Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel

( excerpts from - The Book of the Prophet Ezekiel - Andrew Bruce Davidson (1893 )


The wheels, called whirl or whirling thing (ch. x. 13), may have been
suggested by the sweeping whirlwind and tempest in which Jehovah
moves. The conception of velocity which they express does not differ
greatly from that of ubiquity expressed by their number. The eyes of
which they and the living creature were full are symbols of life and
intelligence. That the faces of each creature are four is but part of the
larger general conception that the creatures are four in number. The
four faces, that of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle or vulture are the
highest types of animal life. It is possible that to the prophet's mind
these types represented four different attributes. Probably the cherubim
in the temple had the human face, though this is not expressly stated.
The prophet represents those carved on the walls of the new temple as
having two faces, those of a man and a young lion (ch. xli. 18). Jehovah
is frequently compared to a lion. He is also called by a name which
may be an epithet of the ox. The symbol of the ox was a familiar one,
I Kings vii; 25, 29, 36, x. 19. Ezekiel may have been familiar with the
mixed animal forms seen in the Assyrian temples, though it is scarcely
necessary to suppose him influenced by these. The multiplication of
details in his symbols is so characteristic of him that he may be credited
with the creation of the four faces himself, just as of the four hands and
four wings of the cherub. Cf. Is. vi. 2. The derivation and meaning
of the word cherub is uncertain. It has been supposed that the word
has been found in Assyrian, but this also is not quite certain. See
Schrader KA T on Gen. iii. 24. Cf. the art. in Encyc. Brit. (Cheyne) ;
Riehm in his Bible Dictionary, and Stud. u. Krit., 1871, also his paper, "
De Natura &c. Cheruborum," 1864. And, Die Lehre des A. Test.
iiber die Cherubim, von J. Nikel, Bres. 1890.

Towards a Scriptural Interpretation of the Wheels of God’s Throne

(Introduction )

For ages, the wheels surrounding God’s throne in Ezekiel 1+10, have been a riddle . What do they truly mean ?

A lesser know passage containing the “wheels ” is in the apocalyptic chapter 7 of Daniel . He wrote “.., I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was Ancient of Days sat: …; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire…” .( v-9)

The ancient Hebrews prohibited discussion of the wheels in public. The medieval church and up to our day went in the other direction and have produced lots of embellishments on the subject.

There has been much curiosity and often repeated interpretations concerning them , I.E. they stand for the 4 gospels, UFO’s / planets , God’s sovereignty , etc. However, like many other interpretations of symbolic /allegoric language in the Bible , it seems rarely is solid evidence from the Scripture given as proof . Nor is the method shown as to how the conclusions were formed .

I don’t believe that we should spend our time in idle speculations for this only serves to muddy the water of what the truth ultimately is. To be fair , right interpretation at times can be a difficult task. Also in Ezekiel and Daniel the descriptions sometimes go to the limit of what we can comprehend in our natural mind .

Yet I believe the meaning of the “wheels ” are significant because A it is in scripture and B because it has to do with the throne of God. Ultimately , it also has to do with the Lords return .

I would like to present what I believe is a beginning to a scripturally obtained interpretation of the “wheels ” rather than speculations .

For the kingdom ,
Tom Windsor

( All notes ©2007 G. Thomas Windsor )

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 )

The Cherubim at the Throne (study notes)

Since the cherubim surround God's throne , it is important to first understand the nature and purpose of the cherubim .

There is some debate over whether cherubim (plural form of the Hebrew. “cherub”) are actually angels or another class of heavenly beings. However, they are like angels ( angelic.) Yet, the word angel (in the Hebrew or Greek ) never appears in direct connection with them. The strict definition of angels is "heavenly messengers of God and ministers to man" (HEB.1.14.) Historically they have also been viewed as a class of angels.
The word cherub can bring to mind art works with cute babies flying around in the clouds and so forth. But scripture portrays a different picture. These creations are guardian beings whose purpose is to threaten those who would violate Gods prohibitions (Gen. 3.) They were historically thought of as the bearers and guards of God's throne as well as his personal attendants. The first writer to speak of them was Moses (Gen.) Moses is said to have seen such beings near the throne of God ( Josephus 3.6.5.)

