About Ezekiel

Ezekiel proclaimed God's judgment from Babylon, using dramatic visions and symbolic acts, while promising future restoration.

Author: EzekielWritten: c. 593-571 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 28
Glory of GodJudgmentRestorationNew HeartSovereigntyTemple

King James Version

Ezekiel 1

28 verses with commentary

Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory

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 of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. captives: Heb. captivity

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KJV Study Commentary

The opening verse establishes both the historical and prophetic context for one of Scripture's most magnificent visions. The 'thirtieth year' likely refers to Ezekiel's age, significant because thirty was the age when priests began their full ministry (Numbers 4:3). Yet instead of serving in Jerusalem's temple, Ezekiel sits among exiles by the Chebar canal in Babylon. The phrase 'the heavens were ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **The thirtieth year.**—On this date see Introduction, § 4. It may be added here that the concurrence of the “fifth day of the month” in connection with this epoch, and with that of Jehoiachin’s captivity in Ezekiel 1:2, shows that the years of the two epochs began at the same time. **Among the captives.**—*i.e.*, in the midst of the region where they were settled. The vision which follows was...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

24-32. A second communication which Jeremiah sent to Babylon, after the messenger who carried his first letter had brought a letter from the false prophet Shemaiah to Zephaniah, &c., condemning Jeremiah and reproving the authorities for not having apprehended him. **Nehelamite--**a name derived either from his father or from a place: alluding at the same time to the Hebrew meaning, "a dreame...
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In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse provides precise chronological anchoring for Ezekiel's prophetic ministry: "in the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity." The Hebrew emphasis on dating reflects God's sovereignty over history—divine revelation enters real time and space. Jehoiachin's exile (597 BC) began the 70-year captivity prophesied by Jeremiah, and Ezekiel's call in the fifth year (593 BC) positioned him as Go...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

24-32. A second communication which Jeremiah sent to Babylon, after the messenger who carried his first letter had brought a letter from the false prophet Shemaiah to Zephaniah, &c., condemning Jeremiah and reproving the authorities for not having apprehended him. **Nehelamite--**a name derived either from his father or from a place: alluding at the same time to the Hebrew meaning, "a dreame...
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The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. Ezekiel: Heb. Jehezkel

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse introduces one of Scripture's most extraordinary visions with precise historical and prophetic credentials. The phrase 'the word of the LORD came expressly' uses the Hebrew 'hayoh hayah' (הָיֹה הָיָה), an emphatic construction meaning 'certainly came' or 'definitely came,' emphasizing the undeniable reality of divine revelation. Ezekiel's priestly lineage ('the son of Buzi') is signific...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Came expressly**.—Or, *came certainly, *with the fullest proof of reality. In the original there is simply the ordinary form of the repetition of the verb for the sake of emphasis. The prophet mentions his own name only here and in Ezekiel 24:24. **The hand of the Lord was there upon him.**—A form of expression to indicate that special power and influence which the Spirit exercised over the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

24-32. A second communication which Jeremiah sent to Babylon, after the messenger who carried his first letter had brought a letter from the false prophet Shemaiah to Zephaniah, &c., condemning Jeremiah and reproving the authorities for not having apprehended him. **Nehelamite--**a name derived either from his father or from a place: alluding at the same time to the Hebrew meaning, "a dreame...
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And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. infolding: Heb. catching itself

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse introduces the theophany with apocalyptic imagery conveying both terror and majesty. The 'whirlwind from the north' (ruach se'arah min hatsafon) carries double meaning: meteorologically, storms in Israel typically came from the north via the Mediterranean; symbolically, Babylon lay north of Judah, and judgment came from that direction. The 'great cloud' and 'fire infolding itself' (esh ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **A whirlwind came out of the north.**—The *north *is seen as the quarter from which the vision proceeded, not because the Babylonians conceived that there was the seat of Divine power (Isaiah 14:13-14), but because it was common with the prophets to represent the Divine judgments upon Judæa as coming from the north (see Jeremiah 1:14-15; Jeremiah 4:6; Jeremiah 6:1), and it was from that direc...
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Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

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KJV Study Commentary

The 'four living creatures' (arba chayyot) introduce the cherubim who bear God's throne-chariot, though they're not identified as cherubim until Ezekiel 10:20. The phrase 'likeness of four living creatures' employs demut (likeness/resemblance), emphasizing that what Ezekiel sees approximates reality beyond human categories. The repeated use of 'likeness' throughout chapter 1 (appearing 10 times) i...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **The likeness of four living creatures **next appeared from this centre of the fiery cloud. The word “likeness” is not without significance. The prophet would make it plain that this was a vision, that these were symbolic, not actually existing creatures. Their prominent characteristic is that they were “living.” This word is used over and over again in connection with them (see Ezekiel 1:13-...
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And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.

