Ezekiel 1:4-28 - Vision of the Glory of the Lord

Summary

These verses present a stunning vision of the majesty of the Lord, with a chariot of living creatures and a glorious throne.

Analysis

This vision opens the book and probably was an early event in Ezekiel's prophetic call. It is difficult to visualize, and the general sense of awesome glory is probably what is intended. The chariot is made up of four living, winged creatures (cherubim), each with a wheel that can move in any direction. The sense of quick movement is clear from the description. God's majesty and glory is not confined to Judah! Above them is a crystal plane (firmament) on which is the throne of God. The prophet draws upon the ark of the covenant from Exodus and other visions of God's throne in glory (1 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6).