At the Fall of man
The first time we see cherubim in the bible is after the fall of man ( GEN. 3. ) With a flaming * whirling sword turning every way or round and round (not coincidentally like a wheel), guarding the entrance to the tree of life, man is banished from God's presence. (expand ) Here we notice the word or description of " whirling, " and the sword, mentioned together again like in Ezekiel. Though the sword is mentioned, God in his grace didn't give them over to it .
Here the cherubim are assisting in God's judgments . They stand as guardians of God's decree and reminders that man is excluded from receiving eternal life. Instead of living in a fruitful garden, Adam, fallen man, is destined to work in the ground that brings forth thorns and thistles . Again like in Ezekiel we see thorns. Also note earlier the Israelite's rebellion is compared to "briers and thorns" (Ez.2.6 .) In Chap 5 we shall see this has added significance .

At the ARK and TEMPLE

Originally at the Tent of Meeting and then also at the Temple, with the Ark of the Covenant at the center, the Glory of the Lord came and there was continuous singing with musical instruments and worship. There was a celebration at the dedications of these dwellings of God's presence. The glory cloud was at the Ark between the cherubim. This is similar to the vision in Ezekiel 1. These places served as models of what is going on in the heavenly realm and the vision shows the reality. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." Hebrews 8:5 NIV The Ark was a model relating to God's throne. He is Lord over all the host of heaven. In heaven He sits enthroned upon the cherubim.
2Sam .62 David arose, and went with all the people who were with him, from Baale Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies (LORD of hosts) who sits above the cherubim.

A SEPARATION from the Holy
Though Adam was banished from the garden and the intimate presence of God, later God still provided a means by which man could access His presence, although in a limited way. God again by His grace brings His presence to dwell amongst men in the Ark of the Covenant at the Tent and the Temple. Yet, the Ark was covered and protected by the Cherubim ! They spanned from one end of the holiest place to the other. He placed curtains of separation between himself and man. They were on the barriers of separation (curtains and doors.) Images of these creatures where sewn on the veils and curtains of the tabernacle and Solomon's temple. He had a communication with his people with conditions placed upon them. The cherubim are at the place of the shed blood sacrifice once a year.
Sinful man could not approach God's holy presence. The Lord said "There I will meet with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you ..." (Ex-25-22.) The Lord chose the place to speak with them- between the cherubim. In ancient Israel the representations of cherubim were only seen once a year as the high priest went into the most holy place. In Ezekiel's vision, he beheld living cherubim underneath the throne of glory. God designates a place of meeting (at the tent ) and none other that would be defined between the two cherubim. Here is another clue in the mystery. God himself defines the importance of the cherubim by designating them to surround this most holy place.


Cherubim of Glory (BOOK OF HEBREWS )
In the book of Hebrews we read of the "cherubim of Glory " at the tabernacle. They proclaim the glory of God and display it. They were part of the "copy of the heavenly things" (Heb.9.23.) They not only carry the Glory of God, but reflect it . " 9:3 And after the second curtain there was a tent called the holy of holies. 9:4 It contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered entirely with gold. In this ark5 were the golden urn containing the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 9:5 And above the ark6 were the cherubim7 of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Now is not the time to speak of these things in detail. "(NET)

Again we read of the cherubim. Their wings over the Ark touched one another and overshadowed or guarded over the sacred (Heb. 9.3.) We also read that they mirror the heavenly worship and sanctuary (9.1.)

A question that might come to mind is this. Why did God reveal Himself between the cherubim at the the mercy seat where God's people had their sins covered? Just as they continually gazed at the blood in the earthly model , so they continually gaze upon the true reality, even the Lamb. Again (like in Ez.1) we see a foreshadowing of Christ. He accomplished the work as the High Priest in the true sanctuary, to enter the Most holy place with blood that was offered on our behalf to do away with sin (v-26.) The way back to God's presence was opened up and the veil of separation taken away. Later we shall examine this in greater detail.

