And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out.

EZEKIEL 10:7KJV
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Ezekiel 10:7 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 10:7 mean?

Ezekiel 10:7 describes one of the cherubim reaching out his hand to take fire from among the other cherubim and placing it into the hands of a man dressed in linen, who then takes the fire and leaves. This action is part of a vision Ezekiel receives, showing a symbolic transfer of fire, which often represents judgment or purification.

In this passage, Ezekiel is witnessing a vision given by God while he is among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The cherubim are angelic beings surrounding God's throne, and the man clothed in linen is often understood as a special messenger or angel. The fire taken from between the cherubim signals a significant event, likely connected to God's judgment on Jerusalem, as seen in the surrounding chapters.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 10:7

  • כְּרוּב (keruv, "cherub"): This word refers to a specific type of angelic being often associated with God's presence and holiness. Their actions in this vision highlight their role as agents carrying out God's will.
  • אֵשׁ (esh, "fire"): The fire here is not just ordinary fire but is often understood as a symbol of God's judgment or purifying presence. Its location "between the cherubim" emphasizes its connection to God's throne and authority.
  • בַּדִּים (badim, "linen"): The man clothed in linen (בַּדִּים, badim) is marked out as someone with a special, pure role, often associated with priestly or angelic service in the temple context.

Why Ezekiel 10:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the fire used for judgment comes directly from God's presence, not from a human or earthly source, emphasizing the divine origin of the coming events.
  • The careful transfer of fire from the cherub to the man in linen highlights the order and purposefulness of God's actions in the vision, showing that nothing happens by accident.
  • Ezekiel 10:7 connects to the broader vision of God's glory departing from the temple and the coming judgment on Jerusalem, helping readers understand the seriousness and holiness of what Ezekiel is witnessing.

Where else these words appear

“hands” 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.

“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.

“cherub” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
  • Isaiah 37:16 O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

“clothed” Hebrew H3847 · used in 103 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
  • Isaiah 22:21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.