In the section framed by this chiasm (8,4-11,21), the angelic guide gives Ezekiel a tour of the corrupt practices that have polluted the Temple and the social wrongs that have ruined the people (8,5-18). Punishment is imposed (9,10-11). Meanwhile, the glory of the Lord begins to move, on its way to leave the Temple (10,4-5); the cherubim stop at the entrance of the east gate (10,8-22). Next, in a passage that balances the description of the first group of men in Chapter 8, the spirit brings Ezekiel to the east gate to view more evidence of wicked behavior (11,1-13). In 11, 14-21, a reassuring word comes to Ezekiel that the exiles will not lose their property back in Judah. Though the Lord removed them far away among the nations, yet he has been a sanctuary to them for a little while in the countries where they have gone (11,16, different translation from NAB). The Lord abandons his Temple. At the time of this vision, perhaps not too long after the prophet's commission in 593, the exiles were unprepared for the possibillity that the Temple might be destroyed.
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