The Vision of Ezekiel of the Glory of God is a profound and pivotal event recorded in the Book of Ezekiel, specifically in Ezekiel 1:1-28. This vision marks the beginning of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry and serves as a foundational revelation of God's majesty, holiness, and sovereignty. The vision is rich in symbolic imagery and theological significance, offering insights into the nature of God and His relationship with His people.

Context and Setting

The vision occurs in the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, around 593 BC, while Ezekiel is among the exiles by the Kebar River in Babylon. Ezekiel, a priest by lineage, is called to be a prophet during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty for the people of Judah, who are experiencing the consequences of their disobedience to God.

Description of the Vision

Ezekiel's vision begins with the heavens opening and a divine encounter that overwhelms him. He sees a great storm wind coming from the north, a vast cloud with flashing fire and brilliant light surrounding it. Within the cloud, Ezekiel observes four living creatures, each with a human form but possessing four faces and four wings. The faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, symbolizing the fullness of creation and the attributes of God—wisdom, majesty, strength, and swiftness.

The creatures move in perfect harmony, guided by the Spirit, and their appearance is like burning coals of fire. Beside each creature is a wheel intersecting a wheel, capable of moving in any direction without turning. The wheels are covered with eyes, indicating divine omniscience and the all-seeing nature of God.

Above the expanse over the heads of the living creatures is a throne of sapphire, and seated on the throne is a figure with the appearance of a man. This figure is surrounded by a radiant glory, described as a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, symbolizing God's covenant faithfulness and mercy.

Theological Significance

The vision of the Glory of God reveals several key theological themes:

1. God's Sovereignty and Holiness: The vision underscores God's supreme authority and holiness. The imagery of the throne and the radiant figure emphasizes God's transcendence and the reverence due to Him.

2. Divine Presence in Exile: Despite the physical exile of the Israelites, God's presence is not confined to the temple in Jerusalem. The vision assures the exiles that God is with them, even in a foreign land, and that His plans and purposes transcend geographical boundaries.

3. Judgment and Restoration: The vision serves as a prelude to the messages of judgment and eventual restoration that Ezekiel will deliver. It highlights the seriousness of Israel's sin but also points to the hope of renewal and the reestablishment of God's covenant with His people.

4. Prophetic Commissioning: For Ezekiel, this vision is a commissioning experience, affirming his role as a prophet and the divine authority behind his messages. It equips him with the assurance of God's presence and the power to speak boldly to a rebellious nation.

Biblical References

· Ezekiel 1:1-28: The detailed account of the vision, including the description of the living creatures, the wheels, and the throne.
· Ezekiel 10:1-22: A subsequent vision where Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord departing from the temple, reinforcing the themes of judgment and the mobility of God's presence.

The Vision of Ezekiel of the Glory of God remains one of the most vivid and awe-inspiring revelations in the Old Testament, offering a glimpse into the divine majesty and the profound mystery of God's interaction with His creation.Ezekiel 1:3,12-14
The word of the LORD came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there on him.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 23:1
The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel's vision (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, June 16 ...
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beheld His glory.' And why ... feel more utterly and fully what Ezekiel was made ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ix ezekiels vision preached.htm

Vision of the Deity.
... It is the same Being, seen in vision by Ezekiel (1:28 ... in the day of rain;" and who
was explained to be "the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/vision of the deity.htm

God.
... Or take the inaugural vision of Ezekiel"the storm-wind out of the North, the vast
cloud ... But the Deity whose Power and Glory they revealed is his Familiar. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 god.htm

God's Spokesman.
... Isaiah's most definite impression, when the great vision came to him, was of a train
of glory, seraphim and ... Ezekiel has rare power in detailed description. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/gods spokesman.htm

The Sixth vision "In Heaven"
... theme at this particular juncture in this Sixth Vision in heaven ... Compare Ezekiel
28:13 and Daniel 10:6. ... or Holiest) was filled with smoke from the glory of God ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision in heaven.htm

The Third vision "In Heaven"
... The result is celebrated in this Vision "in heaven" by ... one shall come "whose right
it is" (Ezekiel 21:27 ... the temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the third vision in heaven.htm

The Coming of a Deliverer
... His earthly ministry, was to reveal to mankind the glory of God ... were ready to exclaim,
"The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth." Ezekiel 12:22 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 58 the coming of.htm

Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church ...
... XIII. "Now, in the third vision, you saw ... [81] [Ezekiel 1:28.]. ... The apostle is ashamed
to glory in revelations, and this seems to be the reference.]. [91] God. ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/vision third concerning the building.htm

Further Proofs, from Ezekiel. Summary of the Prophetic Argument ...
... is for these deserts of yours that Ezekiel announces your ... And the glory of the God
of Israel, which was ... the reason withal why Daniel said, "Vision and prophet ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter xi further proofs from ezekiel.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... If we divide the book of Ezekiel into two equal parts of twenty-four chapters each ...
After an introductory chapter describing the vision of the glory of God ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

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