Chariot of the cherubim - the model
As noted earlier, the ancient Hebrews thought of the cherubim as forming a "chariot throne." They were viewed as forming the "vehicle "on which God rode in the heavens (Psm 18.10. ) The two huge models of the cherubim in the temple were called "the chariot of the cherubim" and thought by some to have had wheels.
And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot [Hebrew, merkabah] of the cherubim, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD. KJV All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. KJV 1 Chron. 28: 18
The Ark of the covenant (also a symbol for God's throne) was to be carried by men. God's people (the priests ) were to be "bearers of the place" or the ark . The cherubim (in Ezekiel's vision) carried the true throne that came down from heaven .

"WINGS of the wind "
God metaphorically was portrayed as "riding " on the cherubim (like a chariot .) Also again like in Ez. we have another connection with the wind. In the Psalms it states, "He [Yahweh] rode upon a cherub and flew upon the wings of the wind" (Psalm 18:10.) Here they are described also as a personification of the wind itself.

In Zech. 4 we read of heavenly chariots and they are called "the 4 winds of heaven" and they conveyed God's Spirit. Here we have the Spirit/wind connection again.) It should also be noted that the word cherubim is derived from a root word meaning cart or chariot. These chariots sometimes are called "the four spirits" in other translations .(ref)
In Psalm 104 it states " he makes his angels (messengers ) winds, his servants a fire of flame."

Regarding these "chariots of God," it should also be noted that Elijah was taken up in a chariot of fire, taken up in a whirlwind "( 2 Ki-2;11) 22.  The one is equated with the other. In Isaiah 66 we read of God's chariots described " as like a whirlwind. " This whole concept shall be examined in much more detail in chapters 4 and 5.

" ENTHRONED UPON the Cherubim"

We will now look at some passages also reflecting the concept of God enthroned upon the cherubim. In a similar way we see the concept in Psalm 80 appealing to Gods power and might to save them. Psalm 80 " 1Hear us, Shepherd of Israel , you who lead Joseph like a flock , you who sit above the cherubim, shine forth. 2Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might! Come to save us! (WEB)
In Isaiah 37 we read 15Hezekiah prayed to Yahweh, saying, 16“Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, who is enthroned among the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. " (WEB)
Isaiah recounts God's strength to deliver, "He alone is God " to save them from their enemies (king of Assyria) that defied God on this earth.

Worship at the Throne

Another pattern we see is that passages speaking of the cherubim are in conjunction with passages of worship and adoration.
1Yahweh reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved.
2Yahweh is great in Zion. He is high above all the peoples. 3Let them praise your great and awesome name. He is Holy!
4The King’s strength also loves justice. You do establish equity. You execute justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5Exalt Yahweh our God. Worship at his footstool. He is Holy!
6Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel among those who call on his name; they called on Yahweh, and he answered them.
7He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud. They kept his testimonies, the statute that he gave them.
8You answered them, Yahweh our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings.
9Exalt Yahweh, our God. Worship at his holy hill, for Yahweh, our God, is holy! (Psalm 99 WEB)
We also see the "pillar of cloud mentioned (speaking to them out of something like a tornadic whirlwind.) Inspired by the Spirit of God they lead the reader in attitude of glorifying the Lord . Also we see a recounting of God's strength and deliverance. He is a God of might. We also see it repeats 3 times he is holy.

HOLINESS
This is similar to the chant of the living creatures in the book of the Revelation ," Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty ..." (Rev 4). We shall examine these in a future chapter. Here again we see the connection with the cherubim and holiness. The passage reminds us of the fear of God and his grace, but also vengeance (v-8.)
At this point it would be good to define and understand the word holiness. Holiness essentially means “set apart from that which is commonplace, special, unique.” (NET notes) Separated from the profane. It means purity. It also means He is unlike us in His divine nature (NBD.) "There is none holy like the lord "(1sam2.2) , nothing can compare with him. The reality of who He is, is beyond our words and descriptions of Him.
The chant of the cherubim beneath the throne is similar to that of the seraphim above the throne as described in in Isaiah 6

