Ezekiel_10.asp

Atlanta Bible Students

The Book of Ezekiel

Chapter 10

Go To Verse 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

[1] Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. [2] 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. [3] Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. [4] Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory. [5] And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh. [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. [7] 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. [8] And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings.

Verse 1 Expanded Bible Comments

Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.
Question	Answer
Who "looked?"	"I looked," i.e., Ezekiel – likely picturing the 7th Messenger (or possibly including the church class still in the flesh at that time.)
When did he look?	"Then," i.e., after the vision of chapters 8 and 9.
What did he see?	A sapphire stone in the firmament above the Cherubim.
What is the significance of the firmament.	The heavens - symbolic of the power of spiritual control.
What is the significance of it being over the head of the cherubims?	Possibly indicating that he is above all things. Col. 1:15-18
What did it look like (what color)?	Like saphire.
What is it described as being the likeness of, and what does that mean in understanding this vision?	The likeness of a throne. This seems to indicate the Reign of Christ begun. This we would apply to 1874 or 1878.

Verse 2 Expanded Bible Comments

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.
Question	Answer
Who is "he" in this verse?	Jehovah God.
To whom is he speaking?	"Unto the man clothed with linen," i.e., to Pastor Russell.
Has the identity of this individual changed since the previous chapter?	No.
Where is he instructed to go?	Between the wheels.
What does this signify?	It has reference to the "wheels" on the Chart of the Ages. He is to go in during the time of the overlapping of the Ages, i.e., between the wheels.
What does it mean to go "under the cherub?"	The cherubim (picturing love and power) were on the mercy-seat (justice.) To go under the cherub would be to go to Justice.
What is pictured by "coals of fire?"	The plagues. Psa. 18:12-13; Rev. 16:21
Is there any significance to "fill thy hands" with coals of fire?	Hands are symbolic of strength, energy. He was to fill his hands, i.e., this work of disseminating the Truth (God's word, coals of fire) was to take all his strength and energy. Rev. 15:1
Why is this taken "from between the Cherubims?"	Similar answer to going "under the cherub" above yet with a difference. God is described as dwelling between the cherubim. – 1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam. 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; 1 Chron. 13:6; Psa. 80:1; Isa. 37:16
What does he do with the coals of fire and what does this picture?	He is instructed to "scatter them over the city (Jerusalem.)" This indicates that Pastor Russell was to spread the Truth abroad and that Truth would be the (seven last) plagues upon Christendom.

We found the following on the YouTube (internet) to be quite interesting. We have not taken the time to verify all, but the Ezekiel references are cited for each step.

These videos use YouTube HTML5 Video Player which should be compatible with modern browsers.

Chapter 40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNmERZkT6JM
Chapter 41: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJJHVnGJ_4U
Chapters 42-43: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQRegCrJHzk

Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments

Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.
Question	Answer
What is pictured by the cherubims?	The attributes of God. Depending on the picture it may be the two attributes of Love and Power (as shown on the ark of the covenant) or it may be all four – Justice, Love, Power and Wisdom.
What significance is there of them standing "on the right side" of the house (temple?)	There appears to be no physical difference in the space to the left or right of the temple. The question arises: Is this the right side as your are approaching the temple or as you are leaving the temple? Since most of the dealings with either temple or tabernacle seem to be from the view of advancing toward the temple, this is our assumption here. That would make the right side the north side. – Remember the six men who had charge over the city came "from of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north." Eze. 9:2. These pictured the saints at the time of our Lord's return. We also remember that the right hand (or arm) pictures strength, a place of honor, or both. It is this latter that we think makes the most sense. Our Lord's attributes are about to be demonstrated in a greater manner than is normally seen. – This does not, however, mean this demonstration will be recognized by all as being from God. In Solomon's temple the pillar on the right side was "Jachin." H3199 יָכִין yâkı̂yn yaw-keen' From H3559; he (or it) will establish; Jakin, the name of three Israelites and of a temple pillar: - Jachin. This reminds us that when He withdraws His Spirit from Christendom, it is a permanent withdrawal. It also reminds us that the Lord is establishing His people as being separate from Christendom (for they are drawn to His Spirit.) John 10:5,16,27; Rev. 3:20
Who is "the man" who "went in?"	Pastor Russell – "The man clothed in linen."
Where is the inner court?	In "Ezekiel's Temple" it is the court-yard immediately around the temple proper. – Just as the court is immediately around the Tabernacle (holy and most holy.) – Refer to Ezekiel's Temple diagram (in a new tab.) It is the area in the center of that diagram which has the brazen alter at the center. When looking at the diagram it is the area which has the letter "D" and also has numbers 6, 7 and 8.
What is pictured by the inner court?	The same thing that is pictured by the Court of the Tabernacle, i.e., Justification (both tentative and vital.)
What is pictured by the cloud?	Clouds picture both trouble and confusion. They are also often associated with the Glory of God.
What is pictured by the cloud filling the inner court?	The inner court in Ezekiel's temple seems to correspond to the court in the tabernacle and would therefore picture the stages of justification. When we examine the Chart of the Ages we see that this is where "the majority of the nominal Gospel church" were located throughout the Gospel Age. However, during the Harvest period we see the breakup of the nominal Church and their falling out of even the (tentatively) justified condition. All this comes from the cloud (trouble, confusion, the natural result of the Truth giving the lie to Babylon's teachings.)
At what point in time does this occur?	Clearly when "the man clothed in linen" is there, i.e., in Pastor Russell's day. We would suggest this is in the early part of his ministry.
Have we seen this symbolic picture elsewhere in scripture, if so, where?	Exo. 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chron. 5:13-14; Isa. 6:3-4; Rev. 15:8.
Please see Rev. 15 Scene

Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments

Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory.
Question	Answer
What is "the glory of the LORD?"	The Truth of God's Plan, i.e., that which reveals His True Character.
Where was it?	On (or rather between) the cherubim. Thus it was with the ark of the covenant which was in the Most Holy. In this picture it is clear that this house (temple) was located in (symbolic) Jerusalem, i.e., in Christendom. (See Eze. 8:3-4) – Remember, "let both grow together.." Matt. 13:30.
Where did it go?	To the threshold of the house (temple.) – The threshold is the entrance.
What happened to the house when the glory of the LORD moved?	"The house was filled with the cloud."
What does that mean?	The house is the temple, the religious element of of Christendom. This is where the spirit of God had been but now it is filled with trouble and confusion resulting from the Truth exposing their false ideas. It also may be described as "the stately steppings of our God." – See Nahum 1:3
What happened to the court?	"And the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory."
What does that picture?	The court pictures the condition of the (tentatively) justified.
Looking at the inner court. What is the difference in this picture between what happens in verse 3 and in verse 4? – What does this mean?	Vs. 3 "the cloud filled the inner court." – See comments vs. 3. Vs. 4 "the court was full of the brightness of the LORD'S glory." The outer court surrounds the inner court, just as the camp of Israel surrounded the court of the Tabernacle, and seems to picture the same thing. – T18
Where have we previously seen this picture of the Lord's Glory moving from the cherub to the threshold of the house?	Eze. 9:3
What is the Lord telling us by this repetition?	Please see booklet Ezekiel Chapter 9.

Verse 5 Expanded Bible Comments

And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh.
Question	Answer
What are pictured by the cherubims?	The Four Attributes of God. As we will be examining this symbolic picture in more detail later we here simply point out upcoming references, esp. Eze. 10:9,10,14,15
What is pictured by their wings?	Divine protection, power. The Word of God, the Old and New Testaments. Rev. 12:14
What is "the sound of the cherubims' wings?"	Eze. 1:24
What is pictured by the outer court?	It would seem that this matches well with the "Camp of Israel" in the Tabernacle picture. T18
What then does it mean that this sound reached the outer court?	Please see the next question and answer.
What is meant by "as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh?"	Present Truth is indeed "the voice of the Almighty God." During Pastor Russell's day this Truth came out so strong that it shook Christendom to its core and the whole world was taking notice.

