CHAP. I. V. 1-3. Some interpreters compute this "thirtieth year," from the reformation in the reign of Josiah; when a new Era commenced, and another trial was made of the kingdom of Judah.
Others compute it from the accession of Nabopolassar to the throne of Babylon, which formed a new Era to the Chaldeans, coincident with that of Josiah's reformation: but others think that the prophet only meant that he was thirty years of age, before he was called to his important office.This was in the fifth year of Jehoiachin's captivity, with whom Ezekiel seems to have been carried away; and consequently it was in the fifth year of Zedekiah's reign, about six years before the final desolations of Jerusalem. ( Marg .
Ref . f.- Notes , 2 Kings 24:8-20.) The captive Jews seem to have been left some time without prophets, or visions from God, who might supply the want of the more ordinary means of instruction; ( Note , Lam . 2:9.) but at length the Lord raised them up a prophet in their captivity.-Ezekiel was among the other captives by the river Chebar; where they might be stationed by the victors to cultivate waste lands, or to carry on some manufacture for their benefit. (Marg. Ref. c.) 'The king of 'Babylon planted his Jewish captives at Telabib, (3:15.) 'and other places on the river
'Chebar, which flows into the east side of the 'Euphrates, at Circesium, or Carchemish, near 'two hundred miles northward of Babylon. ... 'Ammiarus calls this river Aboras , and Ptole'my, Chaboras.' Bp. Newcombe. Michaclis. Here Ezekiel saw "the heavens opened;" and the extraordinary appearance of the firmament made way for the visions of the God of Israel. ( Marg . Ref . d, e.- Notes , Matt . 3:16,17. Acts 7: 54-60, vv . 55,56.
Rev. 4:1-3. 19:11-16, v . 11.) Thus "the word of the Lord came to him expressly," with clearness and conviction; so that he could neither doubt of its divine authority, mistake its import, or question his appointment to the prophetical office.
Some suppose, that the personal Word or Son of God, came and spake to him, in a distinct and audible voice, as doubtless he afterwards did. ( Notes , 26-28. 2:1,2.) -This revelation was accompanied with "the hand of the LORD upon him;" a divine power thus overcoming his reluctance to the arduous work, encouraging him to enter on it, and qualifying him for it. Or it may denote that he was so impressed by the power of God, as to have his senses closed to external objects, and his mind prepared to contemplate the heavenly visions. ( Marg . Ref . g, h.)
V. 4. The prophet, having fixed his attention on the objects presented to his view, first "saw a whirlwind come out of the north:" this
5 Also out of the midst thereof came || they four had the face of an ox on the left m the likeness of four living creatures. And side; they four also had the face of an this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
6 And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
7 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 color of burnished brass.
8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. 9 Their wings were $ joined one to another; t they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward.
10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and y the face of a lion, on the right side; and
might denote the impetuous destruction, which from Babylon was about to overwhelm Jerusaleın and Judah. ( Marg . Ref . i.-Notes, Jer. 1:13,14. 23:19,20.) This whirlwind brought with it "a great cloud;" an emblem of the darkness of the Lord's dispensations, and of the heavy judgments which impended ended over the Jewish nation. Along ong with this, was "a fire infolding itself," or k kindling itself, or burning incessantly: ( Marg , and Marg .
Ref . k:) this might represent the justice and holiness of God, and the awful vengeance which he was about to execute, for the glory of his perfections, and from motives taken from himself, and centring in himself. The whirlwind, the cloud, and the fire, were similar to the tremendous appearances from mount Sinai, at the giving of the law; and intimated that the same glorious God was about to come, and inflict condign punishment on the transgressors of it. (Notes, Ex . 19:16-20. 2 Sam . 22:7-16. 1 Kings 19:11-14. Hab . 3:9,10.
Heb . 12:18-21.) This fire diffused a brightness round about it; and from the midst of it was seen as "the color of amber," or, as some explain it, of a polished mixed metal; which might signify, that there is light enough afforded to discern something of the divine counsels and operations; and that, as far as we can understand them, they appear very splendid and glorious.--'Out of the midst 'of the fiery splendor, there was, as it were, a 'shining color of amber, to signify the presence 'of God's powerful grace and mercy, in the 'midst of the fiery trials of his church. Bp . Hall . (Marg.
Ref . 1.- Note , Rev. 1:12-20.)