The Ox, Lion, Eagle, Man
In Ezekiel and the Revelation it states the cherubim have the characteristic of (eyes) and have 4 faces.
It has been said that the 4 faces and characteristics of these living creatures are a combination of heavenly and earthly things as well. Therefore, the prohibition about making a graven image of something in heaven doesn't apply. God instructed Moses and David to engrave and make the cherubim.
If we go to the descriptions in the rest of the Bible concerning these 4 earthly creatures, their attributes very well may display God's attributes, and or God ruling over all creation . For instance ; the ox- strength, the eagle- swiftness, lion- rulership, and man dominion over the rest of them (references.) Throughout history various commentators have thought they symbolize The Lord's ruling over The Creation ( Psm 149.) Those 4 are over all the animals in the respective kingdoms (birds, wild animals, domesticated animals, man over all of them.) Also this could apply to God's plan to "unite things in heaven with those on earth after all things are brought in subjection ."

Summary .....
As we have seen, these strange angelic creatures surround the throne. They are both modeled at the tent and in the temple, and also are literally seen by Ezekiel. The representations or models of them helps us to understand their appearance.
Also, we start to see their spiritual meaning as they relate symbolically to the winds and ultimately to God's Spirit.
They constantly declare his transcendency, his holiness, and glory. They guard his holiness and act as a moving chariot and an entourage.
God uses the imagery of the cherubim to convey the heavenly realities in ways we can begin to understand . We are by nature blind to the things of the spirit . They convey truths that are more subtle . At this point hopefully the reader can start to see patterns emerging from which we will build our understanding. As was stated earlier, the purpose of all these details related to what is going on in that heavenly realm ( living creatures, seraphim, angels, etc. ) is to understand God in deeper way. For those who seek to understand these clues and take the time to search them out, it can lead to a " harvest" of far greater worship and thanksgiving.

The cherubim are at the point of separation of a holy God upon his throne in heaven and man in his sins on earth. God brought his "throne " down to this earth in a "limited " way as a foreshadowing of what was and is to come . He showed himself and this mysterious place where he dwells to the children of Israel .

The cherubim symbolically gazed continually at the manifestation of God's presence (at the Ark.) His judgments of those who violated or trespassed God's boundary of separation was punishable by death ( Uzzah , Nadab etc, (ref ) . ) Almost all were excluded from what must have been this wonderful and awesome sight . But even the allowance of God that his people could have some "access" (via the high priest ) was benevolent and gracious on His part considering the sin and banishment of Adam and all the sin of subsequent generations .) God was under no obligation to manifest Himself in a fuller way after the fall. It was the Lord who gave instructions to build a place that He might dwell among them . Yet He manifested himself (at Sinai and afterwards) as the awesome Lord upon the throne , as one to be feared, but also loved. God was severe, but His judgement was wholly righteous ,

In our time, we who are accustomed to grace can sometimes lose site of its context and fullness . It's very helpful when we learn of the detailed background and see an overview of the plan of God unfolding. Now we are welcome into the inner sanctuary- to God's presence without fear of condemnation because of Jesus.
When we see God's great acts of judgment and severity in the past it makes us all the more appreciative and makes the reality of "a mercy seat" and the Lamb ever more precious. Then one's view of the present 'grace' becomes not simply grace, but "amazing grace upon grace." Oh the depth and the riches of God's mercy ! To him be the Glory.

Tom Windsor

Coming on a chariot-throne ?

Coming on the clouds ; in the chariot-throne ?