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KJV Study Commentary

The four-winged, four-faced cherubim represent the fullness of created order serving God's purposes. Their mobility and coordination demonstrate perfect submission to divine will. The imagery transcends natural creation, pointing to supernatural realities. These beings guard God's holiness and execute His purposes. The fourfold nature (later associated with the four Gospels by church fathers) sugg...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) F**our faces.**—The cherubim, being merely symbolical figures, are variously represented. Those placed in the Tabernacle and in the Temple of Solomon appear to have had only a single face; those described in Ezekiel’s vision of the Temple (Ezekiel 41:18-19) had two; the four living creatures of Revelation 4:7 were each different from the other: one like a man, one like a lion, one like an ox, ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 30 Jr 30:1-24. Restoration of the Jews from Babylon after Its Capture, and Raising Up of Messiah. **2. Write ... in a book--**After the destruction of Jerusalem Jeremiah is not ordered as heretofore to speak, but to write the succeeding prophecy (Jr 30:4, &c.), so as thereby it might be read by his countrymen wheresoever they might be in their dispersion.

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 the colour of burnished brass. straight: Heb. a straight foot

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KJV Study Commentary

The living creatures' 'straight feet' and calf-like soles represent stable, unwavering obedience to divine direction. Feet cannot turn aside, showing the angelic beings' single-minded devotion to God's will. The 'brass' (bronze) appearance suggests refined strength and judgment (cf. Rev. 1:15). These cherubim, likely the same as those guarding Eden (Gen. 3:24), display God's holiness and power. Th...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Their feet were straight feet.**—Rather, *each of their legs was a straight leg, i.e., *without any bend in it, as at the knee, but was equally fitted for motion in any direction. So also “the sole of their feet,” the part which rested on the ground, was not, like the human foot, formed to move forward only, but was round and solid, something “like the sole of a calf’s foot.” **They sparkled...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. bring again ... captivity of ... Israel and Judah--**the restoration not merely of the Jews (treated of in this thirtieth chapter), but also of the ten tribes ("Israel"; treated in the thirty-first chapter), together forming the whole nation (Jr 30:18; Jr 32:44; Eze 39:25; Am 9:14, 15). "Israel" is mentioned first because its exile was longer than that of Judah. Some captives of the Israelite...
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And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings.

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KJV Study Commentary

The cherubim having 'hands of a man under their wings' reveals capacity for purposeful work directed by intelligence. Hands represent agency and action; wings represent swift obedience. The combination shows heavenly beings serve God with both rapid response and skillful execution. The hands being 'on their four sides' indicates omnidirectional capability—nothing in God's service escapes their rea...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **The hands of a man.**—Implying, of course, also human arms. This particular adds to the generally human appearance of the cherubim, yet we must understand (see Ezekiel 1:11) that there were four hands corresponding to the wings for each cherub. These hands were “under their wings on their four sides.” Hence the wings must have been attached at the shoulder. The repetition, “they four had the...
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Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.

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KJV Study Commentary

The joined wings represent unity of purpose among God's servants—no independent action, but coordinated obedience to divine will. 'They turned not when they went' emphasizes unwavering focus; unlike humans who waver and look back (Luke 9:62), these beings move straight toward God's purposes. Going 'every one straight forward' pictures the directness of divine action—God's will advances without dev...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Their wings were joined one to another.—***i.e., *the outstretched right wing of one cherub was joined at its tip to the left wing of another, so that although four, they yet constituted in some sense but one creature, all moving in harmony and by a common impulse. This applies to the cherubim only when in motion; when they stood, the wings were let down (Ezekiel 1:24). The joining of the ex...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. We have heard ... trembling--**God introduces the Jews speaking that which they will be reduced to at last in spite of their stubbornness. Threat and promise are combined: the former briefly; namely, the misery of the Jews in the Babylonian captivity down to their "trembling" and "fear" arising from the approach of the Medo-Persian army of Cyrus against Babylon; the promise is more fully dwel...
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As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

