Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezekiel 10:2. It's a really strange and dramatic verse, and it’s packed with symbolism! Here's an explanation designed to be clear and understandable: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a terrifying vision of a man deliberately setting fire to a city. It’s not just about a simple act of arson; it’s a desperate, almost ritualistic plan. Let’s unpack the parts: “Ezekiel 10:2” : This tells us we're reading from a specific part of the Bible – Ezekiel’s vision in a dream. “And he spake unto the man clothed with linen…” : This establishes who the person is. The man is dressed in fine linen, suggesting wealth or importance. He's being addressed directly. “…and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub…” : This is where it gets really weird. Ezekiel describes him telling this man to go between the wheels of a chariot – specifically, under the "cherub" (which is a symbol of God’s presence and divine power). This suggests he's trying to get close to something incredibly powerful. “…and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims…” : This is the core of the disturbing imagery. He instructs the man to gather "coals of fire" – which are, essentially, burning embers or stones – and scatter them over the city. The word “cherubs” in this context isn't about actual angels; it’s a symbolic term for divine presence or power. “And scatter [them] over the city.” : He orders him to fling these coals of fire into the heart of the city. “And he went in in my sight.” : This is incredibly important. The narrator (who’s essentially writing down what Ezekiel saw) saw this entire scene. It's a direct, personal account of the event. What does it all mean? This passage is interpreted as a warning about: The dangers of seeking to dominate or control divine power: The man's plan suggests a desire to challenge God’s authority and possess something beyond his understanding. The potential for chaos and destruction: Scattering the "coals of fire" represents unleashing destructive forces – both literal and symbolic. It speaks to a situation where things are spiraling out of control. A focus on earthly power rather than spiritual truth: The passage could be seen as suggesting that humans might become obsessed with worldly ambitions and forget about God's guidance. Important Note: The interpretation of this verse is complex and has been debated for centuries. It’s a powerful image filled with symbolism, and it's not always easy to fully understand its meaning. Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Ezekiel%2010](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Ezekiel%2010) Wikipedia - Ezekiel 10: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_10) --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like the symbolism or the context within Ezekiel’s vision? Or would you like me to explore another Bible passage?