Ezekiel Chapter 41 · Verse 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;
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשׂ֥וּי
And it was made
H6213
וְעָשׂ֥וּי
And it was made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְתִֽמֹרָה֙
and palm trees
H8561
וְתִֽמֹרָה֙
and palm trees
Strong's:
H8561
Word #:
3 of 10
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
וְתִֽמֹרָה֙
and palm trees
H8561
וְתִֽמֹרָה֙
and palm trees
Strong's:
H8561
Word #:
4 of 10
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
בֵּין
H996
בֵּין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 10
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
Cross References
1 Kings 7:36For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.Ezekiel 40:16And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows were round about inward: and upon each post were palm trees.Ezekiel 40:22And their windows, and their arches, and their palm trees, were after the measure of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it by seven steps; and the arches thereof were before them.Ezekiel 10:21Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings.2 Chronicles 3:7He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.
Historical Context
Solomon's temple had similar decorations (1 Kings 6:29). These ancient Near Eastern motifs communicated theological truths through visual symbolism. Every aspect of temple design taught about God's character.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's holiness and life-giving presence relate to each other?
- What does the combination of cherubim (judgment/protection) and palms (life/blessing) teach about God's character?
Analysis & Commentary
The walls were decorated with carved cherubim and palm trees alternating in pattern. Cherubim guard God's holiness (Genesis 3:24), while palms symbolize righteousness and flourishing life (Psalm 92:12). The decoration reveals that God's presence brings both protection and blessing—holiness and life coexist in His dwelling.