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KJV Study Commentary

The four faces—man, lion, ox, eagle—represent the fullness of created order under God's throne. Man signifies intelligence and dominion, lion denotes royal strength, ox represents faithful service and sacrifice, eagle conveys swiftness and transcendence. These cherubim guarding God's holiness display the comprehensive scope of His sovereign rule over all creation. Early church fathers saw these fo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **On the right side . . . on the left side.**—The apparent obscurity of this description is due only to the punctuation in the English Bible. “They four had the face of a man” (viz., in front, as Ezekiel viewed them), “and the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle” (viz., on the back, or side opposite to...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. Ask--**Consult all the authorities, men or books, you can, you will not find an instance. Yet in that coming day men will be seen with their hands pressed on their loins, as women do to repress their pangs. God will drive men through pain to gestures more fitting a woman than a man (Jr 4:31; 6:24). The metaphor is often used to express the previous pain followed by the sudden deliverance of I...
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Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. stretched: or, divided above

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KJV Study Commentary

Wings 'stretched upward' toward God demonstrate perpetual worship and readiness for divine commands. Two wings touching another cherub shows interconnectedness of worship—God's servants minister in community, not isolation. Two wings covering their bodies (cf. Isa. 6:2) represents humility and reverence before God's holiness. Even sinless beings cover themselves, acknowledging the gulf between cre...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward**.—Rather, *and their wings and their faces were separated above. *The word never has the sense of stretched, but always that of separated or divided, as given in the margin. Each cherub was essentially one creature, and yet (not Janus-like, with four faces upon one head) their heads and their wings were separated above, and when ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. great--**marked by great calamities (Joe 2:11, 31; Am 5:18; Zep 1:14). **none like it ... but he shall be saved--**(Da 12:1). The partial deliverance at Babylon's downfall prefigures the final, complete deliverance of Israel, literal and spiritual, at the downfall of the mystical Babylon (Re 18:1-19:21).

And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.

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KJV Study Commentary

"And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went." The cherubim move with perfect obedience to the Spirit's direction—no hesitation, deviation, or resistance. The phrase "straight forward" emphasizes single-minded purpose. This models perfect submission: immediate, complete, joyful obedience. Reformed theology emphasizes that re...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Whither the spirit was to go.**—The one informing spirit which animated all the living creatures alike, and in accordance with which all their movements were ordered.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. his yoke ... thy neck--**his, that is, Jacob's (Jr 30:7), the yoke imposed on him. The transition to the second person is frequent, God speaking of Jacob or Israel, at the same time addressing him directly. So "him" rightly follows; "foreigners shall no more make him their servant" (Jr 25:14). After the deliverance by Cyrus, Persia, Alexander, Antiochus, and Rome made Judah their servant. The...
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As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

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KJV Study Commentary

The living creatures' appearance 'like burning coals of fire' and 'like the appearance of lamps' represents the consuming holiness of God's presence. Fire throughout Scripture symbolizes divine glory, purification, and judgment (Exod. 3:2; Heb. 12:29). The fire 'going up and down among the living creatures' shows divine energy animating God's servants. Brightness and lightning suggest awesome powe...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **Like the appearance of lamps.**—The word “and” before this phrase is not in the original, and should be omitted. The words are merely a further explanation. The cherubim were like burning coals of fire, like torches or lightnings. The word “lamps” does not refer to the material, but to the light, and whether in the Hebrew or in its Greek equivalent, is translated by *torches *(Nahum 2:4; Jo...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

9. Instead of serving strangers (Jr 30:8), they shall serve the Lord, their rightful King in the theocracy (Eze 21:27). **David, their king--**No king of David's seed has held the scepter since the captivity; for Zerubbabel, though of David's line, never claimed the title of "king." The Son of David, Messiah, must therefore be meant; so the Targum (compare Is 55:3, 4; Eze 34:23, 24; 37:24; Ho 3:...
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And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

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KJV Study Commentary

The creatures' running and returning 'as the appearance of a flash of lightning' emphasizes the instantaneous nature of angelic obedience to divine commands. Unlike human servants who delay and question, these beings respond with electric speed. Lightning suggests both power and the fearful nature of God's judgment. The back-and-forth motion pictures active service—not static existence, but dynami...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **A flash of lightning.**—Not only was the appearance of the cherubim thus glittering, but also their speed as they “ran and returned” was that of the lightning. The vision up to this point, so far as we may venture to interpret its object, seems designed to show forth the power and activity, the irresistible energy of the agencies employed for the fulfilment of the Divine purposes, and at th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. from afar--**Be not afraid as if the distance of the places whither ye are to be dispersed precludes the possibility of return. **seed--**Though through the many years of captivity intervening, you yourselves may not see the restoration, the promise shall be fulfilled to your seed, primarily at the return from Babylon, fully at the final restoration. **quiet ... none ... make ... afraid-...
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Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.

