Ezekiel 41 Study Notes

41:18-19 Cherubim and palm trees were carved on the wall of the outer sanctuary and into the structure of Solomon’s temple (1Kg 6:29-30). Cherubim were associated with the appearance of God in the visions of Ezk 1:4-28 and chap. 10. Unlike the cherubim in the earlier visions, the cherubim in the temple had only two faces—a human face and a lion’s face—instead of four faces. In the Genesis narrative, the cherubim served as guards of the garden (Gn 3:24). Here in the temple as well as in Ezekiel’s earlier visions, the cherubim likewise served as guards over God’s dwelling place. Palm trees may represent fruitfulness, but they also remind us of the trees in the garden of Eden.

41:22 This altar stood outside the most holy place. This table was probably for the bread of the Presence (Ex 25:30; Lv 24:5-9; 1Kg 7:48).