Understanding the "Wheels " ( an introduction )

Greetings,

I'd like to present some parts from a larger writing in a systematic way , get input ( lest I'm missing something ) , then build to a final conclusion. Its my conviction we need to understand the passages of the wheels individually and then collectively to succeed at seeing the big picture. A true interpretation it would be shown by various independent evidences that would fit into a large pattern .

Part One- Initial Observations

What is happening in Ez 1 ? Let us proceed with some primary observations. Imagine assembling many pieces of a puzzle. Like a detective searching out the truth of a mystery, often it is helpful to first look at passages inductively, gathering the known facts, before trying to interpret its meaning or application .

The vision is brought forth out of the midst of a distant storm cloud, a whirlwind. This has relevance for often the Lord would appear and manifest himself in a cloud and the storm , "the Shekina"glory .

Ezekiel was a priest and thus was allowed to behold the manifestation of God's presence (like those who saw it at the Tent of Meeting. ) This whole vision precedes Ezekiel being given a message . In a time of exile and unfaithfulness, God is sending warnings through the prophet. This cloud is described in increasing detail as the vision progresses. It is as if the lens is zooming in and showing more and more of the detail. It is unfolded before the eyes of the prophet. Initially, out of the fiery storm cloud the prophet sees four strange creatures with different faces and multiple wings.
They are identified as the cherubim (Ez-10) with wheels linked to them and we further read the glory of the Lord (in human form ) is enthroned upon them . It is helpful to try to get a mental picture of what is occurring in these passages. Images convey meanings . Upon this throne is the Glory of God on a moving platform. The word throne in the Hebrew is the word " merkabah " (chariot-throne) in the literal meaning . In the Greek Septuagint Ez.43:3: reads “…and the vision of the chariot that I saw."
An ancient Jewish understanding was that Ezekiel beheld the Merkabah, the Lords chariot-throne. as was talked about in earlier posts
and other scriptures support that . This form upon the throne is the personification of the Lord's Glory, none other than the Lord Jesus Christ

It should be said as this point that all the descriptions of the throne and cherubim wheels etc , are only representations. Describing the indescribable. Sometimes they are 3 steps removed from the true heavenly realities. Such was the "appearance" of the " likeness" of the " glory "of the Lord. He doesn't materially ride a throne with wheels, however the cherubim are real and he is enthroned upon them. God's glory is so incredible that even a distant approximation of Him is awesome. It is a metaphor .


Concerning the meaning of the wheels we see in chapter 10 our first significant clue in what the wheels are called themselves. 13As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling wheels. (WEB) Ezekiel heard them being called the "whirling "wheels " . The two Hebrew words for wheels are as follows: 1-Owphan (Str 212), 2-GALGAL (STR-1534.) The latter also means " whirlwind "or swirling chaff " and in this passage both words are used . Here the Scripture itself is telling us what they are like. The adjective is very helpful (as we shall later see. ) We also note the meaning of the words "spirit and wheels" being a common association with the the wind . The "spirit" of the living creatures was in the wheels. " (Hebrew word -" Ruach " can mean wind or spirit.) The words for wheel can mean the whirlwind and the living creatures came out of the whirlwind .

I think another description shows the fundamental nature of the wheels ; something that is often overlooked and is critical . The throne and the glory of the Lord where awe inspiring , The cherubim instilled fear on fallen Adam in Genesis 3 with their sword. The wheels of the cherubim were said to be awesome, high and dreadful (v-18 ) I believe this a second significant clue. The Hebrew word is yir'ah ( meaning reverence -- dreadful, exceedingly fearful ).
There is something about them that brings fear and the cherubim from the wheels brought forth the judgment (fire ) upon God's fallen people in Jerusalem . (Ez 10) . It should also be noted that in the Book of Revelation the cherubim call forth the viles of final judgment . Rev15.7)
This is in stark contrast to the modern worldly idea of cute little "cherubs"

So whatever the meaning of the wheels are, this background should help shed light on that . Also we have to start with an approach of soberness of mind . "Ezekiel's wheels " ( as they are commonly called today ), aren't simply a fun subject of speculation or bible trivia.
For , our God is an awesome God .

For the kingdom ,
Tom


( All notes ©2007 G. Thomas Windsor )