Ezekiel Chapter 1

Commentary

Ezekiel's Prophecy at Kebar

(Psalm 137:1-9)

1Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 2In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, 3The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

Vision of Four Cherubim

4And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. 5Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. 6And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. 7And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. 8And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. 9Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. 10As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. 11Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. 12And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. 13As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 14And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

Vision of the Four Wheels

15Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. 16The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. 17When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. 18As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. 19And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. 20Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 21When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Vision of the Divine Glory

22And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. 23And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies. 24And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings. 25And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.

26And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. 27And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. 28As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Ezekiel’s Vision by the River Kebar
(Psalm 137:1–9)

1 Now it happened in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth 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 In the fifth of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity, 3 the word of Yahweh came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of Yahweh was there on him.

The Four Living Creatures

4 I 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 its midst as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire. 5 Out of its midst came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. 6 Everyone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings. 7 Their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass. 8 They had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and the four of them had their faces and their wings thus: 9 their wings were joined one to another; they didn’t turn when they went; each one went straight forward. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man; and the four of them had the face of a lion on the right side; and 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. 11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above. Two wings of each one touched another, and two covered their bodies. 12 Each one went straight forward: where the spirit was to go, they went; they didn’t 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: the fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. 14 The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

The Four Wheels

15 Now as I saw the living creatures, behold, one wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, for each of the four faces of it. 16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like a beryl: and the four of them had one likeness; and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel. 17 When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn’t turn when they went. 18 As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and the four of them had their rims full of eyes all around. 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 was to go, they went; there was the spirit to go: and the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and 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.

The Divine Glory

22 Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like the awesome crystal to look on, stretched forth over their heads above. 23 Under the expanse were their wings straight, the one toward the other: each one had two which covered on this side, and every one had two which covered on that side, their bodies. 24 When 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. 25 There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings.

26 Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above. 27 I 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. 28 As 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 glory of Yahweh. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.

Ezekiel’s Vision by the River Kebar
(Psalm 137:1–9)

1 In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. a

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 directly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans b by the River Kebar. And there the LORD’s hand was upon him.

The Four Living Creatures

4 I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a gleam like amber, c 5 and within it was the form of four living creatures.

And this was their appearance: They had a human form, 6 but each had four faces and four wings. 7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze.

8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four living creatures had faces and wings, 9 and their wings were touching one another. They did not turn as they moved; each one went straight ahead.

10 The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle. 11 Such were their faces.

Their wings were spread upward; each had two wings touching the wings of the creature on either side, and two wings covering its body. 12 Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved.

13 In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. 14 The creatures were darting back and forth as quickly as flashes of lightning.

The Four Wheels

15 When I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. 16 The workmanship of the wheels looked like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their workmanship looked like a wheel within a wheel. 17 As they moved, they went in any of the four directions, without pivoting as they moved. 18 Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. 19 So as the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them, and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose.

20 Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 21 When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

The Divine Glory

22 Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal. 23 And under the expanse, their wings stretched out toward one another. Each one also had two wings covering its body.

24 When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, d like the tumult of an army.

When they stood still, they lowered their wings. 25 And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered.

26 Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. 27 From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him.

28 The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.

 

Footnotes:

1 a Or from God
3 b That is, the Babylonians
4 c Or The center of the fire looked like glowing metal ; similarly in verse 27
24 d Hebrew Shaddai

Ezekiel's Prophecy at Kebar

(Psalm 137:1-9)

1And it cometh to pass, in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth of the month, and I am in the midst of the Removed by the river Chebar, the heavens have been opened, and I see visions of God. 2In the fifth of the month -- it is the fifth year of the removal of the king Jehoiachin -- 3hath the word of Jehovah certainly been unto Ezekiel son of Buzi the priest, in the land of the Chaldeans, by the river Chebar, and there is on him there a hand of Jehovah.

