1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
2 On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin),
3 the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar canal, and the hand of the Lord was upon him there.
4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.
5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness.
6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings.
7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf’s foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands.
9 their wings touched one another. Each one of them went straight forward, without turning as they went.
10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies.
12 And each went straight forward. Wherever the spirit would go, they went, without turning as they went.
13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
14 And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning.
15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them.
16 As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were a wheel within a wheel.
17 When they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went, but in whatever direction the front wheel faced, the others followed without turning as they went.
18 And their rims were tall and awesome, and the rims of all four were full of eyes all around.
19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose.
20 Wherever the spirit would go, they went, and the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
22 And the likeness of the expanse over the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, spread out above their heads.
23 And under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight, one toward another. Each creature had two wings covering its body.
24 And when they went, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army. When they stood still, they let down their wings.
25 And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads when they stood still, and let down their wings.
26 And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.
27 And I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.
28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
The True Meaning of Ezekiel 1
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was among the first group of Israelites taken captive to Babylon in 597 BC, where he received visions and messages from God to share with the exiled community. Ezekiel describes an awe-inspiring vision he had of God’s glory in this opening chapter. This vision sets the stage for the rest of the book, where Ezekiel will deliver God’s warnings and promises to the people. We’ll see how God’s holiness and power are displayed, as well as His plan to restore and renew His people despite their rebellion.
Ezekiel’s vision echoes other biblical accounts, such as Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6 and John’s vision in Revelation 4. These visions reveal the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord, reminding us of His supreme authority over all creation. God’s greatness should humble us as we study this chapter and inspire us to faithfully serve Him, no matter our circumstances.
Ezekiel 1:1-3
The introduction to the book of Ezekiel and the setting for the visions that Ezekiel is about to receive are presented in Ezekiel 1:1-3. The passage starts by providing the timeline of when these events occur, stating that it was in the thirtieth year, referring to Ezekiel’s age or possibly to a significant year in the history of Israel. The fact that Ezekiel mentions his age suggests a personal connection to the events he is about to recount, emphasizing that this is a true account witnessed by him.
The text goes on to describe how Ezekiel, along with other exiles, was by the Chebar canal in Babylon when he had a vision of the heavens opening and seeing visions of God. This setting is crucial as it reveals Ezekiel’s location, captured in the historical context of the Babylonian exile. The exile was a period of great turmoil and disconnection for the people of Israel, who were forcibly removed from their homeland and taken to Babylon. Ezekiel was among these exiles, and it is in this foreign land that he receives his prophetic calling and visions from God.
The mention of the heavens opening and Ezekiel seeing visions of God sets the stage for the profound spiritual experiences that Ezekiel is about to undergo. The imagery of the heavens opening signifies divine revelation and communication between God and his chosen prophet. Ezekiel sees visions of God, granting him insight into the heavenly realms and giving him a glimpse of God’s majesty and glory. This encounter with the divine will shape Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry and the messages he will deliver to the people of Israel.
This passage highlights the importance of being attuned to God’s presence and open to receiving his messages. Ezekiel’s willingness to see and experience the visions of God shows his receptiveness to divine communication, setting him apart as a chosen vessel for delivering God’s word. It serves as a reminder to believers to remain open to God’s revelations and to be attentive to his voice, even in the midst of challenging circumstances or difficult times.
This opening passage in Ezekiel sets the tone for the prophetic book, emphasizing the role of the prophet as a mediator between God and the people. Ezekiel’s visions and experiences serve as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, presence, and ongoing involvement in the lives of his people, even in times of exile and hardship. The book of Ezekiel continues to unfold with vivid imagery and profound messages that challenge, rebuke, and ultimately offer hope to the exiled Israelites, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and enduring love throughout history.
Ezekiel 1:4-14
The prophet Ezekiel presents a captivating and vivid description of a divine manifestation observed in Ezekiel 1:4-14. This section details the appearance of a great and awe-inspiring storm coming from the north, with a brilliant light flashing around it. This storm is described as being full of fire, with flashes of lightning darting back and forth within it. Ezekiel witnesses four living creatures in the center of this storm-like manifestation, each having a human likeness but with extraordinary features such as four faces: those of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle.
This visual imagery serves as a representation of the glory and majesty of God. The storm-like manifestation signifies the power and might of God, while the living creatures symbolize different aspects of creation. The human face represents humanity, the lion symbolizes strength, the ox represents service and sacrifice, and the eagle symbolizes swiftness and transcendence.
The presence of these living creatures is reminiscent of the creatures described in the book of Revelation, and they are a common motif in apocalyptic literature, representing the celestial beings that surround the throne of God. The multiple faces of these beings signify their multifaceted nature and the depth of their understanding and knowledge.
For believers, this description serves as a reminder of the grandeur and holiness of God. It underlines the idea that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and His nature is beyond our full comprehension. This passage invites reflection on the diverse attributes of God and the intricate design of His creation. It also emphasizes the transcendence of God above all earthly things, highlighting the need for humility and reverence in our approach to Him.
