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Ezekiel 1

Ezekiel 1:26

The Divine Glory · Ezekiel 1:22–28
Read Ezekiel 1

Translations

Modern
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.
Traditional
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 the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Literal
And from above the firmament that was over their heads, in appearance like a stone of sapphire, was the likeness of a throne, and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness like the appearance of a man over it from above.
Latin
Et super firmamentum quod erat imminens capiti eorum, quasi aspectus lapidis sapphiri similitudo throni: et super similitudinem throni similitudo quasi aspectus hominis desuper.

Original

Hebrew
English
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.

Notes

Ezekiel 1:26–27

On God's throne was a figure that looked like a man. Ezekiel struggled to describe the scene because it was so magnificent. This human form showed the Lord's bright glory, which had once filled the tabernacle and the temple as a visible sign of God's presence (see Daniel 7:9–10; Revelation 1:12–17). God's presence in human form comforts his faithful people but warns of judgment for those who disobey him. This vision foretells God coming to earth as a man in Jesus Christ.

Ezekiel 1:4–28

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.

Ezekiel 1:1–3:27

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.

Theme notes and profiles

God’s Glory with His People

Events

Glossary

Amber Cherub, Cherubim Ezekiel (Person) Ezekiel, Book of Firmament Pillar of Fire and Cloud Prophet, Prophetess Sapphire Throne Wheel

Topics

Cherubim: The Glory of God Exhibited Upon Colors: Blue: Symbol of Deity God: Appearances of To Ezekiel God: Glory of Precious Stones: Sapphire Sapphire: The Color of the Expanse The Color Blue