John Calvin Commentary Ezekiel 10:6-7

"And it came to pass, when he commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim, that he went in, and stood beside a wheel. And the cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubim unto the fire that was between the cherubim, and took [thereof], and put it into the hands of him that was clothed in linen, who took it and went out." — Ezekiel 10:6-7 (ASV)

Here the Prophet teaches the purpose of the vision. The Jews thought that they would always be safe and secure under God’s presence; they thought that the sacred fire on the altar served for the expiation of all wickedness. But God showed that He resided in the temple in such a way that He clothed Himself with wrath against them, and that the cherubim were keepers of His weapons by which they were eventually to be destroyed.

We see, therefore, that this false and perverse assurance, by which the Jews were intoxicated, was removed from them, since they thought that God was somehow bound exclusively to them. Hence, the angel is ordered to take fire and to scatter it over the city, so that it might be destroyed by the flames.

But this was necessary, because the Jews, while they for a long time obstinately abused the forbearance of God, could not be induced to repent by any fear of His wrath. For this reason this vision was shown to the Prophet. Then he says that fire was given, but from where was it taken?

It was, he says, in the midst of the cherubim. When David prays to God, he makes mention of the cherubim (Psalms 80:1), through whom more familiar access is made available, and rightly so; because God, when inviting the faithful to Himself, as if He stretched out His hands to them, had angels at hand who brought Him into contact with humans.

Now the Prophet teaches that God’s presence was of no benefit to the Jews, because He was armed for their destruction. The cherubim, who were formerly ministers of His grace, were now at hand to execute His vengeance, as they passed fire from hand to hand for the conflagration of the whole city.

For he says, that he had come who was clothed in linen garments, and stood near the wheels, by these words he signifies that angels were thoroughly prepared to obey God’s commands in every detail.

Among humans there is often great delay and even sluggishness, but the Prophet assures us that angels were ready for the performance of their duty. As soon as God shows them what He wishes to be done, their hands are extended, and thus they are prepared to execute His will. For this reason he says, that they stood near the wheels.