What is the meaning of Ezekiel 1:28? The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him • Ezekiel’s first impression is pure radiance—light so intense that it forms a visible halo. Scripture repeatedly links God’s presence with overwhelming brightness: “He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16). • Saul of Tarsus met that same brilliance on the Damascus Road, “a light from heaven flashed around him” (Acts 9:3). • The prophet is being shown, literally, the perimeter of God’s throne room (compare Revelation 4:2–3). Light signals holiness, purity, and the absolute otherness of the LORD. …was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day • God chooses a familiar natural wonder—the rainbow—to help Ezekiel grasp the scene. The first rainbow sealed God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:13–16). By echoing that sign, the vision reassures Ezekiel that the God of judgment is also the God of promise. • John later sees “a rainbow encircling the throne” (Revelation 4:3). Both visions tie God’s glory to His covenant faithfulness. • The storm imagery (clouds, rain) mirrors Israel’s turbulent exile; the rainbow declares that mercy still shines through. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD • Ezekiel piles up qualifiers—“appearance…likeness…glory”—because even this literal vision can only hint at the full reality (see Exodus 24:17, “the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire,”). • Yet it is genuinely God’s glory. The same glory became flesh: “We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only Son” (John 1:14). • Hebrews 1:3 calls Jesus “the radiance of His glory,” confirming that the brilliance Ezekiel saw points ahead to Christ, who perfectly reveals God while maintaining His unapproachable majesty. And when I saw it, I fell facedown • The only proper response to unveiled holiness is humble prostration. Abram did it (Genesis 17:3). Isaiah cried, “Woe to me!” (Isaiah 6:5). John “fell at His feet as though dead” (Revelation 1:17). • Worship begins with surrender. Ezekiel’s posture acknowledges God’s supremacy and prepares him to receive marching orders for a hard prophetic ministry. …and heard a voice speaking • Once the prophet is humbled, the LORD speaks. Divine revelation follows reverent submission (compare Deuteronomy 4:12, “You heard the sound of words,” and Matthew 17:5, “a voice from the cloud”). • Jesus later affirms, “My sheep hear My voice” (John 10:27). The pattern is consistent: God reveals Himself, humankind bows, and then God commissions. Ezekiel’s upcoming message of judgment and hope flows directly from this encounter. summary Ezekiel 1:28 presents a literal encounter with God’s glory: blazing light encircled by a covenant rainbow, unmistakably the LORD yet mercifully veiled in “appearance” and “likeness.” The vision underscores God’s holiness, faithfulness, and transcendence. Facedown worship is Ezekiel’s instinctive response, opening his ears to the divine voice that will guide his prophetic calling. |
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