V. 5-14. Out of the midst of the glorious vision, the prophet saw "the likeness of four living creatures." These seem to have been emblems, or a hieroglyphical representation, of the holy angels, the attendants on "the King of glory," and the ministers of his providence. They were "four;" probably to denote, that they were employed in all the four quarters of the world, or to the four winds of heaven. Their appearance, in "the likeness of a man," denoted that they were intelligent and rational creatures, of which that form is to us the token.
eagle.
11 Thus were their faces: band their wings were & stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another and two covered their bodies.
12 And d they went every one straight forward: e whither the Spirit was to go they went; and they turned not when they went.
13 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. 14 And the living creatures & ran, and returned, as the appearance of a flash of lightning.
[Practical Observations.]
But each of them had "four faces," which seem to be emblematic of their endowments and characters. The "face of a man" implied, that they possessed knowledge, foresight, prudence, compassion, and philanthropy; that of "alion," intimated their boldness and force, in executing the will of God; that of "an ox," denoted strength, unwearied diligence, and perseverance; and that of "an eagle," spiritual sagacity and heavenly affections, by which they soared aloft above all created objects, to the uncreated Source of holiness and felicity. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . m-a.- Notes , 10:9-12,14,20-22.) -'Compare Rev. 4:6. where our translation .. 'renders the word zwa , beasts , whereas it should 'be rendered living creatures ; the better to dis'tinguish them from the anti-christian beast, 'always expressed in that book by Θηριον. ...
In 'that text the four living creatures denote some 'part of the Christian church, as appears by 'comparing that place with Rev. 5:8,9.' Lowth . -Indeed it seems capable of full proof, that the ministers of the gospel are thus hieroglyphically described by the apostle; ( Notes , Rev. 4: 6-8.5:8-10.) and this being evident, some learned men have concluded, probably on insufficient grounds, that Ezekiel's vision had a similar meaning. ( Note , 10:1,2.) But the four faces, which each of these living creatures had, are divided, one to each, among the living creatures which the apostle saw: and this difference may imply, that the endowments, which are divided in various proportions among the wisest and holiest men on earth, are all conjoined in the holy angels.
These iving creatures were also represented with "four wings each;" being emblematical of the activity and celerity, with which they executed the divine mandates: as their "hands under their wings" were of their skilfulness or dexterity in all their services, of which at the same time they made no ostentation: 'The hand be. 'ing peculiar to mankind, among all living 'creatures, and the chief instrument of all arti'ficial operations.' Lowth . Their wings being joined together, might denote the perfect unanimity which prevails among them; and their
15 Now as I beheld the living crea-f| 21 When those went, these went; and tures, behold, h one wheel upon the earth when those stood, these stood; and when by the living creatures, with his four faces. those were lifted up from the earth, the
16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color 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.
wheels were lifted up over against them: for the Spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.
22 And the likeness of the firmament, upon the heads of the living creature, was as the color of the terrible crystal, stretch
17 When they went, they went upon their four sides; mand they turned noted forth over their heads above.
when they went.
were
18 As for their rings," they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings • full of eyes round about them four. 19 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.
20 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.
h19-21. 10:9,13-17. Dan. 7:97:2-5. 9.
i 6. Rev. 4:7.
k 10:9. Dan. 10:6.
Or, strakes.
o 10:12. Zech. 4:10. Rev. 4:6,8.
p 10:16,17. Ps. 103:20.
1 10:10. Job 9:10. Ps. 36:6. 40: q 12.
5. Rom. 11:33. Eph. 3:10.
m 9,12. 10:11. Is. 55:11.
n Job 37:22-24. Ps. 77:16-19.
r 10:17. Zech. 6:1-8.
† Or, of life.
"going straight forward without turning," their steadiness and constancy in obedience. They 'needed not to turn their bodies, that their 'faces might stand the way they were to go; for 'go which way they would, they they had a face that 'looked that way. This signifies that nothing 'ever diverted them from fulfilling God's com'mands.' Lowth. - Their proceeding directly 'on, in the same undeviating position, seems to 'shew their steadiness in performing the divine 'will, which advances to its destined goal 'right onward.' Bp. Newcombe. Their wings, "stretched upward," represented their promptitude to execute their Maker's orders; as those with which they "covered their bodies," did their conscious imperfection and meanness in his glorious presence. Their "straight feet"
23 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 cover ed on that side, their bodies.
24 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.
25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, a and had let down their wings.
in Isaiah, ( Note , Is . 6:1-4.) had six wings; and so had the living creatures, seen by the apostle: but those seen by Ezekiel had but four.-"The 'Seraphim in these texts, make use of two of 'their wings to cover their faces, out of rever'ence to the divine presence, before which 'they stand; whereas here the living creatures are supposed to stand under the throne, as 'supporting it. (10:19.)' Grotius in Lowth .
