Ezekiel 1

Ezekiel 1 introduces the prophet Ezekiel's first vision of God, marking his call to prophetic ministry. This chapter is rich with symbolism and describes Ezekiel’s vision of God’s divine presence in the form of four living creatures, wheels within wheels, and a radiant throne. Ezekiel receives this vision while in exile, emphasizing God’s sovereignty even in foreign lands and among His dispersed people. The vision underscores the majesty, mystery, and power of God, setting the tone for the book’s focus on God’s holiness and judgment.

Ezekiel 1:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
2 On the fifth day of the month, which was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity,
3 the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was upon him there.
4 Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire.
5 Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.
6 Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings.
7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze.
8 The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings.
9 Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward.
10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle.

Ezekiel, a priest by heritage, sees this vision by the River Chebar in Babylon, marking a profound moment of God’s revelation to him during exile. The four living creatures, each with four faces and four wings, represent different aspects of God’s creation and power: humanity (man), strength (lion), service (ox), and sovereignty (eagle). The creatures’ movement without turning signifies their direct obedience to God, moving precisely as directed. This vision of radiant fire and brightness highlights God’s holiness and majesty, as well as the awe-inspiring nature of His presence, reinforcing Ezekiel’s calling and mission.

Ezekiel 1:11-14 (NKJV)
11 Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies.
12 And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went.
13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning.
14 And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning.

The creatures’ wings represent both reverence and power; two wings cover their bodies in humility, while two are extended, allowing movement in unity. They follow the Spirit’s guidance without deviation, symbolizing complete submission to God’s will. The fire and lightning surrounding them highlight God’s purity, energy, and terrifying glory, with their movements reflecting God’s speed and power. This image impresses on Ezekiel the divine authority and supernatural nature of God’s servants.

Ezekiel 1:15-21 (NKJV)
15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, behold, a wheel was on the earth beside each living creature with its four faces.
16 The appearance of the wheels and their workings was like the color of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. The appearance of their workings was, as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
17 When they moved, they went toward any one of four directions; they did not turn aside when they went.
18 As for their rims, they were so high they were awesome; and their rims were full of eyes, all around the four of them.
19 When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.
20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, because there the spirit went; and the wheels were lifted together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
21 When those went, these went; when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

The wheels, often interpreted as symbols of divine omnipresence and omniscience, are intricate, with "a wheel in the middle of a wheel," allowing movement in all directions. The eyes on the rims suggest God’s all-seeing nature, while their high and awe-inspiring appearance points to the mysterious nature of divine vision and purpose. These wheels move in perfect harmony with the creatures, indicating the seamless unity of God’s will with His actions in the world. This symbolizes that God’s actions are purposeful, comprehensive, and guided by His Spirit.

Ezekiel 1:22-25 (NKJV)
22 The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads.
23 And under the firmament their wings spread out straight, one toward another. Each one had two which covered one side, and each one had two which covered the other side of the body.
24 When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings.
25 A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings.

The firmament, or expanse, appears like shining crystal, symbolizing the purity and majesty of the heavenly realm. The noise of the creatures’ wings is compared to rushing waters or the voice of the Almighty, signifying the power and grandeur of God’s presence. When they stop, they lower their wings in reverence, indicating submission and respect for the voice coming from above, which underscores the authority of God’s command over His creation.

Ezekiel 1:26-28 (NKJV)
26 And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it.
27 Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around.
28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking.

Ezekiel sees a throne resembling sapphire above the firmament, signifying divine kingship and authority. Seated upon the throne is a figure like a man, a powerful image of God’s closeness and His revelation to humanity. The radiant fire and brightness reflect God’s holiness and majesty, with the rainbow symbolizing His covenant and mercy. Overwhelmed by this vision of God’s glory, Ezekiel falls on his face, a gesture of worship and awe, as he hears God’s voice, signifying his commission as a prophet. This vision introduces Ezekiel’s role as a messenger of God’s judgment and restoration.