Vision of Four Cherubim

4And I look, and lo, a tempestuous wind is coming from the north, a great cloud, and fire catching itself, and brightness to it round about, and out of its midst as the colour of copper, out of the midst of the fire. 5And out of its midst is a likeness of four living creatures, and this is their appearance; a likeness of man is to them, 6and four faces are to each, and four wings are to each of them, 7and their feet are straight feet, and the sole of their feet is as a sole of a calf's foot, and they are sparkling as the colour of bright brass; 8and hands of man under their wings -- on their four sides, and their faces and their wings -- are to them four; 9joining one unto another are their wings, they turn not round in their going, each straight forward they go. 10As to the likeness of their faces, the face of a man, and the face of a lion, toward the right are to them four, and the face of an ox on the left are to them four, and the face of an eagle are to them four. 11And their faces and their wings are separate from above, to each are two joining together, and two are covering their bodies. 12And each straight forward they go, whither the spirit is to go, they go, they turn not round in their going. 13As to the likeness of the living creatures, their appearances are as coals of fire -- burning as the appearance of lamps; it is going up and down between the living creatures, and brightness is to the fire, and out of the fire is going forth lightning. 14And the living creatures are running, and turning back, as the appearance of the flash.

Vision of the Four Wheels

15And I see the living creatures, and lo, one wheel is in the earth, near the living creatures, at its four faces. 16The appearance of the wheels and their works is as the colour of beryl, and one likeness is to them four, and their appearances and their works are as it were the wheel in the midst of the wheel. 17On their four sides, in their going they go, they turn not round in their going. 18As to their rings, they are both high and fearful, and their rings are full of eyes round about them four. 19And in the going of the living creatures, the wheels go beside them, and in the living creatures being lifted up from off the earth, lifted up are the wheels. 20Whither the spirit is to go, they go, thither the spirit is to go, and the wheels are lifted up over-against them, for a living spirit is in the wheels. 21In their going, they go; and in their standing, they stand; and in their being lifted up from off the earth, lifted up are the wheels over-against them; for a living spirit is in the wheels.

Vision of the Divine Glory

22And a likeness is over the heads of the living creatures of an expanse, as the colour of the fearful ice, stretched out over their heads from above. 23And under the expanse their wings are straight, one toward the other, to each are two covering on this side, and to each are two covering on that side -- their bodies. 24And I hear the noise of their wings, as the noise of many waters, as the noise of the Mighty One, in their going -- the noise of tumult, as the noise of a camp, in their standing they let fall their wings. 25And there is a voice from above the expanse, that is above their head: in their standing they let fall their wings.

26And above the expanse that is over their head, as an appearance of a sapphire stone, is the likeness of a throne, and on the likeness of the throne a likeness, as the appearance of man upon it from above. 27And I see as the colour of copper, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of his loins and upward, and from the appearance of his loins and downward, I have seen as the appearance of fire, and brightness is to it round about. 28As the appearance of the bow that is in a cloud in a day of rain, so is the appearance of the brightness round about.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Ezekiel 1?
2Introduction to Ezekiel 1
3Context of Ezekiel 1
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Ezekiel 1 Unique Insights
7Ezekiel 1 Connections to Yeshua
8Ezekiel 1 Scriptural Echoes
9Ezekiel 1 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Ezekiel 1?

Introduction to Ezekiel 1

Ezekiel 1 stands as one of the most extraordinary and mystifying passages in all of Scripture, opening with a spectacular vision of God’s throne-chariot that has captivated readers for millennia. This chapter marks the dramatic call of Ezekiel to prophetic ministry, occurring in 593 BCE among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The prophet’s inaugural vision presents us with an incredible display of God’s glory (kavod) through a complex array of supernatural beings, mysterious wheels, and the appearance of God’s throne, all pointing to the transcendent yet immanent nature of the Creator of the universe.

Azrta box final advert

Context of Ezekiel 1

The book of Ezekiel emerges from one of Israel’s darkest periods – the Babylonian exile. As a priest-turned-prophet, Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles who had been forcibly relocated to Babylon in 597 BCE. This first deportation occurred before Jerusalem’s final destruction in 586 BCE, and the timing is crucial for understanding the context of this vision. The exiles were questioning whether God had abandoned them or if He could even reach them in this pagan land far from the Temple.

