Chapter 1 Ezekiel

7/30/2019 Chapter 1 Ezekiel

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Chapter 1

I. Time and Place of Writing (1:1-3):

A. Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day ofthe month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, that the heavens

were opened, and I saw visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was

the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, (1:1-2).

1. The year was ~ 592 BC. Zedekiah was the current king of Judah and itwas the fifth year of Jehoiachins captivity. Ezekiel was likely 30 years old

and thus the statement, in the thirtieth year. Location: Ezekiel was by the

river Chebar. Later we learn that the city Ezekiel lived in was Telabib. The

Chebar River was a canal that flows South East from above Babylon to East

of Nippur, rejoining the Euphrates near Erech.

2. At this time, the heavens were opened and Ezekiel peered in andsaw visions of God. The objects Ezekiel saw when the heavens were

opened are discussed in detail in this chapter.

B. the word of Jehovah came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi,in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of Jehovah wasthere upon him (1:3).

1. The Word of God states that as Ezekiel peered into heaven that theword of Jehovah came expressly unto Ezekiel. Here is evidence of divine

inspiration. Ezekiel received divine revelation directly from God (cf. II Pet.

1:20-21).

2. The idea of Ezekiel miraculously receiving the word of Jehovah isequated to the hand of Jehovah resting upon him (cf. I Kg. 18:46).

II. Ezekiel sees Four Living Creatures (1:4-14):

A. And I looked, and, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud,

with a fire in folding itself, and a brightness round about it, and out of the midstthereof as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire (1:4).

1. Interestingly the vision from heaven that Ezekiel saw came from theNorth. North is the direction Gods judgments were to come upon Judah (cf.Jer. 1:14; 4:6; etc.). Note that we have a whirlwind coming out of the north.

North is a strange direction in prophecy. Scholars attribute the north to the

advance of their enemies, the Babylonians, which we think of as really being

east; but the path of attack was from the north.

2. Ezekiel sees a ball of fire and clouds being driven by a stormy windout of the North. Within the vision Ezekiel could see a glowing appearance.

There are dozens of references about fire and wind being symbols of Godsjudgment. Ps 18, Hab. 3, and Jer. 4 are examples of these elements, and of

course, Revelation, being used to speak of Gods judgment.3. The expression fire in folding itself means that it was traveling in acircle, flames following one another in rapid succession as the framework of

the vision.

4. In this first vision, God called Ezekiel to be a prophet (see Ezekiel

2:5). Nothing in Ezekiels previous experience had prepared him for such adisplay of Gods glorious presence and power. The immense cloud flashed

with lightning and was surrounded by a brilliant light. From the fire in the

cloud came four living creatures. They showed Ezekiel that Jerusalems


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coming destruction was Gods punishment of Judah for its sins. (These living

creatures are also seen in Rev. 4:6-7.)

5. When Ezekiel received this vision, he was far away from the temple in

Jerusalem, the physical symbol of Gods presence. Through this vision, he

learned that God is present everywhere and that Gods activities in heavenare shaping the events on earth.

B. And out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And thiswas their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four

faces, and every one of them had four wings. And 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. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on theirfour sides; and the four had their faces and their wings thus: their wings were

joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one

straight forward (1:5-9).

1. As the storm of glowing fire grew closer to Ezekiel, he saw four livingcreatures come out. These creatures looked like men yet they had four faces

and each had four wings. Their feet and legs were standing straight up. Under

each wing were hands like a man. When the creatures traveled, they did soin complete harmony or unison.

2. Ezekiel is using human language to describe creatures like he hadnever seen before. And so we have to use our imaginations in trying to, in

our minds, picture or visualize these four living creatures, looking somewhat

like a man, each one having four faces, each of them having four wings.

Their feet are sort of like a calf's, sort of cloven like a calf's foot, but they

look like bright burnished brass [burnished bronze] is the Levitical symbolof Judgment. It was the metal that would withstand fire.(Remember this is a

priest communicating in mystical terms). In analyzing the different details

remember to view them through the eyes of a Levitically trained priest (as

Ezekiel was). God was communicating to Ezekiel in terms that Ezekiel was

used to. God meets you on your ground. Ezekiel was trained for this calling;he was receiving communication from God disclosed to him in Levitical

terms.

