What does "likeness of a throne" reveal about God's majesty and authority? Setting of the Vision Ezekiel 1:26: “Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was One with the appearance of a man.” • The vision comes to Ezekiel on the banks of the Chebar Canal, far from Jerusalem, yet God manifests His glory unmistakably. • “Likeness” shows Ezekiel is struggling for human language to describe literal heavenly reality; what he sees is real, yet other-worldly. • The throne sits “above the expanse,” stressing that God reigns beyond the created order (cf. Isaiah 66:1). Majesty Revealed by the Throne’s Splendor • Sapphire (or lapis lazuli) is deep blue, a color linked to heaven itself (Exodus 24:10); the throne looks heavenly because its Owner is the Author of heaven. • Radiance matches the glory cloud that later fills Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:10–11). The same God of the temple now shines in Babylon, proving His majesty is never confined. • The one seated has “the appearance of a man,” foretelling the incarnation without diminishing divine grandeur (John 1:14). Authority Demonstrated by the Throne’s Position • A throne always signals rule. By placing it above the cherubim, God shows angels serve under His command (Psalm 103:20–21). • Its elevation over the “expanse” echoes Genesis 1, where God spoke the skies into being; the Creator still rules what He created. • Ezekiel later sees the throne depart the temple (Ezekiel 10:18–19), announcing judgment; then he sees it return (Ezekiel 43:2–5), announcing restoration. Only the supreme King can both exile and restore His people. Consistency with the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 6:1 – “in the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up.” Same exalted seat, same holy King. • Daniel 7:9 – “I kept watching until thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat.” God’s courtroom authority is not new in exile; it is eternal. • Revelation 4:2–3 – John sees “a throne standing in heaven,” linking Ezekiel’s Old-Covenant vision with New-Covenant revelation. One throne, one Ruler, all ages. Practical Takeaways for Today • God’s majesty is unchanging even when circumstances look chaotic; exile did not diminish His glory, nor do today’s trials. • Every earthly power is subject to the heavenly throne; no ruler, policy, or crisis escapes His sovereignty (Proverbs 21:1). • Worship gains depth when we picture the real throne room revealed in Scripture, not an imaginary one (Hebrews 12:22–24). • The King who sits “above the likeness of a throne” also draws near in Christ; we approach Him boldly, yet reverently (Hebrews 4:16). |
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