When the Lord shall come he shall come seated upon his Throne .
When Christ stood before the Sanhedran and was asked if he was the Messiah , he referenced a passage in Daniel 7. Christ quoted ; "They shall see "the son of man seated at the right hand of God and coming with glory " (Mk13) He is seated and advancing at the same time (similar to the white horse of Rev.19.) . He spoke of being " seated at the right hand of power and coming in a cloud . The throne Christ referenced was one that had the wheels of fire , (Dan 7 )
In light of all the other passages, there is evidence supporting that his second coming describes his returning to the earth on a heavenly chariot of fire , with the cherubim , with the clouds !
This view doesn't change the essential nature of The Lords return , but does I think add some further detail that relates to Old Testament imagery .
What do you think ?
Tom

Ezekiel--a Throne with Wheels (study notes)

Imagine someone being born blind, never having seen the multitude of people, forms, and colors we look upon in everyday life. How could we describe to them this visual world we experience? In a similar way, none of us have ever seen God and none of us have ascended into heaven (Jn.2.) Yet, there are descriptions of visions written down by the prophets; these are rare glimpses into heaven itself. Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, and others were given these special views into heaven. It often came in the form of prophetic visions, dreams, and spiritual revelations. These occasions give us a lens to look into the celestial unknown to what is normally unseen and it is made visible to us. This realm is vastly different from what we are familiar with. It is a place of radiant glory and splendor.


Consider these questions concerning the visions we will be looking at: Why were there cherubim and wheels under the throne in Ezekiel's vision or on the throne that Daniel saw? What is the meaning of the cherubim surrounding the throne that the apostle John beheld ? There is something about this that perplexes the imagination. For one, it may be that it is unusual for a wheel to be associated with our modern view of a throne .

These wheels were first revealed to Ezekiel. At the beginning of the book, Ezekiel the prophet states he had visions of God . He wrote as he looked " a whirlwind came out of the north" (v-4.) In the distance he saw an immense storm cloud flashing like fire. In the center of this he saw what looked like four living creatures. Their appearance was the form of men , but each had four faces and wings . Each had the face of a man ,an eagle, a lion ,and an ox. These creatures moved about and had wheels beside each of them . These glowed of burning fire and were full of eyes and awesome in appearance. " (Ez. chp.1)

He described over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of a firmament or dome shining like crystal. The thunderous sound he heard was like the voice of the Almighty. He wrote, " Then I looked ,and behold ,on the firmament that was covering the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in form resembling a throne; and seated above this was a likeness as it were of a human form . And upward from what had the appearance of his loins I saw as it were gleaming bronze, like the appearance of fire enclosed round about ......Like the appearance of a bow that is in a cloud ... such 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 the voice of one speaking ." (v-26-28)
And he said to me " Son of man , Stand upon your feet and I will speak to you ....I send you to the people of Israel, to a rebellious house... And you shall speak my words to them whether they hear or refuse to hear ." ( ch.2) In this is a message from the throne.

Ezekiel starts relating what he saw with the phrase " the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God " ( v-2. ) It is the Lord who opened a window in order for the prophet to see. Obviously, this imagery of the heavenly realities describes something very different from what is normally seen in the natural world. Ezekiel used the closest words he knew of to describe these things. God himself is allowing the prophet to peer into the very deepest chamber of his dwelling . We have doors and partitions to separate what is public from private. The heavenly realm is normally invisible, but visible to those whom God allowed this spiritual insight.

To get to the answers mentioned above involves a step on the part of the reader to think beyond the natural world. It also requires us leaving stereotyped popular views of the heavenly realm and looking at it afresh , objectively from a prophetic Biblical view; from the descriptions inspired by the Holy Spirit.

The prophet related what he was given to see in the form of similes. His words can only go so far, and beyond that it is truly indescribable. His vision takes us to the edge of the circle . Although all these things were literally seen and these were real living creatures , could it be that much of this passage was meant to be understood in a figurative sense? This fuller meaning can only be brought to light by carefully applying other relevant scriptures.

" Likeness " of a throne
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. Thus how awesome the real manifestation must be. The Apostle Paul said he was caught up in the third heaven and saw things that ought not to be described. God doesn't inhabit a physical location or seat in some earthly way, but these are simply distant approximations of heavenly realities. 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 helpful to try to get a mental picture of what is occurring in these passages. Images convey meanings . When the words of Scripture where penned, it had a purpose for all time (both for then and now.) The Lord could have had Ezekiel simply see some ornate chair throne and went on with the narrative, but there is much detail. Perhaps we have an advantage due to our modern technology with its movies and special effects and science fiction. Yet other things are lost; the cultural significance and the language issues and meanings of words .

