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 of the 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 it was 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 and saw 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 was there upon him (1:3). 1. The Word of God states that as Ezekiel peered into heaven that the word 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 is equated 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 midst thereof 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 the North. 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 wind out of the North. Within the vision Ezekiel could see a glowing appearance. There are dozens of references about fire and wind being symbols of Gods judgment. 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 a circle, 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 a display 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

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 heaven are shaping the events on earth.

B. And out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this
was 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 their four 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 living creatures 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 so in complete harmony or unison. 2. Ezekiel is using human language to describe creatures like he had never 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 symbol of 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 are cherubim. 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). The cherubim 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), and the 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 the
face 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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Four similar creatures are described in Revelation 4:6ff and Isaiah 6:15. 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 Gods government (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 four different 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 a man. 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 you look 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 one
were 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.

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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 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. 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 in coals. This may be an indication of Gods nature of justice (cf. Jer. 9:24) in relation to sin (Heb. 12:29). 2. These creatures appear to be in constant motion. They darted here and there 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 beside the 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 wheels beside (or under; cf. Ezek. 10:2) the living creatures. 2. The complex structure of their wheels is difficult to envisage, though something 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, these wheels 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 travel in 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 a universe 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

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 gold by 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 full
of 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 that those who oppose this chariot should tremble in fear. 2. The four wheels had their rims full of eyes round about. This clearly indicates 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 is dictated 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: every one 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 reverence as 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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The essence of Jehovah Gods throne is that of justice and those who reject His omnipotence (government) will certainly fall.

B. And 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 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 sheer sound of the creatures movement. a. The movement of the creatures made the noise of great waters. 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. The idea 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 likeness and 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 figure represented 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 the likeness 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 of Jehovah. Knowing that he was in the presence of God prompted the prophet to fall upon his face in reverence and fear.

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 meaning than 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 of this 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 with their 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 the emphasis 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 of Ezek. 1:15-21 had their rims full of eyes round about. This clearly indicates the all seeing 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 throne ought 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 of judgment, yet the rainbow over the throne symbolizes Gods never-ending

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.