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KJV Study Commentary

The introduction of wheels 'upon the earth by the living creatures' adds new complexity to the vision—this is not a static throne but a mobile chariot. Wheels represent divine mobility and sovereign freedom. The throne can move anywhere God wills, demonstrating He is not confined to temple or territory (contra pagan territorial deities). Four wheels (one per creature) indicate stability and omnidi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures.**—The prophet sees this while still looking intently upon the cherubim—“ as I beheld the living creatures “—showing that it was still a part of one and the same vision. The wheel was *one *in the same sense in which the living creatures were one, yet actually four, as appears from the following verse and the whole subsequent descripti...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**11. though ... full end of all nations ... yet ... not ... of thee--**(Am 9:8). The punishment of reprobates is final and fatal; that of God's people temporary and corrective. Babylon was utterly destroyed: Israel after chastisement was delivered. **in measure--**literally, "with judgment," that is, moderation, not in the full rigor of justice (Jr 10:24; 46:28; Psa 6:1; Is 27:8). **not ... a...
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The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

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KJV Study Commentary

The wheels' appearance 'like unto the colour of a beryl' (likely chrysolite, a yellow-green precious stone) suggests value and beauty. Their being 'as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel' describes intersecting wheels enabling movement in any direction without turning. This mechanical impossibility emphasizes supernatural design—God's purposes advance through means transcending natural law. T...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Their work was like unto the colour of a beryl.**—“Work” is used in the sense of workmanship or construction; and “beryl” here, and in Ezekiel 10:9, is not the precious stone of a green colour which we know by that name, but the “chrysolite” of the ancients, the modern topaz, having the lustre of gold, and in harmony with the frequent mention throughout the vision of fire and brilliant ligh...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

12. The desperate circumstances of the Jews are here represented as an incurable wound. Their sin is so grievous that their hope of the punishment (their exile) soon coming to an end is vain (Jr 8:22; 15:18; 2Ch 36:16).

When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went.

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KJV Study Commentary

The wheels going 'upon their four sides' without turning emphasizes omnidirectional capability—God's purposes advance in all directions simultaneously without reorientation. This defies natural mechanics where vehicles must turn to change direction. The supernatural mobility pictures divine sovereignty's comprehensive reach—no direction is inaccessible to God's will. The absence of turning suggest...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Upon their four sides—***i.e.*, forwards or backwards upon the one wheel, and to the right or the left upon the other. *Four *directions are considered throughout the vision as representing all directions, just as elsewhere the four winds represent all winds, and the four corners of the earth the whole earth.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. none to plead--**a new image from a court of justice. **bound up--**namely, with the bandages applied to tie up a wound. **no healing medicines--**literally, "medicines of healing," or else applications, (literally, "ascensions") of medicaments.

As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. and their rings: or, and their strakes

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KJV Study Commentary

"As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four." The wheels full of eyes represent comprehensive divine knowledge—nothing escapes God's sight. The adjective "dreadful" (Hebrew yare, יָרֵא) means inspiring awe and fear. God's omniscience is terrifying to the guilty but comforting to the faithful. The eyes symbolize God's provi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **Their rings.**—The same word is used twice in this verse, and means what we call the *felloes. *“They were both high and terrible,” *i.e., *they had both these characteristics, but not, as seems to be implied in our translation, that one was the cause of the other. The height might be inferred from the fact that the wheel was “upon the earth,” and yet was “by the living creatures” (Ezekiel ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**14. lovers--**the peoples formerly allied to thee, Assyria and Egypt (compare La 1:2). **seek thee not--**have cast away all concern for thee in thy distress. **wound of an enemy--**a wound such as an enemy would inflict. God condescends to employ language adapted to human conceptions. He is incapable of "enmity" or "cruelty"; it was their grievous sin which righteously demanded a grievous p...
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And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.