V. 15-25. As the living creatures were em blems of the hosts of angels, ministering to the God of Israel; so these wheels denote the mysterious dispensations of his providence. These are as the wheels of a chariot, in which JEHOVAH rides to execute the purposes of his own will; and by them his presence and power are manifested in every place. ( Marg . Ref . h.
might be emblematical of simplicity and up--Notes, Dan. 7:9-12, v. 9.) The shape of
rightness; as the sole of their feet, divided like that of the calf, (7) or other clean animals, might be of their perfect purity and holiness: and their "sparkling like the color of burnished brass" seems to represent their superior excellency and dignity. They were also represented as going "whither the Spirit was to go;" which might signify the subserviency of their ministrations in the providential government of the world, to the great concerns of religion, and the prosperity of the church.
Their appearance was "like burning coals of fire, and the appearance of lamps;" which might denote their ardent zeal and love, connected with equal knowledge and wisdom. The lamps, or light, "going up and down among the living creatures," might intimate, that the Fountain of Light communicated to them severally, as he pleased: and the bright fire issuing forth, as lightning, might be an emblem of the terrible effects of their ministry, on the objects of the divine vengeance; or it might signify the same, as their "running and returning as a flash of
wheels, and their aptitude for continual motion, represent the constant revolutions of human affairs, under the conduct of Providence.
Those persons or communities, which to-day are at the top of the wheel, may to-morrow be at the bottom, beyond all human expectation or prevention: yet in the midst of apparent confusion, and whilst every thing seems hurried on by blind chance, or fatal necessity; the most perfect regularity is observed, and the changes are directed by as fixed laws, as those which regulate the motion of wheels.--'The 'wheels are supposed to express the revolu'tions of God's providence; which are regular, 'though they appear intricate.' Bp . Newcombe . ( Marg .
Ref . i-m.)-Whilst the prophet was contemplating the living creatures, he saw, "upon the earth," (to denote that the vision related to the affairs of this lower world,) "one wheel," that is, by each of them, like the four wheels of a chariot. The appearance and work of the wheels was like unto the color of a beryl; the wisdom, justice, truth,
lightning," with inexpressible velocity. ( Marg . and goodness of God's providential governand Marg. Ref . b-g.)-Each of the seraphim || ment, might be denoted by the exquisite workVOL. IV. 1457
26 And babove the firmament, that was || even upward; and from the appearance of
over their heads, was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphirestone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27 And I saw as the color of amber, "the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins
manship and beautiful color of the wheels. The color here intended is supposed to have been the green of the sea-water; which some think an emblem of the perpetual vicissitudes of hunan affairs; as the ocean is sometimes agitated by furious storms, and then sinks into a calm. The four wheels were all formed alike; for there is a consistency, and even uniformity, in the dispensations of Providence.
But there was also, "as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel;" perhaps a smaller wheel connected with the larger, and put in motion by it; an emblem of the connexion of causes and effects, with great apparent intricacy and almost endless variety, which are governed by the sovereign will of God.
Or, by one wheel passing through another of the same size, at right angles, provision was made, that nothing could interrupt or retard their progress.So that when the wheels moved, they went on "their four sides;" or moved steadily in their proper places, without deviating or being diverted from their course by any impediments. "They never went backward, (10:11.) to signi'fy that Providence doeth nothing in vain, but 'always accomplishes its end. Is . 55:11. Lowth.
The rings ( marg .) of the wheels were so high, and their circumference was so immense, that they were dreadful to look upon: an emblem of the vast designs of Providence, full of incomprehensible mysteries to be humbly adored by us, and involving many terrible judgments on the workers of wickedness. (Marg. Ref . m, n.- Notes , Job 26:14. Ps . 97:2 -7, v. 3. Dan . 4:34-37.
Rom . 11:33–36.) But these rings were "full of eyes round about;" which signified, that infinite knowledge and wisdom ordered every dispensation, and that the purposes of God could not be disappointed by any unforeseen conjuncture.
As "the living creatures went whither the Spirit was to go," so the wheels followed the living creatures; for the same Spirit actuated both the living creatures and the wheels: and though the wheels were at first seen on the earth, they often were lifted up above it; all which might signify, that the dispensations of God on earth are connected with heavenly things, and are all appointed in subordination to the concerns of his church.
