Ezekiel 1
Ezekiel chapter 1 records the scene in which the prophet Ezekiel receives a call from God during the Babylonian exile. A heaven opened and visions appear by the river, beginning with a vision of “the glory of God” given to Ezekiel.
1verseNow in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
2verseIn the fifth of the month, which was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity,
3versethe LORD’s word came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the LORD’s hand was there on him.
4verseI looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud, with flashing lightning, and a brightness around it, and out of the middle of it as it were glowing metal, out of the middle of the fire.
5verseOut of its center came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: They had the likeness of a man.
6verseEveryone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings.
7verseTheir feet were straight feet. The sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished bronze.
8verseThey had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides. The four of them had their faces and their wings like this:
9verseTheir wings were joined to one another. They didn’t turn when they went. Each one went straight forward.
10verseAs for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man. The four of them had the face of a lion on the right side. The four of them had the face of an ox on the left side. The four of them also had the face of an eagle.
11verseSuch were their faces. Their wings were spread out above. Two wings of each one touched another, and two covered their bodies.
12verseEach one went straight forward. Where the spirit was to go, they went. They didn’t turn when they went.
13verseAs for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. The fire went up and down among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and lightning went out of the fire.
14verseThe living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.
15verseNow as I saw the living creatures, behold, there was one wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, for each of the four faces of it.
16verseThe appearance of the wheels and their work was like a beryl. The four of them had one likeness. Their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel.
17verseWhen they went, they went in their four directions. They didn’t turn when they went.
18verseAs for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and the four of them had their rims full of eyes all around.
19verseWhen the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them. When the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.
20verseWherever the spirit was to go, they went. The spirit was to go there. The wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
21verseWhen those went, these went. When those stood, these stood. When those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
22verseOver the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like an awesome crystal to look at, stretched out over their heads above.
23verseUnder the expanse, their wings were straight, one toward the other. Each one had two which covered on this side, and each one had two which covered their bodies on that side.
24verseWhen they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of an army. When they stood, they let down their wings.
25verseThere was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads. When they stood, they let down their wings.
26verseAbove the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.
27verseI saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it all around, from the appearance of his waist and upward; and from the appearance of his waist and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.
28verseAs the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the LORD’s glory. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.
Book Structure
- Introduction and the time of the vision (1–3): The moment Ezekiel sees God’s vision by the Kebar River and the background are introduced.
- The appearance of the four living creatures (4–14): Among the wind, clouds, and fire, four forms of “living creatures” appear. Each is described as a mysterious and solemn being, with the face of a human, the face of a lion, the face of an ox, and the face of an eagle.
- Wheels and spirit (15–21): Along with the four living creatures, “wheels” appear. These wheels move wherever they go, and within the wheels there are other wheels, symbolizing God’s Spirit’s guidance.
- The figure over the throne (22–28): Above the living creatures, an expanse is spread out; and above it, a brilliantly shining throne, and then a figure resembling a human appears on the throne. The light and glory are as radiant as a rainbow, emphasizing that this is a vision of the glory of God.
Overall Meaning
In Ezekiel chapter 1, it declares that God’s presence is with His people even in captivity. It tells us that in Gentile lands and in places of suffering, God works sovereignly, and His glory can be present anywhere. The intricately described living creatures, wheels, and the throne of glory mean that God is not bound by human conditions or restrictions of place, and they show that Ezekiel’s ministry will be carried out everywhere by God’s command and guidance.
Points to Ponder
- Through the glory of God that comes even in Gentile lands, we reflect on the fact that God’s presence is possible in every place of our lives.
- Just as the living creatures and the wheels move in consistent coordination within the vision Ezekiel saw, we can think about the importance of a life that obeys according to God’s will.
Apply It to Me
- Even amid my current difficulties, I refresh my faith that God is with me.
- Regardless of my circumstances or situation, I look back on myself so that I can respond fully to the mission and guidance God gives me.