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KJV Study Commentary

The synchronized movement—'when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them'—demonstrates perfect coordination between God's purposes and their execution. The creatures (representing divine will) and wheels (representing sovereign action) move in unified motion. This pictures the seamless integration of God's decrees and their fulfillment. No gap exists between divine intention and accompli...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. Why criest thou--**as if God's severity was excessive. Thou hast no reason to complain, for thine affliction is just. Thy cry is too late, for the time of repentance and mercy is past [Calvin].

Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. of: or, of life

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KJV Study Commentary

"Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels." The perfect coordination between cherubim and wheels demonstrates unified obedience to the Spirit. The phrase "the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels" indicates internal animation, not external compul...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20, 21) **The spirit of the living creature**—Not, as in the margin, “the spirit of life.” The object of Ezekiel 1:19-21 is by every repetition and variety of expression to represent “the living creatures” and “the wheels” as one, animated by one spirit, and moved by one impulse. The word is the same throughout, and there was no “spirit of life” in the wheels independent of that of the living cre...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16. Therefore--**connected with Jr 30:13, because "There is none to plead thy cause ... therefore" I will plead thy cause, and heal thy wound, by overwhelming thy foes. This fifteenth verse is inserted to amplify what was said at the close of Jr 30:14. When the false ways of peace, suggested by the so-called prophets, had only ended in the people's irremediable ruin, the true prophet comes forwa...
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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 over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. of: or, of life

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KJV Study Commentary

The repetition of synchronized movement ('when those went, these went') emphasizes the absolute reliability of divine purpose and execution. The creatures and wheels standing together shows that divine action ceases only at God's command, never from external constraint. The phrase 'the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels' reveals that the same divine energy animating the cherubim drive...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

17. (Jr 8:22; 33:6). **Outcast--**as a wife put away by her husband (Is 62:4, contrasted with Jr 30:12). **Zion--**alluding to its Hebrew meaning, "dryness"; "sought after" by none, as would be the case with an arid region (Is 62:12). The extremity of the people, so far from being an obstacle to, will be the chosen opportunity of, God's grace.

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

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KJV Study Commentary

The "firmament" (Hebrew raqia, רָקִיעַ) above the cherubim evokes Genesis 1:6-8, connecting creation with God's throne room. The "terrible crystal" conveys awesome, fearful beauty—transparent yet solid, revealing yet separating. This imagery teaches that creation itself reflects God's throne design; the visible cosmos mirrors invisible realities. The Reformed emphasis on God's covenant lordship ov...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **The likeness of the firmament.—**The word rendered “firmament” has undoubtedly originated, etymologically, from a verb originally signifying *to beat out, *as in the case of metals; but the derivative word, in its use in connection with the heavens, had wholly lost this reference, and had come to mean simply an *expanse. *The Hebrews do not appear to have ever entertained the classical idea...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18. bring again ... captivity--**(Jr 33:7, 11). **tents--**used to intimate that their present dwellings in Chaldea were but temporary as tents. **have mercy on dwelling-places--**(Psa 102:13). **own heap--**on the same hill, that is, site, a hill being the usual site chosen for a city (compare Jos 11:13, Margin). This better answers the parallel clause, "after the manner thereof" (that is...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

The wings 'stretched upward' and 'straight' demonstrate the perpetual readiness and perfect alignment of God's servants toward divine purposes. Two wings covering bodies (parallel to Isaiah 6:2) represents reverence and humility even among sinless beings. The covering suggests recognition of creature limitation before Creator glory. This models worship's proper posture: reaching toward God while a...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Two, which covered on this side.**—The excessive literalness of this translation obscures the sense, for it seems to imply that each cherub used four wings to cover his body; whereas the true meaning is that *“*each had two wings covering his body on either side.” The other two wings of each cherub were “straight,” extended when they were in motion, but let down when at rest (Ezekiel 1:25).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**19. thanksgiving--**The Hebrew word includes confession as well as praise; for, in the case of God, the highest praises we can bestow are only confessing what God really is [Bengel], (Jr 17:26; 31:12, 13; 33:11; Is 35:10; 51:11). **multiply them--**(Zec 10:8).

And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.

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KJV Study Commentary

Ezekiel describes the sound of the living creatures' wings: 'And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.' The comparison to 'great waters' recalls how God's voice is described elsewhere (Psalm 29:3, Revelation 1:15, 14:2). The phrase 'voi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **The noise of their wings.**—The same word translated “noise” three times in this verse is also translated “voice” twice here, and once in the next verse. It is better to keep *voice *throughout. “I heard the voice of their wings, like the voice of many waters.” The same comparison is used to describe the voice of God in Ezekiel 43:2; Revelation 1:15. Further attempts to convey an impression...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20. as aforetime--**as flourishing as in the time of David.