Verse 6 Expanded Bible Comments

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.
Question	Answer
Why does this verse begin with "And it came to pass?"	Normally this phrase denotes the passage of time, however, considering what immediately follows it appears this is, while remaining in the same prophetic vision, backing up a little and changing the focus away from the Cherubims back to the man clothed in linen.
Who is "the man clothed with linen?"	Pastor Russell.
What is pictured by him being told to "Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims?"	The fire pictures the Word of God, especially the seven last plagues. He is instructed to take it "from between the wheels," i.e., in the overlapping period between the Gospel and Millennial Ages. Please see booklet Ezekiel Chapter 9
He is instructed to take it "..from between the wheels, from between the cherubims." What differences (if any) are there in these: between the wheels? between the cherubim? If so, what?	"Between the wheels" indicates the overlapping of the Gospel and Millennial Ages. The Cherubim picture the attributes of God. In this vision we are told there are four. The four attributes of God are shown on the lid of the ark of the covenant. The lid's base, the propitiatory or mercy-seat = Justice. The two cherubim (facing each other while looking down to the mercy-seat) = Love and Power. The shekinah light = Wisdom. It is our thought that "between the cherubim" refers to the place where the two cherubim were looking, i.e., the mercy-seat or the attribute of Justice. An additional thought expressed in Scripture is that this is God's dwelling-place. Please refer to "Between the Cherubim"
What does it mean "then he went in, and stood beside the wheels?"	Pastor Russell took his stand on the Truth that he was living in the Harvest time when the Gospel Age was ending and the Millennial Age was beginning. He was following the direction of the Lord and was ready to take the action appointed to him.

Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments

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.
Question	Answer
How many cherubims were there?	Four. see vss. 9-10
Why is it "one cherub?"	The cherubim picture the Four attributes of God. It is one because one particular attribute is most directly involved.
What is meant by "stretched forth his hand?"	Isa. 14:27
"One cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims.." – So the hand of this one cherub was "between the cherubims." ".. unto the fire that was between the cherubims." – So the fire is "between the cherubims." Is this saying that the fire and the hand of the one cherub were both in the same place, i.e., "between the cherubims?" Is this is correct, how could the one cherub "stretch forth his hand" to the place where he already is, i.e., "between the cherubim?" What is going on?
What was there (between the cherubims?)	Not only do the Scriptures refer to this as where God dwells, but on the Ark of the Covenant, the two cherubims were looking down at the mercy-seat where the blood of the bullock was sprinkled. – see Between the Cherubim
Why "between the cherubims?"	Because it pictures God's attribute of Justice.
What did the cherub do with it?	Put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen.
What did the man clothed with linen do?	"He took it, and went out."
In verse 6 the "man clothed with linen" is told to take the fire. Here in verse 7 the "one cherub .. took" the fire and it was the cherub that put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen. Why to two accounts? – One saying the man in linen took the fire and the other saying the Cherub took the fire and gave it to the man in linen?	We suggest it is to show that there is a two-fold aspect to this. First, the man clothed in linen did not make attempt to get these coals of fire on his own. However, when he was instructed to take them, he "did as he was commanded" to do. While this cherub pictures the attribute of Justice, it is still a mighty spirit being. In this second aspect we see that this is not something the man clothed in linen could do on his own. It took the mighty power of God to give him these coals of fire.

Just a quick note here. We mentioned a connection between the Day of Atonement and the Coals of Fire, but failed to provide any reference. Please notice some of the similarities to our study here in the following reference: Lev. 16:11-17.

Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments

And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings.
Question	Answer
Why "the form of a man's hand?"	We suggest it indicates that even though this is the work of God (as symbolically shown by the cherub, His attribute of Justice,) it is being carried out by a man. To put it another way, the man clothed in linen could not possibly do this on his own, he needed divine help. God's work here is being carried out by humans (especially the man clothed in linen and those who follow him.)
Why is this pictured as being "under their wings?"	Matt. 23:37; Psa. 17:8; 36:7; 91:4 – Strength, protection, Truth, Old and New Testaments.

[9] And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone. [10] And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel. [11] When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went. [12] And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had. [13] As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel. [14] And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments

And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone.

Question

Answer

How many wheels in this picture?

Four.

How many cherubims?

Four.

Is there a relationship between the cherubims and the wheels?

Each wheel is by each cherub.

What does this picture?

What did the wheels look like?

Question: What Color is Beryl?

The mineral beryl comes in many shades from clear to blue to green (emerald) to gold or yellow to red (rare). The color name beryl is a blue or blue-green color.

Answer: Beryl, as a color name, usually refers to an aquamarine or turquoise shade of blue and green.

Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments

And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.
Question	Answer
Who or what is being referred to by "they four?"	The wheels.
What does it mean that "they four had one likeness?"	Literally it indicates they all looked the same. From a symbolic standpoint it indicates there is something that is the same about all of the wheels.
What does it mean that each wheel was "as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel?"	Our suggestion is that God's four attributes are most clearly seen during those times when Ages overlap. – 1 Cor. 10:11

Verse 11 Expanded Bible Comments

When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.
Question	Answer
Who is "they?"	The wheels.
How many sides did they have?	Four.
Why does it point out that "they turned not as they went?"	On earth the entire purpose of a wheel is to turn or roll. Clearly this is different.
Where did the wheels go?	Wherever the head looked.
What does that mean?	There are 4 wheels and 4 cherubs each with 4 faces. This would seem to strengthen the thought that these four picture the attributes of God and the face looking forward (or in the front, the first face mentioned) indicates which attribute is most directly involved in the picture. – Please see Four Attributes in Symbol
What is pictured by the head?	1 Cor. 11:3
Again it says "They turned not as they went." What does this mean?	James 1:17

Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments

And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.
Question	Answer
What is pictured by "their whole body?"	Perhaps a reference to the the Entire Divine Plan of the Ages – that which reveals the glory of God's character.
".. their backs?"	A couple of things come to mind here: 1. This could have a reference to God's glory. In Exo.33:18 Moses says to God: "I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." Consider the LORD's answer in vss 33:19-23. The account continues in chapter 34 where God tells Moses His Name, primarily by describing His characteristics. 2. There may be a reference here to the thought that if we look behind (i.e. look back in time with the benefit of our current greater understanding) we sill see God's Wisdom (eyes) in all the prior portions of His Plan.
".. their hands?"	Strength (power), activity.
".. their wings?"	Truth, protection.
".. the wheels?"	The Ages, the parts of the Divine Plan.
What is pictured by each of these being "full of eyes round about?"	Eyes usually represent intelligence, perception, wisdom. This seems to say "Every feature of God's Divine Plan of the Ages is filled with Wisdom."
Why does it then add "Even the wheels that they four had?"	It may be that this is indicating that God's Wisdom is best seen when we look at the entire Plan of God throughout the Ages.

Verse 13 Expanded Bible Comments

As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel.
Question	Answer
What does this verse mean?	Br. Fisher's explanation: "Very emphatic was the Divine directing of the attention toward the wheels – the Divine Plan of the Ages. Pastor Russell always directed the Bible student's mind toward the great Plan." FM423 Strong's H1534 גַּלְגַּל galgal gal-gal' By reduplication from H1556; a wheel; by analogy a whirlwind; also dust (as whirled): - heaven, rolling thing, wheel.

Verse 14 Expanded Bible Comments

And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
Question	Answer
"Every one had four faces." – Does this mean there are sixteen faces?	If an artist were attempting to draw a picture from this description, that would be the conclusion. However, this is not a literal picture. There are four faces. One face for each of God's four attributes of Justice, Love, Power and Wisdom.
What does this picture?	Please see Four Attributes in Symbol

[15] And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. [16] And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them. [17] When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.

Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments

And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.
Question	Answer
What does it mean that "The cherubims were lifted up?"	The cherubims are in flight. This seems to indicate that this vision is in process of fulfillment (thus in flight) during the time when Pastor Russell (pictured by Ezekiel, "son of man") is on the scene.
Why are we told here that "This is the living creature [singular] that I saw by the river of Chebar?"	Not only does this point us back to chapter 1, but it also reminds us that these four living creatures are really describing the attributes of the One God. He is indeed the living soul. – What is called for by this expression is a mental review of that entire amazing chapter.

Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments

And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.
Question	Answer
What is pictured by the cherubims lifting up their wings?	There may be several meanings included here. It indicates the beginning of flight. By lifting up their wings it indicates them being raised up in view.
When the cherubims lifed up their wings, what happened with the wheels?	The wheels went by them but (as before) they did not turn but remained beside the cherubim.
What does this verse suggest to us about the connection between the cherubims and the wheels?	Most obvious is that there is a strong connection between the wheels and the cherubim. We suggest the connection is that the cherubim represent God's four attributes, His character, and that character (those 4 attributes) are most clearly demonstrated in the various time features of His Divine Plan of the Ages (wheels.)

