I realize the Book of Ezekiel is one of the most difficult to comprehend in the entire Bible (it and Revelation) because it’s full of so much imagery / symbolism which is beyond full understanding. I encourage us all to keep open minds, not get too hung up on the parts we don’t understand, and to listen for God’s voice teaching us what He wants us to learn from this book. I also strongly recommend you read each chapter for yourself for a fuller context.
“…a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually… And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness, but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings… each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle… Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies.” (v4-6, 10-11, abr)
These four creatures (later called Cherubim in 10:8-15) are angelic beings of great power and prowess. Scholars don’t have a consensus on what the four faces represent, though the simplest theory is that each face represents the pinnacle of its specific grouping: the ox is the most powerful domestic beast, the lion’s the most powerful wild beast, an eagle the most powerful bird, and humans are God’s stewards over all of His creation.
Additional descriptors in this chapter indicate that this burning cloud is God’s chariot, complete with God, His throne, four wheels, and four guards (the creatures). This chariot is capable of being everywhere at the same time, and moving in any direction without having to turn around. It represents God’s omnipresence, His omnipotence, and omniscience (it has many “eyes” so it sees in all directions at once).
It’s no wonder Ezekiel fell on his face at this sighting of God – I would be completely overwhelmed too and my legs would simply give out. This is why Jesus took on human flesh, and why angelic beings usually take on human form when speaking to us – God is too magnificent and powerful for us to fully comprehend Him. Let’s pray for wisdom and understanding to comprehend that which God wants us to know and understand.
Father God, our Magnificent and Infinite Lord, we cannot fully know You and Your ways. Please grant us wisdom to understand that which we need to, including the significance of salvation from sin. Please help us to love and pursue You, despite any understanding gaps, trusting that You’ll teach us in due time. May we seek deeper and more meaningful relationships with You each and every day, so we may reflect Your glory to others as Jesus and Your angelic beings do. In the name of Christ Jesus we praise You, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training