Translations
Original
Notes
The wheels were tall and frightening. They were covered with eyes (see Ezekiel 10:12). Because of this, no one could hide from the chariot. Just as no one could escape from it, no one could escape its sight.
The language of this opening vision describes a theophany (a visible appearance of God; see study note on Deuteronomy 1:33). Ezekiel found it hard to describe what he saw. He often used phrases such as "the appearance of," "looked like," and "the likeness of." These words show that the vision was beyond normal human experience.
Even so, the message is clear and serious. The vision combines movement with symbols of judgment. It warns that God’s judgment would surely come upon rebellious Jerusalem.
Old Testament prophetic books often begin with a “call narrative.” A call narrative describes how God chose and sent a prophet to serve in this role (for example, Jeremiah 1:4–19).
This account showed that the prophet’s message was legitimate. It made clear that the prophet spoke as the Lord’s ambassador (a representative sent with authority). The call narrative also introduced important themes that the book would explain more fully later.
In Ezekiel, the call narrative focuses on the Lord’s coming judgment on his people.
Events
- Prophecies of Ezekielc. 593 BC
Glossary
Amber Cherub, Cherubim Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of Pillar of Fire and Cloud Prophet, Prophetess Throne Wheel
Topics
Angel (A Spirit): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wheel: Symbolical