And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.

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KJV Study Commentary

"And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings." The voice from above the cherubim represents God's sovereign command. The creatures' standing and lowering wings indicates reverent attention before divine speech. This models proper posture before God: active obedience but also attentive listening. The Reformed emphasis on hearing ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **A voice from the firmament.—**Rather, *from above the firmament, *not as proceeding from the firmament itself. This is a new feature in the vision: the voice is quite different from the sounds mentioned before, and although not here expressly said to have been articulate, yet it is probably to be identified with the Divine voice spoken of in Ezekiel 1:28, Ezekiel 3:12, and elsewhere. The la...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. their nobles--**rather, "their Glorious One," or "Leader" (compare Ac 3:15; He 2:10), answering to "their Governor" in the parallel clause. **of themselves--**of their own nation, a Jew, not a foreigner; applicable to Zerubbabel, or J. Hyrcanus (hereditary high priest and governor), only as types of Christ (Ge 49:10; Mi 5:2; Ro 9:5), the antitypical "David" (Jr 30:9). **cause him to draw...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse reaches the vision's climax—the throne of God and the divine figure seated upon it. The progression through firmament, wheels, and living creatures culminates in 'the likeness of a throne' with 'the likeness as the appearance of a man' seated above. The triple hedging ('likeness,' 'appearance,' 'likeness') emphasizes transcendence—this is as close as human language can approach the inef...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **As the appearance of a sapphire stone.—**Comp. Exodus 24:10, where the same description is applied to “the pavement under His feet” as here and in Ezekiel 10:1 to his throne, in either case indicating the intense clearness of the heavenly blue. The constant repetition of the words “likeness” and “appearance” is very striking throughout this vision. They occur five times in this verse, and f...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. ye shall be my people, &c.--**The covenant shall be renewed between God and His people through Messiah's mediation (Jr 30:21; 31:1, 33; 32:38; Eze 11:20; 36:28).

And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.

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KJV Study Commentary

The 'colour of amber' (Hebrew: chashmal, possibly electrum—gold-silver alloy) and 'appearance of fire' surrounding the divine figure emphasizes glory and holiness. Fire throughout Scripture represents God's consuming holiness (Heb. 12:29), while amber/electrum suggests refined preciousness. The brightness 'round about' indicates God's glory radiating in all directions—nothing escapes His presence....
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **As the colour of amber.**—See on the same expression Ezekiel 1:4. Literally, *as an eye of bright metal. *The rest of the verse is simply an attempt, by various repetitions, to convey an idea of the exceeding brightness and glory of the vision, yet also with the notions of purity and holiness, of power and activity always associated with fire. (Comp. Exodus 24:17; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 1:1...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

23-24. (Jr 23:19). Vengeance upon God's foes always accompanies manifestations of His grace to His people. **continuing--**literally, "sojourning," abiding constantly; appropriately here in the case of Babylon, which was to be permanently destroyed, substituted for "whirling itself about" ("grievous" in English Version) (see on Jr 23:19,20), where the temporary downfall of Judea is spoken of.

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 the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

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KJV Study Commentary

The vision concludes with overwhelming glory that prostrates the prophet. The rainbow (qeshet) surrounding the throne evokes God's covenant faithfulness, recalling Noah's rainbow (Genesis 9:13-16) as a sign that God remembers His promises even in judgment. The 'brightness round about' (nogah saviv) depicts radiant glory emanating from God's presence, creating an atmosphere of unapproachable holine...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud.—**Comp. Revelation 4:3; Revelation 10:1. The addition, “in the day of rain,” is not merely a reference to the ordinary natural phenomenon, but distinctly connects this vision with the gracious promise in Genesis, and shows that God, who has in this vision presented His attributes of terrible majesty, will add to them also those of mercy and...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

23-24. (Jr 23:19). Vengeance upon God's foes always accompanies manifestations of His grace to His people. **continuing--**literally, "sojourning," abiding constantly; appropriately here in the case of Babylon, which was to be permanently destroyed, substituted for "whirling itself about" ("grievous" in English Version) (see on Jr 23:19,20), where the temporary downfall of Judea is spoken of.

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