And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.

EZEKIEL 10:2KJV
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Ezekiel 10:2 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 10:2 mean?

Ezekiel 10:2 describes God commanding a man dressed in linen to go between the wheels under the cherubim, gather burning coals, and scatter them over the city. This action is a sign of coming judgment on Jerusalem, witnessed directly by Ezekiel.

In this scene, God speaks to a figure described as "the man clothed with linen," who appears earlier in Ezekiel as a messenger or angelic being. The setting is Ezekiel's vision of the temple, where he sees heavenly beings (cherubim) and mysterious wheels. The command to scatter coals over the city points to destruction by fire, symbolizing divine judgment against Jerusalem for its wrongdoing.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 10:2

  • "Coals" (גַּחֶלֶת, gachelet): This word refers to burning coals, often associated with purification or judgment. Here, the coals are taken from between the cherubim, showing they come directly from God's presence.
  • "Scatter" (זָרָה, zarah): This verb means to disperse or scatter. The act of scattering the coals over the city is a deliberate spreading of judgment, not just a random act.
  • "Cherub" / "Cherubims" (כְּרוּב, keruv / כְּרוּבִים, keruvim): These are angelic beings associated with God's throne. Their presence in the vision emphasizes the seriousness and holiness of the scene.

Why Ezekiel 10:2 matters

  • Ezekiel 10:2 clarifies that the coming destruction of Jerusalem is not just a military or political event but is shown as a direct act of divine judgment.
  • The verse highlights the role of heavenly beings and symbols (cherubim, wheels, coals) in Ezekiel's visions, connecting earthly events to God's heavenly court.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the larger theme in Ezekiel that God's presence and actions are not limited to the temple but reach out to judge or purify as needed.

Where else these words appear

“hand” Hebrew H2651 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 9:8 And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.
  • Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
  • Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

“wheels” Hebrew H1534 · used in 11 verses

  • Psalms 77:18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
  • Isaiah 5:28 Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:
  • Ezekiel 10:6 And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.

“coals” Hebrew H1513 · used in 18 verses

  • Leviticus 16:12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:
  • Psalms 18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Proverbs 25:22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

“linen” Hebrew H906 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
  • 1 Samuel 2:18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
  • Ezekiel 9:11 And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.