The firmament, over the heads of the living creatures, was as the color of the terrible crystal: (or, as some render the word, ice :) at once clear, splendid, and magnificent; and suited to impress the mind with solemn awe and terror. "By the "terrible crystal" is meant such as daz'zles the eyes with its lustre.' Lowth . This might also denote that the ministry of the angels was entirely subordinate, and infinitely inferior, to the majesty and power of God.
his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28 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.
i Gen. 9:13-16. Is. 54:8-10. | 13:23. Gen. 17:3. Lev. 9:24. Rev. 4:3. 10:1. Dan. 8:17. 10:7--9,16,17. Matt. 17:5,6. Acts 9:4. Rev. 1:17.
k 8:4. 10:19,20. 43:3. Ex. 33: 18-23. Num. 12:6-8. 1 Cor. 13:12.
Whilst under this firmament the living creatures executed their commissions, the noise of their motion resembled that of the rushing of mighty waters, or of tremendous thunders, (called here "the voice of the Almighty,") or of the shout of an army; which may give us an idea of the number and power of these ministering spirits. But when they had executed their commissions, and let down their wings, a voice was heard from the firmament; perhaps denoting the divine approbation of their services, or the communication of further orders. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . o-z.- Notes , 9:3,4. 10:1-7,9-13,18,19. 11:22--25. Gen. 24: 2-9, v. 9. Ps . 103:20-22.)
V.26-28. The emblems of the attendants and providential appointments of Israel's God having been shewn, some glimpses of his divine glory are here given; but they are even more abstruse, than what has been alreadyconsidered. Probably, the Lord intentionally left these emblematic or hieroglyphical discoveries of himself and of his works so obscure and intricate, in order that whilst they suggested the intended instruction, they might not be capable of being delineated by the painter, or induce the statuary to attempt a similitude of them; though some have absurdiy done so.
There appeared to the prophet, not a real throne, but "the likeness of a throne;" an emblem of the sovereign authority of JEHOVAH over all creatures, over the world and the church: and it was "as the appearance of a sapphire-stone;" that is, it was exquisite in beauty and splendor. Upon this "likeness of a throne, was the likeness as the appearance of a man," or Adam ; which evidently denoted the eternal Son, the second person in the sacred Trinity, who afterwards assumed human nature, "the second Adam, the Lord from heaven," ," who before, "in the form of God," was Israel's king. ( Marg .
Ref . b-h. -Notes , Ex . 24:9--11. Is . 6:1-4. 1 Cor . 15: 45-49.) The appearance "of amber and of fire" round "about the throne," and within it, and in every part of his manifested presence; being connected with the rainbow, a well known emblem of the covenant of grace; represented his mercy and covenanted love to his people, as harmonizing with his awful justice and holiness; and shewed that he adminis tered all the affairs of his kingdom with reference to his new covenant. ( Notes , Gen. 9:9-17. Is . 54:6-10.
Rev. 4:1-3. 10:1.)—‘We may cer'tainly conclude, that this was the appearance 'of the second person of the blessed Trinity; ... because he appears under the resemblance 'of a Man. The light reflected from this 'vision had the appearance of a rainbow, a 'token of God's covenant of mercy; ... to denote
'that God, in the midst of judgment, would re- || fill up our stations with intelligence and skill;
'member mercy, and not utterly destroy his 'people. ( Rev. 4:3.)--Especially this vision, be- 'ing an evident representation of the "Word 'that was" to be "made flesh," whose incarna- 'tion is the foundation of God's covenant of 'mercy with mankind; a rainbow, the symbol 'and token of mercy, was a very fit attendant. 'Rev. 10:1. Lowth. When the prophet saw this likeness of the glory of the Lord, he fell prostrate before it in adoration, and humble consciousness of his unworthiness. ( Marg . Ref . i-l.-Notes, 8:2--4, v. 2. Job 42:1-6. Is . 6:5. Dan . 8.15-19. 10:15-19. Rev. 1:12- 20, v. 17.)-The whole of this introductory vision, when reported to the people, was suit- ed to impress their minds also with solemn awe and fear of the divine displeasure; and yet to raise their expectations of blessings from their glorious Lord and King.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-14.
we may go about our work with boldness, and not fear the frown or wrath of man; we may "set our affections on heavenly things," and cultivate harmony and love with our brethren and fellow servants; we may go straight forward, undiverted from our path by the smiles or frowns of the world; we may be "clothed with humility," and "serve the LORD with gladness;" we may "exercise ourselves to have a conscience void of offence towards God and man;" and simply give up ourselves to be disposed of, employed, and guided by his Spirit, according to his revealed will, without preferring our own inclinations, secular interests, or honor, to his glory.