Within the broader biblical narrative, Ezekiel 1 serves as a pivotal moment in prophetic literature. It demonstrates that God’s presence is not confined to the Jerusalem Temple but can manifest anywhere – even in Babylon. This vision shares remarkable parallels with other throne room scenes in Scripture, such as Isaiah 6:1-4 and Revelation 4, forming a consistent thread of divine throne room imagery throughout biblical literature.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • מַרְאוֹת אֱלֹהִים (mar’ot Elohim) – “visions of God”: This phrase emphasizes that what follows is not merely a prophet’s imagination but a divinely granted revelation. The plural form “visions” suggests multiple aspects or stages of the revelatory experience.
  • חַשְׁמַל (chashmal) – “gleaming metal”: A mysterious term appearing only in Ezekiel, possibly referring to an amber-colored electrum or a polished bronze-gold alloy. Its brilliance symbolizes divine glory.
  • חַיּוֹת (chayyot) – “living creatures”: These beings, later identified as cherubim in Ezekiel 10:15, represent the highest order of angelic beings who serve as bearers of God’s throne.
  • אוֹפַן (ophan) – “wheel”: These mysterious wheels within wheels symbolize God’s omnipresence and His ability to move in any direction instantaneously, suggesting His sovereignty over all creation.
  • רָקִיעַ (raqia) – “firmament/expanse”: The same word used in Genesis 1 for the heavenly dome, here serving as the platform for God’s throne, connecting this vision to creation imagery.
  • כְּבוֹד־יְהוָה (kevod-YHWH) – “glory of the LORD”: The culminating sight of the vision, representing the manifest presence of God Himself, often associated with fire and brightness in Scripture.
  • דְּמוּת (demut) – “likeness”: Used repeatedly in the chapter, this term carefully maintains the balance between describing God’s appearance while avoiding any suggestion of creating an image of Him.
  • רוּחַ (ruach) – “spirit/wind”: A multivalent term appearing several times in the chapter, referring variously to the divine Spirit, wind, and the life-force animating the living creatures.

Compare & Contrast

  • Verse 1: “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year” – The precise dating format mirrors Babylonian historical records, lending authenticity to the account while simultaneously subverting Babylonian literary conventions by focusing on יהוה rather than their deities.
  • Verse 4: The “great cloud with fire flashing” echoes the Sinai theophany but with significant differences, showing God’s ability to manifest His presence even in exile.
  • Verse 5: The description of the living creatures with “human likeness” uses אָדָם (adam) rather than אִישׁ (ish), emphasizing their representative role of all created beings rather than merely human form.
  • Verse 10: The four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle) represent the highest forms of created beings in their respective domains, chosen over other possible combinations to show God’s sovereignty over all creation.
  • Verse 16: The “wheel within a wheel” construction uses repetitive language to emphasize complexity rather than using available Hebrew terms for mechanical descriptions, suggesting supernatural rather than mechanical movement.
  • Verse 22: The “terrible crystal” (קֶרַח הַנּוֹרָא) description employs unusual terminology to convey both beauty and fear, rather than more common Hebrew words for ice or crystal.
  • Verse 26: The throne vision deliberately uses vague terms (דְּמוּת כְּמַרְאֵה) – “likeness as the appearance of” – creating layers of separation to avoid any hint of actually depicting God’s form.

Ezekiel 1 Unique Insights

The vision’s occurrence “among the exiles by the River Chebar” carries profound significance in Jewish mystical tradition. The Chebar River, being a man-made irrigation canal, symbolizes how God can manifest His presence even in artificial environments created by pagan peoples. This counters the notion that divine encounters could only occur in naturally created settings or sacred spaces.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?
This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

The rabbinical tradition notes that the vision occurred in the thirtieth year, which many interpret as Ezekiel’s age – the time when priests would begin their full temple service. The timing suggests that while Ezekiel couldn’t serve in the physical temple due to exile, God was inaugurating him into a higher form of service – one that transcended physical limitations and would influence spiritual understanding for generations to come.

