Old Testament
Ezekiel 10:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And he spoke to the man clothed in linen and said, "Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill your hand with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city." The man went in as I watched.
Compare translations
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.
What Ezekiel 10:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs a man dressed in linen to take action. He is told to go between the wheels and under the cherubim, which are angelic beings. The man is to gather burning coals from this sacred area and then scatter them over the city. This act symbolizes judgment and purification. The imagery of fire represents both destruction and the refining process. As the man carries out this command, it highlights the seriousness of the situation in the city. The scene is filled with divine authority and urgency, showing that God is taking decisive action. The man obeys without hesitation, demonstrating his role as a messenger of God's will. This moment serves as a reminder of the power of obedience and the importance of responding to divine instructions with faithfulness and courage. It also reflects the gravity of the consequences that can come from turning away from God’s ways, emphasizing the need for vigilance in our own lives and communities.
How to apply Ezekiel 10:2 to your life
Consider how you respond to guidance in your life. Are you quick to act on what you feel is right? This passage encourages us to be attentive to our inner promptings and to take action, even when it feels daunting. Trust that your actions can lead to positive change.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezekiel Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Ezekiel 10:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Ezekiel 10:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Ezekiel
- Author
- Ezekiel the prophet
- Written
- Around 590 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezekiel 10:2 mean?
Ezekiel 10:2 describes God instructing a man in linen to gather burning coals from between the cherubim and scatter them over the city. This act symbolizes divine judgment and purification, indicating serious consequences for the city's actions.
What is the significance of the man in linen in Ezekiel 10:2?
The man in linen represents a messenger of God, tasked with carrying out divine instructions. His obedience highlights the importance of responding to God's commands, especially in times of judgment.
What does the phrase 'coals of fire' represent in Ezekiel 10:2?
In Ezekiel 10:2, 'coals of fire' symbolize both destruction and purification. They signify the seriousness of God's judgment and the need for cleansing in the city.
How does Ezekiel 10:2 relate to obedience?
Ezekiel 10:2 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands. The man in linen acts promptly on God's instruction, serving as a reminder of the need to respond faithfully to divine guidance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.