The visual representation of God’s glory and the divine beings in Ezekiel’s vision can be linked to other encounters with heavenly beings in the Bible. For example, in Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah sees a vision of the Lord seated on a throne, surrounded by seraphim. These celestial beings also have multiple wings and cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” This echoes the awe and reverence that Ezekiel experiences in his vision, emphasizing the holiness and greatness of God. Ezekiel 1:4-14 provides a profound and mystical glimpse into the heavenly realm and the splendor of God. It encourages believers to meditate on the majesty of God, His supreme authority, and the intricate design of His creation. It serves as a reminder that God is beyond our full comprehension and worthy of our worship and adoration.
Ezekiel 1:15-21
Ezekiel describes the appearance of the wheels within wheels that he saw in his vision in Ezekiel 1:15-21. This vision is one of the most well-known and profound passages in the book of Ezekiel, and its imagery has captivated readers and theologians for centuries.
Starting with verse 15, Ezekiel describes the wheels as being beside the living creatures, and they sparkled like topaz. These wheels are often seen as a representation of the omnipresence and omniscience of God. The wheels being beside the living creatures could symbolize God’s control and involvement in all aspects of creation, both seen and unseen. The sparkling of the wheels like topaz could signify the magnificence and brilliance of God’s divine nature.
Moving to verse 16, Ezekiel describes the appearance of the wheels and their construction. The wheels were said to be awesome and frightening, with rims full of eyes all around them. The wheels within wheels and the eyes all around them have been interpreted to symbolize God’s divine wisdom and knowledge. The eyes could represent God’s watchful presence over His creation, always attentive and aware of all that transpires. This imagery illustrates the all-knowing and all-seeing nature of God, which is a recurring theme in the Bible.
The movement of the wheels also catches Ezekiel’s attention. Ezekiel notes in verse 17 that the wheels could move in any of the four directions without turning as they moved. This ability to move in any direction without needing to turn symbolizes God’s sovereignty and control over all things. It highlights God’s power to act in any way He pleases, without limitation or constraint. This idea of God’s sovereignty is a central theme in the Bible, seen in verses such as Psalm 103:19, which states, “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Ezekiel describes the rims of the wheels and their structure in verses 18-21, which were high and awesome. The rims were full of eyes all around. These eyes are thought to symbolize God’s pervasive presence and all-encompassing knowledge. Nothing can escape God’s attention, and His divine wisdom governs all things. This imagery serves to remind us of God’s transcendence and incomprehensible nature, which extends far beyond our limited human understanding. Ezekiel’s vision of the wheels within wheels powerfully depicts God’s sovereignty, omnipresence, and omniscience. It serves as a reminder of God’s divine attributes and His control over all creation. This passage invites us to contemplate the majesty and mystery of God, urging us to trust in His wisdom and submit to His will. It emphasizes the need for humility before the Almighty God who sees and knows all, and it reinforces the timeless message of God’s unfailing presence and authority in the universe.
Ezekiel 1:22-28
The Bible provides a vivid description of the appearance of the expanse above the heads of the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:22-28. The key elements included a likeness of a throne in appearance like sapphire, and on the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above it. This description indicates a divine and celestial throne room scene, highlighting the majesty and glory of God. The sapphire, often associated with the divine and heavenly realms, suggests the beauty and grandeur of God’s presence and rule.
The image of a man above the throne is considered by many to be a representation of God Himself, signifying His sovereignty and authority over all creation. It is important to note that this vision was given to Ezekiel during a time of great despair and exile for the Israelites. This divine vision served to reassure Ezekiel and his people of God’s presence and ultimate control over the events unfolding in their lives. It also emphasizes God’s continuous involvement in the affairs of His people, even during times of trial and hardship.
The imagery presented in these verses also echoes similar accounts found in other parts of the Bible. For instance, the prophet Isaiah also had a vision of the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1). The Book of Revelation also provides detailed descriptions of heavenly scenes and the throne room of God. These parallel accounts serve to reinforce the biblical message of God’s eternal reign and His supremacy over all creation.
The radiant appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord in Ezekiel’s vision underscores the magnificence and splendor of God’s presence. This awe-inspiring imagery points to the holiness and transcendence of God, which should evoke reverence and worship from His people. It reminds believers of the incomparable greatness of God and calls them to acknowledge His supremacy in their lives. Ezekiel 1:22-28 offers a profound glimpse into the heavenly realm and the majestic throne room of God. This vision not only provided comfort and reassurance to Ezekiel and the Israelites in their time of distress but also serves as a timeless reminder of God’s sovereignty, glory, and eternal presence. This passage encourages believers to trust in God’s unfailing power and to worship Him with reverence and awe, recognizing His unmatched greatness and authority.
After Ezekiel 1
The vision of the four living creatures and the wheels was a powerful and awe-inspiring sight. Their movements were swift and coordinated, like lightning flashing across the sky. The sound of their wings was like the roar of a mighty waterfall, and their appearance was dazzling, like burnished bronze. Ezekiel realized that these creatures were not mere animals, but manifestations of the glory of God himself as he watched in wonder. They were messengers, sent to reveal the majesty and power of the Almighty. And as Ezekiel continued to gaze upon them, he knew that he was standing in the presence of something far greater than himself.
The chapter ends with Ezekiel falling to the ground, overwhelmed by the sheer weight of the vision before him. But as he lay there, he knew that this was only the beginning. For the Lord had more to reveal, more to show him, and more for him to understand. And so, with a heart full of reverence and awe, Ezekiel prepared himself to receive the next part of the divine message.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.