King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 41:18 Mean?
“And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;”
Context
16
The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the door, cieled with wood round about, and from the ground up to the windows, and the windows were covered; cieled: Heb. cieling of wood and from: or, and the ground unto the windows
17
To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure. measure: Heb. measures
18
And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;
19
So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.
20
From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(18) **With cherubims and palm trees.**—Ezekiel 41:18-21 describe the interior ornamentation of the Temple, which was like that of the Temple of Solomon (1Kings 6:29-30). It may be assumed that here, as there, these figures were carved upon the woodwork. The “s” at the end of “cherubims” is quite unnecessary, “cherubim” itself being plural.
**Every cherub had two faces.—**In Ezekiel 1, 10 the cherubim are represented each with four faces, but being merely symbolic, not actual creatures, they may be modified at pleasure, and here, in accordance with the exigencies of the carving, they have but two faces.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 41:18 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 41:18
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge