Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.
Then the glory of the Lord departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim.
The departure of the symbol of God's presence from the temple was preparatory to the destruction of the city. This had been foretold in Deuteronomy 31:17. Woe be to those from whom God departs (Hosea 9:12). Compare 1 Samuel 28:15; 1 Samuel 28:10; 1 Samuel 4:21, "Ichabod, The glory is departed." Successive steps are marked in His departure; so slowly and reluctantly does the merciful God leave His house. First, He goes up from the cherub, whereupon He was, to the threshold of the temple (Ezekiel 9:3); then He elevates His throne above the threshold of the house (Ezekiel 10:1); leaving the cherubim "on the right side of the house" (Ezekiel 10:3), He mounts up and sits on the throne (Ezekiel 10:4); He and the cherubim, after standing for a time at the door of the east gate (Ezekiel 10:18-19), where was the exit to the lower court of the people-leave the house altogether (Ezekiel 11:2-3), not 10:18-19), where was the exit to the lower court of the people-leave the house altogether (Ezekiel 11:2-3), not to return until Ezekiel 43:2.