Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Ezekiel 1
Ezekiel 1:1In 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.
This verse establishes that God's revelation can happen anywhere, even in a land of captivity far from the traditional temple.Ezekiel 1:26And 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.
The vision of the throne reminds us that despite the earthly chaos of exile, God remains firmly in control of the universe.Ezekiel 1:28Like 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 appearance of the rainbow amidst the fire shows that God's glory is always accompanied by His faithfulness and mercy.
Historical & Cultural Context
A Priest Without a Temple
Ezekiel is a thirty-year-old priest living as a refugee in Babylon. He is by the Chebar canal when the heavens suddenly open, and he sees visions of God. This happens during a time of great national despair, as the Jewish people have been forced out of their homeland. The setting emphasizes that God is not restricted by geography or human circumstances.
The Arrival of Divine Majesty
A massive storm cloud approaches from the north, filled with flashing fire and brilliant light. Out of this supernatural storm, four mysterious living creatures emerge, followed by complex wheels and a crystal-like platform. Finally, Ezekiel sees a throne and a figure representing the glory of the Lord. The entire scene is a sensory explosion of sound, light, and movement.
The Vision of the Chariot Throne
In Ezekiel 1:1-28, the prophet describes an encounter that defies simple explanation. He uses the word 'likeness' repeatedly because the heavenly reality he sees is far beyond human language. The vision moves from the earthly setting of a canal to the cosmic heights of God's throne.
The Call in Captivity (Ezekiel 1:1-3)
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.
Commentary:
Ezekiel receives a vision of God while living as an exile in Babylon.
The Four Living Creatures (Ezekiel 1:4-14)
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.
Commentary:
Four mysterious living creatures appear within a storm of fire and lightning.
The Wheels Within Wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21)
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 wanted to 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.
Commentary:
Massive, eye-covered wheels move in perfect harmony with the living creatures.
The Sound of the Almighty (Ezekiel 1:22-25)
22 Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring 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.
Commentary:
A crystal-like platform sits above the creatures, carrying the sound of God's voice.
The Throne and the Rainbow (Ezekiel 1:26-28)
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.
Commentary:
Ezekiel sees God's throne and His radiant glory, leading him to fall in worship.
Related Verse Analysis
Understanding the Majesty of the Vision
God's Omnipresence
This chapter reveals that God is not tied to a specific building or city. By appearing in Babylon, God shows that He is present with His people even in their darkest moments of displacement and suffering.
The Holiness of God
The intense fire, gleaming metal, and crystal expanse all point to God's holiness, which means He is completely set apart and pure. The vision reminds us that God is far greater and more mysterious than we can fully comprehend.
Divine Sovereignty
The wheels that move in every direction and the throne above the storm show that God is in control of history. Even when it looks like the world is falling apart, God is still seated on His throne, directing all things according to His spirit.
Applying Ezekiel's Vision to Your Life
Ezekiel 1:1 shows God appearing by a muddy canal in a pagan land, proving He isn't confined to church buildings. God's presence is equally accessible in your office, car, or home as it is in a cathedral.
The stormy wind in Ezekiel 1:4 reminds us that God often appears in the middle of our storms. Instead of focusing only on the wind and fire, look for the throne that remains steady above the chaos, knowing God is still in charge.
Ezekiel uses the word 'likeness' because human language can't fully capture God's majesty. This teaches you that God is much bigger than your imagination or your problems, which should give you peace when you don't have all the answers.
God's Glory Transcends All Boundaries
Ezekiel 1 reveals that God's presence is not tied to a building or a border. Even in the heartbreak of exile, the Lord appears in overwhelming beauty and power to show His people He is still with them. The message is clear: no matter how far you feel from home or hope, God's glory can reach you. He remains the sovereign King over all creation, moving exactly where He needs to be.
What This Means for Us Today
A vision of God's glory always leads to a change in posture. Ezekiel fell on his face, recognizing his smallness in light of God's greatness. Today, we are invited to stop our busy striving and acknowledge that the Lord is on His throne.
- Where do you need to remember that God is still on His throne today?
- How can you make space to listen for God's voice in the middle of your own 'storm'?
- What part of God's character - His power, His sight, or His mercy - do you need to lean on right now?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
Following this vision, God gives Ezekiel his specific mission to speak to the rebellious people of Israel.
Connections Across Scripture
Another famous vision of God's throne room that changed a prophet's life and led to a divine commission.
John's vision of the throne in heaven uses very similar imagery of four creatures, a sea of glass, and a rainbow.
Discussion Questions
- Ezekiel was in a place he didn't want to be when God appeared. Have you ever felt God's presence in a difficult or unexpected place?
- The creatures and wheels moved exactly where the spirit wanted to go. What does it look like for us to be that responsive to God's leading today?
- Ezekiel fell on his face when he saw God's glory. How does a deeper understanding of God's holiness change the way we pray?