Verse 17 Expanded Bible Comments

When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.
Question	Answer
What is symbolized by the cherubim standing?	They are rising up, thus more easily seen by those watching. Time for things to happen. Consider Dan. 12:1 – Michael shall stand up ..
What happened to the wheels when the cherubim stood?	They too were lifted up, i.e., the time features of the Divine Plan become more in view – more easily understood.
What does this mean: "for the spirit of the living creature was in them?"	This seems to be another way of saying "The Spirit of the living God." It does not seem to be referring to 'the living creatures (plural)," but singular, "the living creature." This "living creature" is a symbolic representation of God! If this be true, how important is it for us to come to as accurate an understanding of these visions of "the living creature" as possible?

[18] Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. [19] And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

Verse 18 Expanded Bible Comments

Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
Question	Answer
Briefly stated, what is "the glory of the LORD?"	The Truth, The Divine Plan of the Ages, that which reveals God's character, His glory.
Where was this glory?	The threshold of the house (temple.) – See vs 4.
Why had it been there?	Because the Lord's Spirit had been taken from the temple. It had moved to the threshold of the house, indicating that it was no longer in His house (temple) but on the outside, blocking the way into the temple.
To where did His glory move?	It moved to where it was now "over the cherubims."
What does all this signify?	The glory of the Lord (Divine Plan of the Ages, that which reveals God's character.)

Verse 19 Expanded Bible Comments

And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.
Question	Answer
What is signified by "the cherubims lifted up their wings?"	They are about to fly.
What is indicated by the fact that the cherubims "mounted up from the earth?"	Strong's H7426 רָמַם râmam raw-mam' A primitive root; to rise (literally or figuratively): - exalt, get [oneself] up, lift up (self), mount up. This word only occurs in Num. 16:45; Job 24:24 and in vss 15,17,19 of this chapter. By paying attention to "The Law of First Mention" we see the first time is Num. 16:45. This chapter deals with the rebellion of Korah. In verses 41-42 we see the situation: "All the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron.. [43] And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared." Note also that they mounted up from the earth (organized society under religious restraint.) The Lord's Spirit and Truth are taken from society in general. In the past there was a certain respect for the Lord and His Word among the "earth" class, but even this begins to leave.
Is there any significance to this taking place "in my sight?"	Apparently this takes place during Pastor Russell's ministry.
What is signified by them going out? – Out from where?	The last place we saw the Lord's Glory (in this vision) was over the threshold (entrance) of the temple. The cherubim, wheels, wings, etc. always seem to be in immediate association (or proximity) to the Lord's Glory.
What did they do next and what does that signify?	They "stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD's house."
Where was "the glory of the God of Israel?"	It was above the cherubim and the wheels.

[20] This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims. [21] Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. [22] And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.

Verse 20 Expanded Bible Comments

This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims.
Question	Answer
How many "living creatures" were there?	One.
Who saw?	"I saw," i.e., Ezekiel who pictures Pastor Russell.
Where had he seen this?	By the river of Chebar. In other words this is what he saw and described for us in chapter 1.
What did he know about what he saw?	He knew that this "living creature" consisted of the 4 cherubims (the 4 attributes of God.)

Verse 21 Expanded Bible Comments

Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.
Question	Answer
How many cherubims were there?	4.
How many faces did each have?	4.
How many wings?	4. – Are we sensing a theme here?
What was under their wings and what does that picture?	The hands of a man. It would seem to picture human activity (Ecc. 9:10,) i.e., God often does His work through human agents.

Verse 22 Expanded Bible Comments

And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.
Question	Answer
What was "the likeness of their faces?"	Man, Lion, Ox (Bullock), Eagle.
In our study of the four cherubims we noticed one of the faces appeared to change slightly (see Rev. 4:7; Eze. 1:10; 10:14.) Here we read their faces are "the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar." What is the explanation for this?	These faces picture God's 4 attributes. One of God's attributes (justice) seems to change in its intensity. For example, God's Justice was not meted out in its strength during the dark ages, but it becomes very intense when it is time for Christendom's judgment.
What is meant by "their appearances and themselves?"	God's attributes do not change. In him there is "no variableness nor shadow of turning." James 1:17
What is meant by "they went every one straight forward?"	God's plan is always going straight forward, progressing, not going backward.

Chapter 9 Chapter 11