Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
Ezekiel 1:28 (ESV)
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
The first chapter of Ezekiel might seem like a wild dream and is described as a vision (Ezek. 1:1). It starts with four creatures. Each had four faces: a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. They each also had four wings, one pair covering their bodies and the other pair outstretched and touching the creatures near them. They were able to travel in any direction without turning, and they looked like burning coals of fire. Ezekiel 10 calls these creatures cherubim.
They were riding on large wheels within wheels. And the wheels were full of eyes. The wheels were somehow connected to the cherubim and went wherever they did.
Above the cherubim was a platform. On the platform was what appeared to be a throne. And on the throne sat a figure with a human form, but glowing like fire. And the brightness of the whole scene in some way resembled a rainbow on a rainy day.
God Is Enthroned on High
Who was this one on the throne, riding on the cherubim? Ezekiel tells us that it was the appearance of the likeness of the Lord’s glory. Ezekiel was seeing a vision of God. This closely aligns with the image of God being enthroned above the cherubim that overshadowed the mercy seat (Ex. 25:22; 2 Sam. 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15; Ps. 99:1).
There may be any number of reasons why the cherubim and God on His throne are pictured the way they are. However, this vision to Ezekiel accomplished at least two purposes. It served as Ezekiel’s commissioning. He was to deliver a hard message to a rebellious people (Ez. 2:1-7)—not an easy task. And God’s revelation of His glory to Ezekiel would enable him to endure the abuse the people would heap on him.
Sovereign over All Creation
This vision also told Ezekiel that God was not a regional god limited to their homeland. God was with them even while they were exiled in Babylon. God had not abandoned Ezekiel. Nor had He abandoned His people. They were being punished for their rebellion, but it was not the end. God, who had brought them out of Egypt, would also bring them out of Babylon.
We serve that same God. A God enthroned above the cherubim and sovereign over all His creation. And we can trust that He is always with us, wherever we might be.