God is a God of self- revelation and He reveals himself to his servants . The Lord manifested himself to Ezekial in an awesome way and gave him a message. It is also interesting to note that Ezekiel had this vision just prior to a very significant event, the destruction of the first temple and the total exile of God's people to Babylon. Another question to add is why were the cheribum and the wheels shown at all? What's the point ?

What is happening ? 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 Cloud
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. This was sometimes referred to as a glory cloud "the Shekina" (refs. ) Also, in a related way throughout the Old Testament the Lord's presence would visibly manifest in a " storm theophany ." The cloud would represent his glory when seen .
The closest comparable O.T. account of God being "seen " is found in the book of Exodus. In that passage Moses went up to mount Sinai. The Lord visited him in a glory cloud of fire and smoke. Amidst thunder and lightning God's awesome voice made the mountain tremble. Moses, Aaron and the elders "went up, and they saw the God of Israel ;there was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone like the very heaven for clearness ." (Ex-24) One ancient historian (Josephus) wrote that Moses actually saw the throne and the cherubim.


THE GLORY OF THE LORD (like on Mount Sinai )
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 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) and we further read the glory of the Lord (in human form ) is enthroned upon them .
This form upon the throne is the personification of the Lord's Glory, none other than the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn 1.14,Col. 1.15. ) Here the Lord upon the throne speaks to the prophet and commissions him to speak to the Israelites .

The MESSAGE
This whole vision precedes Ezekiel being given a message . In a time of exile and unfaithfulness, God is sending warnings through the prophets. The Israelite's rebellion is compared to "briers and thorns" (Ez.2.6 .) The turning away from God to other things is a significant point as we shall see later . The human heart in scripture is compared to a field (Mk.4:7. ) As we shall examine this concept later, the heart that is to bear fruit unto God oftentimes gets choked by the thorns . "Today when you hear his voice , harden not your heart."
Ezekiel went on to describe that beside each of the living creatures was a wheel . He relates how they followed every movement of the Living creatures . "Their appearance was like coals of fire ; like torches ... fire moved back and forth from among the creatures ; it was bright ,and lightning flashed out of it . The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning .v-14 The wheels touched the ground; each was like a " wheel within a wheel " and "all four were full of eyes all around .."


PRAISE !
He hears a sound ; the sound of the wings of the cherubim and the sound of the wheels. He hears it as this sound, "May the glory of the Lord be praised." The sound of wheels is like a rumbling sound (V-13.) "Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of Yahweh from his place" (WEB.) The sound of their wings and the wheels was said to be like "the sound of the voice of the Almighty when he speaks " . The sound from the cherubim ( similar to the rush of a mighty wind in Acts 2 ) bring forth praise to God . We can see that these cherubim are associated with giving praise and glory to God . It is part of their nature . In other chapters of this writing we shall see this as a very important part in understanding these beings . They are beings of worship.

The prophet is overwhelmed by the Lord's glory and then compelled to then deliver a message to the people . The Lord is speaking to them in a foreign land. God allowed some of the prophets glimpses of his glorious throne and when this happened it was a sign that God was about to do something very important . In the third chapter Ezekiel is lifted up by the Spirit of the Lord. It should also be noted that God's Spirit came into the prophet, empowering him to proclaim His word. Throughout the Bible there is a close connection between God's word being spoken by someone and God's spirit being involved .

