The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking. The appearance of the brilliant light all around HimThe radiance surrounding the enthroned figure reveals the holiness, majesty, and life-giving presence of God. Like the glory that filled the tabernacle and later Solomon’s temple, this brilliance marks God’s dwelling among His people. Ezekiel sees no ordinary earthly ruler but the Lord whose purity exposes human weakness and whose presence brings true revelation. Mat 17:2 There He was transfigured before them. His face shone… was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. The rainbow recalls God’s covenant with Noah, established after judgment had covered the earth with floodwaters. Israel stood under coming judgment because of persistent rebellion, yet the rainbow declares that God’s mercy and covenant faithfulness remain present even amid dark clouds. The glory of God contains both righteousness and compassion; He judges sin without abandoning His redemptive purposes. Gen 9:13-16 I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign… This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. Ezekiel carefully describes what he saw as an appearance and likeness, for the infinite God cannot be comprehended or contained by human sight. The vision communicates the reality of God’s glory without suggesting that Ezekiel saw God in His unveiled essence. The same heavenly majesty appears in Isaiah’s temple vision and in John’s vision of God’s throne, where divine glory inspires reverent fear and worship. Exo 24:16-17 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai.… And when I saw it, I fell facedown Ezekiel’s response acknowledges the absolute holiness and authority of the Lord. Patriarchs, prophets, and apostles similarly fell before God when confronted with His glory. Human pride cannot stand before the Creator; worship, humility, and submission are the fitting response. The prophet who would speak God’s words first receives them as one overwhelmed by God’s presence. Dan 10:9-10 I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened… and heard a voice speaking. The God whose glory Ezekiel beholds also speaks with authority and purpose. The voice begins Ezekiel’s commission to serve as the Lord’s messenger to a rebellious people in exile. Divine revelation is not merely a display of power; God makes Himself known so that His servants may hear, obey, and faithfully declare His word. Act 9:4-7 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him,… Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the one described in this passage. 2. The Glory of the LORD This refers to the divine presence and majesty of God, often depicted in the Old Testament as a radiant and overwhelming light. 3. The Rainbow Symbolizes God's covenant and mercy, reminiscent of the promise made to Noah after the flood. 4. The Vision Ezekiel's vision is a profound encounter with God's glory, illustrating His holiness and majesty. 5. The Voice Represents God's communication with Ezekiel, signifying divine revelation and instruction. Teaching Points The Majesty of God's PresenceGod's glory is overwhelming and awe-inspiring, reminding us of His holiness and our need for reverence. The Symbol of the Rainbow The rainbow signifies God's faithfulness and mercy, encouraging us to trust in His promises even in times of trial. Response to Divine Revelation Ezekiel's response of falling facedown illustrates the appropriate posture of humility and worship when encountering God's presence. God's Communication God speaks to His people, and we must be attentive and ready to listen to His voice through Scripture and prayer. Transformation through Encounter Encounters with God's glory should lead to transformation in our lives, prompting us to live in obedience and faithfulness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of the rainbow in Ezekiel 1:28 connect to God's covenant with Noah, and what does this teach us about God's character?2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in our daily lives? 3. How does Ezekiel's response to God's glory challenge or inspire your own approach to worship and prayer? 4. What are some practical ways we can be attentive to God's voice in our lives today? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "divine encounter" or a moment of clarity in your faith. How did it transform your perspective or actions? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 9The rainbow as a sign of God's covenant with Noah, symbolizing His mercy and faithfulness. Revelation 4 The vision of God's throne surrounded by a rainbow, emphasizing His glory and sovereignty. Exodus 24 The appearance of God's glory on Mount Sinai, highlighting His holiness and the awe it inspires. Isaiah 6 Isaiah's vision of God's glory, which also leads to a response of humility and worship. Acts 9 Saul's encounter with the risen Christ, where the overwhelming presence of God leads to transformation.
People Babylonians, Buzi, Ezekiel, JehoiachinPlaces ChebarTopics Appearance, Bow, Brightness, Cloud, Clouds, Ears, Face, Facedown, Fell, Glory, Likeness, Radiance, Rain, Rainbow, Rainy, Round, Shining, Spake, Speaking, Spoke, Surrounding, Talking, VoiceDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 1:28 1193 glory, revelation of 1090 God, majesty of 1045 God, glory of 1454 theophany Library God's Providence"Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour 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. When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 54: 1908 The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer 'Deliver us from Evil' This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action, Wrought by the Spirit of God, and in Dependence Upon Him --The Communication Of The Prophet Jonah. How Subjects and Prelates are to be Admonished. A Sight of the Crowned Christ Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature Of Love to God Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. An Advance Step in the Royal Programme Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature Ezekiel Links Ezekiel 1:28 NIVEzekiel 1:28 NLT Ezekiel 1:28 ESV Ezekiel 1:28 NASB Ezekiel 1:28 KJV Ezekiel 1:28 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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