These things, by the grace of God, may be attained in some good measure here on earth: and then a blessed change may be expected; when sin shall be done away for ever, when our bodies will be made spiritual, and we may emulate with success the worship and services of these blessed spirits before the throne, "who run and return like a flash of lightning." At present, we should consider them as the ministers of Providence, both in justice and mercy; especially as "sent forth to minister unto the heirs of salvation," who owe numberless deliverances to their condescending and watchful care. ( Note , Heb . 1:13,14.) While this should instruct us to imitate their conduct, in our attention to our poor and afflicted brethren; it should endear them to us, though unseen, and make us long for that time when we shall join their blissful society.
When the ministers and ordinances of God have been despised and abused, he will sometimes render them precious by scarcity: but he will never leave his people entirely destitute of instruction or encouragement. They are as dear to him in captivity, in poverty, and under severe oppression, as when more prosperous.
Outward circumstances cannot preclude them from his gracious manifestations: and his providence and grace will concur in qualifying them for the services for which they are intended, and in calling them forth to them.-We are reminded of the incomprehensible majesty of JEHOVAH, and of his infinite perfections, in all the discoveries which he has made of himself.
The humble and attentive believer may understand enough to impress his mind with solemn awe, and to inspire filial confidence: but he must perceive such depths in every subject relative to the infinite and eternal God, and his perfections, purpos-vicissitudes, the whole is directed with an un
es, and dispensations, as serve to teach him humility and adoration. Thus we may learn profitable lessons even from those representations, of which we can understand but little: for we may be reminded, that "clouds and darkness are round about" our God, while "judgment and justice are the basis of his throne." "A consuming fire goeth before him, and it is very tempestuous round about him;" not only when he speaks from mount Sinai, but even when he shews his glory from mount Zion, as the God and Father of his people.
Light enough is afforded us to discover, that he does all in wisdom, truth, justice, and goodness: but who can declare the depths of his counsels and operations?
Let us then attend to those things, which relate to our peace and duty; and leave secret things to the Lord, to whom alone they belong. ( Note , Deut . 29:29.) By faith we may behold him surrounded with "an innumerable company of angels," who excel in wisdom and strength, and in all created and communicable perfections: and whilst we contemplate the discoveries of their character and services; we should pray to be made like them here, as we hope hereafter to be equal to them.
We should study and copy the wisdom, zeal, alacrity, and diligence, by which they are constantly actuated and directed: and though we cannot reach the exalted strains of their worship, or the perfection of their servi
clogged by these "vile bodies," and unable to thangwe have their wings, but are mount with their rapid flight, or obey with their celerity: ( Note , Phil . 3:20,21.) yet we may labor with patience and constancy; we may
V. 15-28.
While we aim to know and fill up our prop er place, in the church and in the community, and to serve our generation with cheerful diligence; let us be satisfied with being informed in general, that the Lord guides the wheels of providence, as well as those of nature: amidst all the apparent intricacies and unnumbered
erring hand: and, whether at the top or at the bottom of the wheel, our place is assigned by him, and for our good, if we be indeed his people. Nor need we despond in the lowest scenes of adversity; for the wheels keep turning round, and will raise us again in due time from our depression: whilst they, who presume upon prosperity, know not how soon they may be cast down. The dispensations of Providence are ordered under the influence of that Spirit, who sanctifies the church, and dwells in the heart of every believer.
If then the immense and complicated designs of omnipotent wisdom dismay and perplex us; if the view of the Lord's awful power and justice alarm us; let us look to him, who filts the mediatorial throne, and rules over all worlds, and who shall soon appear on the judgment-seat.
And considering that he dwells in our nature, and is our Brother and our Friend; and that he administers all things in subserviency to that everlasting covenant, the blessings of which he purchased with his blood; we may resume our purchased confidence, and possess a cheerful hope tempering our "reverence and godly fear." "covenant is ordered in all things and sure," and like its great Surety, is "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever:" ( Notes , 2 Sam . 23: 5. Is . 55:1-3.
Heb . 13:7,8,20,21.) and though the voice of the Almighty is in itself terrible to us sinful creatures; yet it is most encouraging gracious lips of his "well-beloved Son." "The ligh from the out of the glory of our Godd here more distinctly viewed, as it appears in softened lustre: here we see "a just God and a Savior;" "a consuming Fire" to obstinate