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Ezekiel 1

28 verses

TL;DR

Ezekiel, a captive priest, receives a dramatic vision of celestial beings, wheels, and a divine throne, revealing God's glory.

Summary

In the thirtieth year of captivity, Ezekiel hears God call him as a priest beside the river Chebar. He sees a whirlwind from the north, surrounded by fire and bright light, and four living creatures with human, lion, ox, and eagle faces and four wings. The creatures move in perfect coordination, and their bodies are like burning coals. Beside them, a massive wheel—having four faces and filled with eyes—moves in tandem with the creatures, indicating the divine presence. Above the creatures a firmament like crystal holds a throne made of sapphire, on which appears a man resembling God, surrounded by a radiance of amber and fire. Ezekiel falls prostrate and hears a voice, signifying the awe and mystery of the vision. This encounter sets the stage for his prophetic ministry.

Outline
  1. Introduction: Ezekiel’s context and calling
  2. Vision: living creatures and wheels
  3. Realization: throne, glory, and response
Themes
God’s transcendence and presenceProphetic vision and revelationAuthority of the prophetic office
Keywords
visioncherubimwheelsthronegloryfirelightningfirmamentprophecy
People
EzekielBuziJehoiachin
Places
Chebarriver of ChebarChaldean land
Things
four living creaturesfour facesfour wingswheels with eyesfirmamentthroneglory of the LORDfireamberlightning
Key Verses
  • Ezekiel 1:1: Sets the historical context of the vision
  • Ezekiel 1:4: Introduces the dramatic celestial encounter
  • Ezekiel 1:26: Reveals the divine throne and the manifestation of God's glory
Questions
  • What does the combination of four faces on the living creatures signify about God’s nature?
  • How does the imagery of the wheels convey divine mobility and control?
  • In what ways does Ezekiel’s reaction foreshadow his future prophetic ministry?
Sentiment

neutral
Awe and reverence with underlying fear of the divine presence