3. At Ezek. 10:15, 20 we are told that these four living creatures arecherubim.

a. A cherubim seem to be actual beings of a higher angelic order.

They do not seem to be identical with the seraphim (Isa. 6:2). Thecherubim apparently have to do with the holiness of God as violated by

sin; the seraphim with uncleanness in the people of God.

b. The Bible records cherubim guarding the way to the tree of life

(Gen. 3:24), over the ark of the covenant (Ex. 25:18-22), David wrote a

song to Jehovah God when he was delivered from his enemies which

depicted God as riding upon cherub traveling about (II Sam. 22:11), andthe dwelling place of God was found to be between the two cherubim

over the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant (Ps. 99:1; Isa. 37:16; ).

C. As for the likeness of their faces, the had the face of a man; and the four had theface of a lion on the right side; and the four had the face of an ox on the left side;

the four had also the face of an eagle (1:10).


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1. Four similar creatures are described in Revelation 4:6ff and Isaiah 6:1-5. Each of these three chapters in Gods word depicts a vision of a throne in

heaven.

2. The faces of the creatures seem to represent the nature of Godsgovernment (i.e., the face of man representing intelligence, lion (authority),ox (strength), and the eagle (swiftness)). These features seem to represent the

omnipotence of Jehovah God (cf. Jer. 32:17; 51:15-19).

3. The creatures had a predominantly human shape, but each had fourdifferent faces. This assemblage is unique, although complex combinations

of supernatural beings are known throughout the ancient Near East. Many

suggestions have been made to explain their symbolism. Certainly each

creature is majestic in its realm, whether among the wild (lion; Prov. 30:30)and domestic (ox; Prov. 14:4) animals, or in the air (eagle; Prov. 23:5; cf.

Obad. 4), with each of them noticed subsequently to the human face (cf.

Gen. 1:26). This imagery is later echoed in the four (separate) creatures

before the throne in Rev. 4:7.

4. So, there were four faces on each of them. The front face was like aman. The right side of it was like a lion. The left side like an ox, and behind

like an eagle. Now they looked like some kind of genetic monstrosity as youlook at them. There are some who see in these four faces the four gospels as

they describe Jesus Christ. For in the gospels, Christ is described as the Son

of man in Luke's gospel. In Mark's gospel He is described as the Lion of the

tribe of Judah. Matthew's gospel, He is the servant, the ox, the beast of

service. And in John's gospel, the deity, the eagle.

D. And their faces and their wings were separate above; two [wings] of every onewere joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. And they went every

one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; they turned not

when they went (1:11-12).

1. Each cherub had four wings.
http://www.esvonline.org/Proverbs%2B30.30http://www.esvonline.org/Proverbs%2B14.4http://www.esvonline.org/Proverbs%2B23.5http://www.esvonline.org/Obadiah%2B1.4http://www.esvonline.org/Genesis%2B1.26http://www.esvonline.org/Revelation%2B4.7http://www.esvonline.org/Proverbs%2B30.30http://www.esvonline.org/Proverbs%2B14.4http://www.esvonline.org/Proverbs%2B23.5http://www.esvonline.org/Obadiah%2B1.4http://www.esvonline.org/Genesis%2B1.26http://www.esvonline.org/Revelation%2B4.7


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2. The creatures traveled in the direction they faced (straight forward).Rather than independent the cherubim appear to be dependant upon one

another for movement. Their movement was as a unit rather than fighting

against each other.

E. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burningcoals 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. And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash

of lightning (1:13-14).

1. To look upon the four living creatures was to look at the glow of fire incoals. This may be an indication of Gods nature of justice (cf. Jer. 9:24) inrelation to sin (Heb. 12:29).

2. These creatures appear to be in constant motion. They darted here andthere as lightning. This fact indicates the omnipresence of Jehovah God (cf.

Jer. 23:23-25).

III. Ezekiel sees Four Wheels (a chariot) (1:15-21):

A. Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold, one wheel upon the earth besidethe living creatures, for each of the four faces thereof. The appearance of the

wheels and their work was like unto a beryl: and they four had one likeness; and

their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel. When

they went, they went in their four directions: they turned not when they went

(1:15-17).

