Ezekiel’s first vision reveals the glory of Yahweh to the captives by the river Chebar. The prophet sees a storm from the north, living creatures and wheels moving together, a firmament above them, and a throne surrounded by fiery brightness and rainbow glory. The vision begins Ezekiel’s commission and shows that Yahweh’s presence is not confined to Jerusalem.
The prophet and the northern manifestation (Ezekiel 1:1–4)
Among the captives, Ezekiel sees “visions of God.” The word of Yahweh comes to him, and the hand of the LORD is upon him. Whirlwind, cloud, fire and brightness approach from the north, the direction from which judgment comes, while the vision places divine glory above the human messenger.
The living creatures and wheels (Ezekiel 1:5–21)
Four living creatures have the likeness of a man, with four faces and wings. Their faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle. They move together without turning, going wherever the spirit directs. Beside each creature is a wheel, “a wheel in the middle of a wheel,” and the rings are full of eyes. The creatures and wheels rise and move in unity because the spirit of the living creature is in the wheels.
The firmament and throne (Ezekiel 1:22–28)
Above the creatures is a firmament like crystal. Their wings sound like great waters and the voice of the Almighty. Above the firmament appears a sapphire throne, with the likeness of a man above it, surrounded by fiery brightness. The brightness is like a rainbow in a cloud. Ezekiel recognises this as “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD”; he falls on his face and hears the voice of the One speaking.
The vision’s message
The glory of Yahweh reaches the exiles in Babylon. The cherubic manifestation moves in complete obedience; the many eyes signify divine awareness; and above the movement and judgment stands Yahweh’s throne. The rainbow also keeps the covenant in view.