The fourfold nature of the vision (four faces, four wings, four directions) corresponds to the rabbinic concept of PaRDeS (Paradise) – the four levels of biblical interpretation: Peshat (literal), Remez (allegorical), Derash (homiletical), and Sod (mystical). This multilayered vision thus serves as a template for understanding how divine revelation operates on multiple levels simultaneously.

Early messianic Jewish interpreters saw in the “likeness of a throne” a prefiguration of the Messiah’s role as both divine ruler and human representative. The human figure on the throne, surrounded by fire yet preserving the clarity of amber, perfectly foreshadows the dual nature of Yeshua – fully divine yet fully human.

Ezekiel 1 Connections to Yeshua

The throne vision of Ezekiel 1 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua the Messiah. The human figure seated on the throne above the firmament presents a remarkable preview of the incarnation – God taking human form while remaining transcendent. This image is later echoed in Revelation 1:12-16, where John’s vision of the glorified Messiah bears striking similarities to Ezekiel’s vision.

The four living creatures, representing all of creation, find their purpose in worshipping the one on the throne. This foreshadows how all creation will ultimately bow before Yeshua (Philippians 2:10-11). The wheels full of eyes, suggesting divine omniscience, remind us that the Messiah is the one “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

Ezekiel 1 Scriptural Echoes

This inaugural vision resonates throughout Scripture, forming connections with both earlier and later revelations. The throne scene recalls Isaiah’s temple vision (Isaiah 6), while its imagery is later reflected in John’s apocalyptic visions (Revelation 4). The living creatures appear in modified form in Revelation, showing continuity in how God reveals His throne room to humanity.

The rainbow around the throne (Ezekiel 1:28) connects to God’s covenant with Noah, suggesting that even in judgment, God remembers mercy. The fire and brightness recall the burning bush encounter of Moses (Exodus 3) and the pillar of fire that led Israel, demonstrating God’s consistent self-revelation through history.

Ezekiel 1 Devotional

This magnificent vision reminds us that God is not confined to our places of worship or limited by our circumstances. Just as He appeared to Ezekiel in Babylon, He can manifest His presence in our most unlikely situations. The prophet’s response of falling on his face challenges us to maintain a proper sense of awe and reverence before our holy God.

When life seems chaotic, like wheels within wheels, we can trust that God remains enthroned above it all. Every detail of this vision – from the synchronized movement of the creatures to the perfect order of the wheels – speaks of God’s absolute sovereignty and control. Let this truth bring peace to your heart in uncertain times.

Did You Know

  • The name Ezekiel (יְחֶזְקֵאל) means “God strengthens” or “God will strengthen,” which proved prophetic given his challenging ministry among the exiles.
  • The vision occurred in the month of Tammuz, traditionally associated with tragedy in Jewish history due to the later destruction of both Temples occurring in this month.
  • The Hebrew word for “amber” (חַשְׁמַל) used in this chapter gave rise to the modern Hebrew word for electricity, suggesting the ancients associated this mysterious substance with energy and power.
  • Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of the Chebar canal mentioned in verse 1, validating the historical setting of the vision.
  • The four faces of the living creatures later became associated with the four Gospels in Christian tradition: Matthew (human/Messiah’s humanity), Mark (lion/royalty), Luke (ox/service), and John (eagle/deity).
  • The throne vision contains elements that appear in ancient Near Eastern throne room descriptions but deliberately subverts them to emphasize יהוה’s supremacy over pagan deities.
  • The repetitive use of “likeness” and “appearance” (occurring 16 times in the chapter) creates a literary device called “prophetic distance,” acknowledging the inability of human language to fully capture divine reality.
  • Some early Jewish traditions suggested that studying this chapter was restricted to mature students due to its profound mystical content.
  • The word for “wheel” (גַּלְגַּל) is related to the word for “scroll,” possibly suggesting a connection between divine movement and divine revelation in written form.

sendagiftfinal
Have you been blessed?
This website has over 46,000 Biblical resources, made possible through the generosity of the 0.03% of supporters like you. If you’ve been blessed today, please consider sending a gift.
Bible Themes
Share your love
Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46827
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Encounter Him Send a Gift Scroll Top