Ezekiel: For His Gloryഉദാഹരണം

What a spectacular opening to the book of Ezekiel! Thunderbolts and lightning; very, very frightening creatures. By the Kebar Canal in Babylon Ezekiel finds himself swept up in a weirdly wonderful vision. What Ezekiel sees in the vision is God’s glory, with three main parts:   

1. A windstorm and four living creatures (vv. 1–14). The cloud, lightning, and fire in the windstorm are reminiscent of God’s presence. This windstorm comes from the north (v. 4), the traditional direction from which Israel’s enemies attacked. The creatures are almost grotesque. There are four creatures with four faces each (v. 10), probably representing the apex of each type of creature.   
2. Wheels beneath the creatures (vv. 15–21). The wheels are within wheels and are studded with eyes.   
3. An expanse and a throne above the creatures (vv. 22–28). On the far side of the expanse, Ezekiel sees a magnificently bright ‘figure like that of a man’ (v. 26) on the throne. 

What are we to make of this riot of images? Ezekiel tells us that this was ‘the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord’ (v. 28). The prophet’s description of the vision is cluttered and clumsy because he can’t put down in words what he saw. And his conclusion is vague because, as someone with a priestly background, he just can’t come out and say, ‘I saw God.’ He knows that he can’t see God and live (Exod. 33:20). Yet God does reveal something of Himself to Ezekiel by showing limited aspects of His glorious character:   

1. He is different. The things in the vision are way beyond anything Ezekiel or we have experienced.   
2. He is the King of the universe. He is seated on His mobile throne chariot, able to move anywhere, able to see everything.  
3. He will judge. God comes from the north to judge His people.

Reflection

Do you respond to Jesus, God’s ultimate revelation of His glory (e.g. John 1:14), with wholehearted worship, like Ezekiel (v. 28)?