1. In addition to the four living creatures, Ezekiel now sees four wheelsbeside (or under; cf. Ezek. 10:2) the living creatures.

2. The complex structure of theirwheels is difficult to envisage, thoughsomething gyroscopic seems to be suggested. The wheel intersecting a

wheel was probably two wheels at right angles to each other, one on a

north-south and the other on an east-west axis. Able to move anywhere, thesewheels show that God is present everywhere and is able to see all things

(Ezekiel 1:18). God is not restricted to Jerusalem, but rules all of life and

history. Though the exiles had experienced great change, God was still in

control.

3. Each wheel looked alike and enabled the four living creatures to travelin all directions due to a wheel being within a wheel (see artist drawing

below).

4. These wheels moved in every direction, but they did not appear to

rotate when they moved. Ease of movement seems to be the point. They did,

however, make rumbling sounds when they moved, as large wheels would

do.

5. God is a God of intelligent purpose. You and I are not living in auniverse that is moving into the future aimlessly and without purpose. God

has a purpose for every atom which he has created, and he has a purpose for

you, and for me, in His plan and program. The very fact that you and I are

alive today reveals that we are to accomplish a purpose for God. God is

intelligently carrying out His purpose in the world.

6. There was some coordination between the living beings and these

wheels because whenever one of the living creatures moved, its


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corresponding wheel moved with it. The creatures and wheels could move

vertically above the ground as well as horizontally along the ground.

7. Note in 1 Chronicles 28:18 And for the altar of incense refined goldby weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that

spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

B. As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and the four had their rims fullof eyes round about. And 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. Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went; thither was the

spirit to go: and the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living

creature was in the wheels. 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 (1:18-21).

1. The wheels were high and dreadful which indicates the fact thatthose who oppose this chariot should tremble in fear.

2. The four wheels had their rims full of eyes round about. This clearlyindicates the all seeing and all knowing nature of Jehovah God (i.e., His

omniscience; cf. Jer. 23:23-25).

3. The chariot figure is seen in perpetual motion. Each direction taken isdictated by the purposeful unity of their being.

IV. The Throne of Jehovahs Glory (1:22-28):

A. And over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of a firmament,like the terrible crystal to look upon, stretched forth over their heads above. And

under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: everyone had two which covered on this side, and every one had two which covered on

that side, their bodies (1:22-23).

1. Just above the cherubims heads was a firmament or expanse.

2. To view this expanse of space was to be filled with fear and reverenceas the word terrible suggest. As Jehovah God spoke to Job and exposes his

ignorance, the Lord says, Out of the north cometh golden splendor: God

hath upon him terrible majesty... men do therefore fear him: (Job 37:22-24).


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3. The essence of Jehovah Gods throne is that of justice and those whoreject His omnipotence (government) will certainly fall.

B. And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of greatwaters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of a host:when they stood, they let down their wings. And there was a voice above the

firmament that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings

(1:24-25).

1. As the four living creatures moved so the firmament moved.

2. The power (omnipotence) of Jehovah God is represented in the sheersound of the creatures movement.

a. The movement of the creatures made the noise of greatwaters.

b. Furthermore, their movements made the noise of the voice of

the Almighty.

c. Lastly, the noise of their movement is compared to a tumult like

the noise of a host.

C. And 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 a

likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above. And I saw as it were glowing

metal, 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 saw

as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness round about him

(1:26-27).

1. Ezekiel saw a throne with a man sitting thereon.

2. From head to foot, the man was glowing as the appearance of fire.

3. All around the throne there was brightness round about him. Theidea of brightness is expressed to illustrate the glory of Jehovah God (cf. Ps.

18:12-13).

4. God's body is like that of a man, for man was created in His likenessand His image bodily. This figure like that of a man revealed Gods

holiness and prepared Ezekiel for what God was about to tell him. The figurerepresented God himself on the throne. In a similar way, Christ revealed God

in human form and prepared us for his message of salvation. Christ came into

history in a real, human body. Ezekiel identified what he saw there beside the

river Chebar as the glory of the Lord. This is a technical term for the

presence of God among his people. The basic idea conveyed through this

entire vision is that God is present with the captives in Babylon.

D. As 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 thelikeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I

heard a voice of one that spake (1:28).

