King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 11:22 Mean?

Ezekiel 11:22 in the King James Version says “Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.”

Ezekiel 11:22 · KJV

Context

20

That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

21

But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD.

22

Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

23

And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.

24

Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me.

Read Ezekiel 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After announcing restoration promises, Ezekiel sees the conclusion of the glory's departure: 'Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.' This describes the cherubim and wheels ready for departure, with God's glory positioned above them. The throne-chariot of God prepares to leave the temple entirely.

The phrase 'glory of the God of Israel' emphasizes both divine majesty and covenant relationship. Even in judging Israel, Yahweh remains 'God of Israel'—the covenant continues despite discipline. The glory positioned 'over them above' indicates God's transcendence—He remains sovereign and holy, separate from the defilement below. The departure isn't abandonment of covenant but necessary response to maintain holiness while disciplining unfaithfulness.

From a Reformed perspective, God's glory departing illustrates the doctrine of holiness—God cannot indefinitely dwell where sin persists unrepented. Yet even in departure, He remains Israel's God, working through judgment toward restoration. This demonstrates that God's covenant love includes discipline (Hebrews 12:6). True love doesn't tolerate destructive behavior but corrects it, even through painful means.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The glory's departure reversed its arrival at the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35) and temple dedication (1 Kings 8:10-11). What came with such fanfare and celebration now leaves in judgment. This dramatic reversal would shock any Israelite familiar with their sacred history. The presence that defined Israel's identity and provided protection was withdrawing due to persistent covenant violation.

Ezekiel watches this departure in vision around 592 BC; the actual temple destruction occurred in 586 BC. The vision precedes fulfillment by about six years, providing warning opportunity for repentance. That repentance didn't come, and Nebuchadnezzar's armies destroyed the temple, burning it completely (2 Kings 25:8-9). The glory had already departed, leaving only a building which God then allowed to be demolished.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's departure warning before judgment demonstrates His patience and desire for repentance?
  2. What does the reversal of glorious arrival and departing judgment teach about human responsibility in maintaining God's blessing?
  3. In what ways might God's glory be departing from contemporary churches, and what warning signs precede such departure?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיִּשְׂא֤וּ1 of 11

“lift up”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

הַכְּרוּבִים֙2 of 11

“Then did the cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

אֶת3 of 11
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כַּנְפֵיהֶ֔ם4 of 11

“their wings”

H3671

an edge or extremity; specifically (of a bird or army) a wing, (of a garment or bedclothing) a flap, (of the earth) a quarter, (of a building) a pinna

וְהָאֽוֹפַנִּ֖ים5 of 11

“and the wheels”

H212

a wheel

לְעֻמָּתָ֑ם6 of 11

“beside”

H5980

conjunction, i.e., society; mostly adverb or preposition (with prepositional prefix), near, beside, along with

וּכְב֧וֹד7 of 11

“them and the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

אֱלֹהֵֽי8 of 11

“of the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל9 of 11

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם10 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃11 of 11

“was over them above”

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 11:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 10:19Ezekiel 1:19-20

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