In the ninth and tenth chapter we read of a further vision of this throne:
"Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. 2He spoke to the man clothed in linen, and said, Go in between the whirling wheels, even under the cherub, and fill both your hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city. He went in as I watched. 3Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. 4The glory of Yahweh mounted up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of Yahweh’s glory. 5The sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of God Almighty when he speaks. 6It came to pass, when he commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim, that he went in, and stood beside a wheel. 7The cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between the cherubim, and took of it, and put it into the hands of him who was clothed in linen, who took it and went out. 8There appeared in the cherubim the form of a man’s hand under their wings. 9I looked, and behold, four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside one cherub, and another wheel beside another cherub; and the appearance of the wheels was like a beryl stone. 10As for their appearance, the four of them had one likeness, like a wheel within a wheel. 11When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn’t turn as they went, but to the place where the head looked they followed it; they didn’t turn as they went. 12Their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, werefull of eyes all around, even the wheels that the four of them had. 13As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling wheels. " (WEB.)
Burning coals
------The angelic servant is told to take fire from "among the wheels and scatter it over apostate Jerusalem," which had turned to idolatry . They were marked off for temporal retribution . Then fire came from the wheels . The fire from wheels was the source of what was to happen to The City which was suppose to bear God's name . A destruction by fire was coming upon (Jerusalem. ) After persistently turning from God and remaining in unbelief, it reached a point where no remedy was left; a point of no return . God in his sovereignty from his throne can decree this. He was abandoning his house. Later we read that the Glory of God departed from the temple. It left what was supposed to be God's habitation, because of wickedness (Ez10.18.) Our God is a jealous God and won't abide with competing affections.
The rebellious people, like the thorns and thistles, are separated out. In other passages (Ch. 6,7,8 ) it speaks of them being given over to the sword (refs.)

A Unity
The cherubim and the wheels are bound together . There seems to be a total unity of the two . As the Cherubim went , rose, stood still , so did the wheels . Practically every characteristic of the two are the same . Both were full of eyes .The fire said to be between the Cherubim was between the wheels . The sound of the wings was like the sound of the wheels, "like the voice of God Almighty." It would seem that this a case of them reflecting divine attributes ? We also read that creatures moved "like a tumult of an army..." The Lord is often referred to as "The Lord of host " (of the armies of heaven. ) Here a military concept is introduced .


The Lord was enthroned upon the Cherubim and wheels. (They are all 3 together.) Put simply, all three are together including the manifestation of the glory of the Lord. " What is being portrayed is a throne of fire coming out of the storm . Upon this throne is the Glory of God on a moving platform (some sort of vehicle.)
An ancient Jewish understanding of Ez 1 was that Ezekiel beheld the Merkabah, the Lords chariot-throne. Hence the word as we shall examine later in more detail.

In all the passages in Ez. we have a great contrast between God's holiness and pure glory visiting a people and their stubbornness, idolatry and abominations. Contrast provides clarity, because by the one we can see the other clearer . The light shines in the darkness , like the lightning at night . The Lord is exposing what was thought to be hidden in the hearts of these men by His spirit (Ez 8.3,4.) At the holiest place in God's sanctuary was an image that provoked jealousy . It was an abomination that brought a desolation to God's house.

The cherubim were led by the spirit (EZ. 1-20.) It is the spirit of living creatures (their nature) that is animating the wheels. This raises questions . Here the line between animate beings and inanimate objects is blurred. " Spirit " is associated with the living. Wheels are typically inanimate. There also are basic immediate questions that come to mind. They seem to be literal beings as the others in the narrative are, but is there merely symbolism or an allegorical message in it ?
Could the wheels be an inanimate representation of the Spirit of God like the 7 lamps on the lampstands in Revelation and Zechariah? In those passages an object describes the vessel of the person of God's Spirit.

The " Whirling " wheels
Concerning the meaning of the wheels we see in chapter 10 our first significant clue as to what the wheels are called themselves. 12Their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes all around, even the wheels that the four of them had. 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 " (FTN.) 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 as noted earlier also can mean the whirlwind. Also the living creatures and the throne of Glory came out of the whirlwind .

Though all these things are a start, we aren't told the whole meaning of the wheels . We will now go to other ways of approaching the meaning through passages in other parts of scripture that shed light on this mystery. We will also interpret the obscure from the simpler passages .

Summary =
God revealed his throne to the prophet . We read of these strange creatures and this awesome vision. These come out of a whirlwind theophany cloud , out of the fire . They had the form of men and their wings all touched one another. Their unity was in that they went together, like lightning , full of eyes. Wherever the spirit went, the wheels went. The wheels are "of" the throne , though the Glory of the Lord dismounted from the throne at a point in the narrative (chapter 10.) God revealed himself to his wayward people .

