Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
Parallel translations
- KJV 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.
- BSB And I looked and saw above the expanse, above the heads of the cherubim, the likeness of a throne of sapphire.
- NKJV And I looked, and there in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim, there appeared something like a sapphire stone, having the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
- NASB Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone, in appearance resembling a throne, appeared above them.
- NLT In my vision I saw what appeared to be a throne of blue lapis lazuli above the crystal surface over the heads of the cherubim.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Ezekiel sees again the sapphire throne above the cherubim. It renews the throne vision as the setting for the glory's departure.
Overview
The reappearance of the sapphire-like throne above the cherubim links this scene to the inaugural vision of chapter 1, signaling God's sovereign presence. From this throne God directs the unfolding judgment. The majesty of the enthroned Lord frames everything that follows. This sovereign glory, soon to depart the temple, would one day dwell bodily in Christ and reign forever.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 24
- Exod 24:10They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness.
- Rev 4:2–3Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne
- Ezek 1:22–26Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like the awesome crystal to look on, stretched out over their heads above.
- Rev 1:13And among the lamp stands was one like a son of man, clothed with a robe reaching down to his feet, and with a golden sash around his chest.
- Ps 18:10He rode on a cherub, and flew. Yes, he soared on the wings of the wind.
- 1 Pet 3:22who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.
- Josh 5:13–15When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man stood in front of him with his sword drawn in his hand. Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our enemies?”
- Gen 18:2He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,
- Gen 32:30Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for, he said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”
- Ezek 10:20This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.
- Hab 2:1I will stand at my watch, and set myself on the ramparts, and will look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.
- Josh 6:2Yahweh said to Joshua, “Behold, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the mighty men of valor.
- Gen 18:17Yahweh said, “Will I hide from Abraham what I do,
- Jer 13:18–22Say to the king and to the queen mother, “Humble yourselves, sit down; for your headdresses have come down, even the crown of your glory.
- Ezek 11:22Then the cherubim lifted up their wings, and the wheels were beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
- Ps 68:17–18The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands. The Lord is among them, from Sinai, into the sanctuary.
- Jer 13:8Then Yahweh’s word came to me, saying,
- Isa 21:8–9He cried like a lion: “Lord, I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime, and every night I stay at my post.
- Gen 18:22The men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, but Abraham stood yet before Yahweh.
- John 1:18No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.
- Gen 32:24Jacob was left alone, and wrestled with a man there until the breaking of the day.
- Gen 18:31He said, “See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Lord. What if there are twenty found there?” He said, “I will not destroy it for the twenty’s sake.”
- Eph 1:20which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,
- Jer 13:6After many days, Yahweh said to me, “Arise, go to the Euphrates, and take the belt from there, which I commanded you to hide there.”
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Christ at the center
The promise of one Shepherd-King David, a new heart and new Spirit, and the river of life flowing from the temple all stream toward Christ, the good Shepherd who gives the Spirit.
How Ezekiel 10:1 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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