Ezekiel 1:9
Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.
Original Language Analysis
חֹֽבְרֹ֛ת
were joined
H2266
חֹֽבְרֹ֛ת
were joined
Strong's:
H2266
Word #:
1 of 13
to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
אֲחוֹתָ֖הּ
to another
H269
אֲחוֹתָ֖הּ
to another
Strong's:
H269
Word #:
4 of 13
a sister (used very widely [like h0251], literally and figuratively)
כַּנְפֵיהֶ֑ם
Their wings
H3671
כַּנְפֵיהֶ֑ם
Their wings
Strong's:
H3671
Word #:
5 of 13
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
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִסַּ֣בּוּ
they turned
H5437
יִסַּ֣בּוּ
they turned
Strong's:
H5437
Word #:
7 of 13
to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively
בְלֶכְתָּ֔ן
H1980
בְלֶכְתָּ֔ן
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 13
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִ֛ישׁ
every one
H376
אִ֛ישׁ
every one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עֵ֥בֶר
straight
H5676
עֵ֥בֶר
straight
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Historical Context
The coordinated movement of the cherubim contrasts sharply with Babylonian chaos theology, where gods competed and conflicted. Ezekiel's vision asserts Yahweh's sovereignty through perfectly coordinated servants. The exiles needed this vision to counteract exposure to Babylonian religion's polytheistic confusion. Unity of purpose reflects the Trinity's perfect harmony.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cherubim's unity and straight-forward motion challenge our tendency toward factionalism and indirect approaches?
- What does their refusal to turn aside teach us about maintaining focus on God's calling despite distractions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The joined wings represent unity of purpose among God's servants—no independent action, but coordinated obedience to divine will. 'They turned not when they went' emphasizes unwavering focus; unlike humans who waver and look back (Luke 9:62), these beings move straight toward God's purposes. Going 'every one straight forward' pictures the directness of divine action—God's will advances without deviation or compromise. This challenges our tendency toward spiritual meandering.