יחזקאל, פרק י״א, פסוק כ״ב

Following the prophetic message detailing the punishment awaiting the people of Jerusalem and the promises made to the exiles, a dramatic moment of separation unfolds. The vision vividly captures the Divine Presence beginning its journey away from the city. Immediately after God finishes speaking to the prophet, the cherubim lift their wings, preparing to depart and leave the area [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Alongside them, the heavenly wheels rise in perfect parallel, while the Glory of the God of Israel rests high above them [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Beyond the visual movement of the divine chariot, this departure serves as a profound symbol of God removing His protection from the people. The lifting of the cherubim's wings represents the heavenly angels abandoning their roles as guardians of the nation. The parallel movement of the wheels indicates that the heavenly bodies have also stopped showering their blessings upon the earth. Furthermore, the position of God's glory high above these figures signifies the complete withdrawal of the Divine Presence from humanity, as He returns to His distant, elevated place in the heavens [אברבנאל].

This withdrawal is a critical turning point, foreshadowing the impending destruction of Judah and the burning of Jerusalem and the Temple. At the same time, this movement brings the current vision to a close, as the Divine Presence and the spirit of prophecy now accompany the prophet on his return to the exiles in Babylon [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל, מנחת שי].