The Lord came to his people in exile and the idolatry that Ezekiel witnessed by the elders of Israel was confronted and exposed. Holiness cannot endure wickedness . When the moving throne came to this , after all the warnings, only a judgment of fire could happen.
Yet, out of grace He did not leave them abandoned . He offered them promises of restoration .

In the quest to apply other relevant Scripture , we shall backtrack a little and get some more foundational understanding and context. The throne , cherubim and the Spirit are closely linked with the "whirling " wheels , so in a sense they cannot be interpreted in isolation - though there is some uniqueness. At this point it would be appropriate to first understand the cherubim ," for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. "

(Which will be the subject of the next Blog "The Cherubim of Glory ")

Blessings ,
Tom

The Chariot-throne (the merkabah)

The ancient Hebrews thought of the throne Ezekiel beheld as a "chariot-throne " and various other scriptures allude to this . ( The Cherubim in Solomon's temple were identified as -" the golden chariot of the cherubim "- ( 1 Chron. 28 ). In Ezekiel chapter one , the living cherubim are under the throne and have wheels .
In the Apocryphal writings is a quotation " It was Ezekiel who saw the vision of glory ,which God showed him above the chariot of the cherubim ." (Sirach 49.8 NRSV ) This was though to to be the "vehicle "on which God rode in the heavens;(Psm. 18.10 ) Gods messengers also were thoughtt of as riding in chariots . (Psm. 68 )(Is. 66)(Hab. 3)

From the Dead Sea Scrolls.
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"... The ministers of the Glorious Face in the abode of the gods of knowledge fall down before him, and the cherubim utter blessings. And as they rise up , there is a divine small voice and loud praise ; there is a divine small voice as they fold their wings.

The cherubim bless the image of the Throne-Chariot above the firmament, and they praise the majesty of the fiery firmament beneath the seat of his glory.
And between the turning wheels, angels of holiness come and go, as it were a fiery vision of most holy spirits ; and about them flow seeming rivulets of fire, like gleaming bronze, a radiance of many gorgeous colors, of marvelous pigments magnificently mingled.

The Spirits of the Living God move perpetually with the glory of the wonderful Chariot. The small voice of blessing accompanies the tumult as they depart, and on the path of their return they worship the Holy One, Ascending they rise marvelously ; settling, they stay still. The sound of joyful praise is silenced and there is a small voice of blessing in all the camp of God.
And a voice of praise resounds from the midsts of all their divisions in worship. And each one in his place, all their numbered ones sing hymns of praise. "

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Blessings ,
Tom





 

The Mystery of God's Throne (intro)

None of us have ever seen God and none of us have ascended into heaven (Jn.2,) yet there are descriptions of it written down by the prophets; rare glimpses into heaven itself. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and others saw these glimpses. These often came in the form of prophetic visions, dreams, and spiritual revelations. Through these vehicles, what is usually unseen becomes visible and described to us. They give us a lens to look into the celestial unknown.

This realm is vastly different from what we are familiar with. It is a place of radiant glory and splendor. There, it is said, all the heavenly host are focused on the One seated upon a throne, surrounded with cherubim, seraphim and multitudes of angels. How much do we know of this place and how much can be known?

We are exhorted in Scripture to "set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God ... set your minds on things above" (Col.3.)

How are we to understand these glimpses individually and then collectively? How can clear truths be brought forth from some of the most complex passages in the scriptures? What is the Lord God trying to tell us of himself? What is the signifigance for his Church?


To get to the answers involves a step on the part of the reader to think beyond the natural world. It requires us leaving stereotyped popular views of the heavenly realm and looking at it afresh, from a prophetic view; from the descriptions inspired by the Holy Spirit in Scripture.

This is certainly an interesting and intriguing subject, but it's more than an intellectual one. The images and descriptions of the visible throne are very relevant, for we will all one day appear before the Lord's throne and this is where our eternal future ultimately is.

For the kingdom,
Tom
(www.upwardcall.net)