symbols of God's presence and majesty in the earthly sanctuary now revealed in a transcendent, mobile form, emphasizing that God's glory is not confined to a building that has been profaned and destroyed.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its citizens. This event served as a stark warning to Judah about the consequences of disobedience.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon deports some of the Judean elite, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of Judah's subservience to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Babylonian Deportation
Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and many more Judeans, including Ezekiel, to Babylon. This event directly precedes Ezekiel's prophetic ministry in exile.
c. 586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar destroy Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple. This is the catastrophic event that Ezekiel foretells and that his visions mourn.
This passage provides the initial description of the four faces (ox, man, lion, eagle) seen on the living creatures, offering a foundational comparison to the revised description in chapter 10.
Daniel 7:4Daniel also sees powerful, symbolic beasts with animal faces (lion, bear, leopard), reflecting a similar prophetic vision style and the use of animal imagery to represent divine power and judgment.
Revelation 4:7The four living creatures described in Revelation share distinct faces (lion, ox, man, eagle), directly echoing Ezekiel's vision and linking these symbolic beings to God's throne and heavenly worship.
Numbers 2:2The arrangement of the four tribes (Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, Dan) around the Tabernacle, each with a distinct standard or symbol (lion, man, ox, eagle), provides a potential parallel for the symbolic meaning of these faces in relation to divine order and presence.
pooleEzekiel 10:14: "And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle."
Every one, of the living creatures, Ezekiel 1:6 , the cherubims in this chapter. The first face, which each had. The face of a cherub: in Babylon, at the river Chebar, he saw somewhat a different face; in the temple he seeth a cherub, one of the faces, which leads us to look on angels employed in…
clarkeEzekiel 10:14: "And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle."
The first - was the face of a cherub - In Ezekiel 1:10 , this is called the "face of an ox;" here, the "face of a cherub:" hence, a cherub was in the likeness of an ox, at least, as to its head. כרוב kerub never occurs as a verb; and its meaning cannot be precisely ascertained. Parkhurst thinks…
Here, the text subtly shifts from describing the creatures as an "ox" in the first vision (Ezekiel 1:10) to calling it a "cherub" here, emphasizing its unique, divine identity. This isn't just a name change; it highlights Ezekiel's growing recognition of the cherub's distinct, heavenly form as he revisits the vision.
Ezekiel is getting a second, more detailed look at the divine chariot he saw previously, now situated in the temple complex. This time, the focus sharpens on the four living creatures beneath God's throne, revealing their complex, multi-faced nature and their role in carrying out divine judgment. The vision shifts to the specific actions of these creatures as they take coals of fire to scatter over the city, setting the stage for God's departure and the impending destruction of Jerusalem.
Ezekiel is getting a second, more detailed look at the divine chariot he saw previously, now situated in the temple complex. This time, the focus sharpens on the four living creatures beneath God's throne, revealing their complex, multi-faced nature and their role in carrying out divine judgment. The vision shifts to the specific actions of these creatures as they take coals of fire to scatter over the city, setting the stage for God's departure and the impending destruction of Jerusalem.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ezekiel 10:14 is available in the Sola app.
The Whole Counsel of God
Together, these faces paint a picture of God's complete character – He is wise and personal, powerful and authoritative, all-seeing and purposeful, and perfectly holy. This vision assures us that God's reign is comprehensive, encompassing every aspect of existence.
The order and identity of the faces change between Ezekiel's visions. Why does the way we see God matter so much?
The way these faces are presented in Ezekiel 10:14, compared to chapter 1, highlights how our perspective and proximity to God's glory can influence what aspects of His being are most apparent to us.
God Reveals Himself Strategically
Scholars note that in chapter 1, the vision comes from the north, and the faces are described differently than in chapter 10. In chapter 10, Ezekiel seems to be seeing the faces that correspond to the direction of movement or his particular vantage point.
The Face Presented to You
This suggests that God doesn't just have one static appearance. Instead, He reveals Himself in ways that are relevant to our current circumstances and His purposes. The face that is 'first' or most prominent in a vision is often the one directly before the observer, or the one leading the way.
Active Engagement
It implies that God is not distant or passive, but actively engaged with His creation, presenting Himself and His power in ways we can comprehend and respond to. The vision is dynamic, responding to movement and position, much like God responds to our lives.
c. 585 BC
Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory
Ezekiel receives his initial vision of the living creatures and the divine chariot, describing the departure of God's glory from the ruined Temple. This vision occurs shortly after Jerusalem's fall.
c. 585-570 BC
Ezekiel's Prophetic Ministry
Ezekiel continues to prophesy to the exiles in Babylon, addressing themes of judgment, restoration, and the holiness of God, often using symbolic visions.
"And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was a human face, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle." — Here, the text subtly shifts from describing the creatures as an "ox" in the first vision (Ezekiel 1:10) to calling it a "cherub" here, emphasizing its unique, divine identity. This isn't just a name…