1. The rainbow now stands as a symbol of Gods promises of hope and

grace (cf. Gen. 9:12ff).

2. Now Ezekiel plainly states that the entire scene represents the glory ofJehovah. Knowing that he was in the presence of God prompted the prophet

to fall upon his face in reverence and fear.


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Synopsis of Chapter One:

The Glory of Jehovah

At the age of 30 Ezekiel has seen a heavenly vision that has a much more significant meaningthan to merely say that he was so called to the office of prophet. Throughout the study of the

book of Ezekiel we will run into this same vision three more times (4 times in the book).Chapter 3:22ff pictures Ezekiel communicating with God on a separated occasion and the

prophet sees the glory of God as in chapter one. The purpose at chapter 3 was to reveal to

Judah the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. The third time Ezekiel sees the same vision is

found at chapter 8:4ff. Here the Lord causes Ezekiel to see the sins of His people and the

destruction of the ungodly in Judah. Lastly, Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord with the

cherubim at chapter 43. Here, the glory of Jehovah fills a new temple that is represented in

the new kingdom and second covenant that Jeremiah spoke of in 31:31-34. At this point of

our study, let us simply examine the obvious facts. It is apparent that cherubim do not

represent a common class of angels. John speaks of these same four cherubim in Revelation

4:6-11 and then separates these four from all the angels at Revelation 7:11. These four

cherubim are in the vicinity of the throne of God (cf. Ezek. 1:26; Rev. 4:2). Third, the throne

represents the glory of Jehovah (Ezek. 1:28). Gods glory seems to be the significance ofthis first vision to Ezekiel. How can we define the glory of Jehovah?

Clearly, the glory of Jehovah is depicted in a threefold manner.

1. Jehovah is depicted as omnipotent at Ezekiel 1:10, 24-25. The four cherubs withtheir four faces represent the government of Jehovahs throne. When these creatures

moved, an awesome sound was made. The four faced creatures illustrate that

God is king of all flesh (cf. Jer. 32:27) and thereby all are subject to His authority

(the face of a lion);

God is filled with great strength (there is nothing to hard for him; cf. Gen. 18:14) (the

face of an ox);

God is swift to carry out His plans (the face of an eagle); God represents intellect and wisdom (the face of a man).

These attributes appear to emphasize the fact that God is all powerful (cf. Jer. 32:17;

51:15-19; Rev. 4:6ff). With such universal rule comes the power to punish the lawless.

Gods power is thereby seen as a stormy wind out of the north (Ezek. 1:4). Gods

judgments come from the North in the scriptures (cf. Job 37:22-24; Jer. 1:14; 4:6; etc).

2. A second way that the glory of Jehovah God is depicted in Ezekiels vision is theemphasis of Gods omnipresence. At Ezekiel 1:14 the four living creatures are depicted

as darting here and there like lightning. God is everywhere in a flash (cf. Jer. 23:23-25).

3. The third way that Jehovahs glory is seen is by His omniscience. The four wheels ofEzek. 1:15-21 had their rims full of eyes round about. This clearly indicates the allseeing and all knowing nature of Jehovah God (cf. Jer. 23:23-25). How should man

respond to the glory of Jehovah? The high and dreadful wheels of Gods throneought to move us to great fear and reverence for Jehovahs awesome glory (omnipotence,

omniscience, and omnipresence). Gods throne is represented by brightness (Ezek. 1:4,27) and glowing fire (Ezek. 1:4, 13, 26, 27). God is light (I Jn. 1:5) and thereby heaven

needs no sun to give it light (Rev. 21:23). With such a vision before us we may all be

moved to do as Ezekiel and fall upon our face to the ground in reverence and awe of the

glory of Jehovah.

4. The four living creatures and the four wheels are powerful pictures ofjudgment, yet the rainbow over the throne symbolizes Gods never-ending


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faithfulness to his people. Just as God sent a rainbow to Noah to symbolize his

promise never again to destroy the earth by a flood (Genesis 9:8-17), so this

rainbow symbolizes Gods promise to preserve those who remain faithful to him.The purpose of Gods judgment is to correct us and, ultimately, to allow perfect

peace and righteousness to reign on the earth forever.

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Chapter 1 Ezekiel