Ezekiel 1
Vision of Ezekiel in Babylon verse 1- 3
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year – in the fourth month
in the fifth day of the month
as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar
that the heavens were opened
and I saw visions of God
In the fifth day of the month
which was the fifth year of the king Jehoiachin’s captivity
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 upon him
Vision of four Cherubim verse 4- 9
AND I looked – and – BEHOLD – a whirlwind came out of the north
a great cloud – a fire infolding itself – a brightness was about it
and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber
out of the midst of the fire
ALSO out of the midst thereof came
the likeness of four living creatures
and this was their appearance
They had the likeness of a man
and every one has four faces
and every one had four wings
and their feet were straight feet
and the sole of their feet was like
the sole of a calf’s foot
and they sparkled like the
color of burnished brass
and they had the hands of a man under their wings
on their four sides
and they four had their faces and their wings
Their wings were joined one to another
they turned not when they went
they went every one straight forward
Appearance of four Cherubim: Body verse 10- 12
As for the likeness of their faces – they four had the face of a man
and the face of a lion – on the right side
and they four had the face of an ox on the left side
they four also had the face of an eagle
THUS were their faces
and their wings were stretched upward
two wings of every one were joined one to another
and two covered their bodies
And they went every one straight forward
whither the Spirit was to go – they went
and they turned not when they went
Appearance of four Cherubim: Brightness verse 13- 14
As for the likeness of the living creatures
their appearance was like burning coals of fire
and like the appearance of lamps
it went up and down among the living creatures
and the fire was bright
and out of the fire went forth lightning
And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of
a flash of lightning
Appearance of four Cherubim: Eyes verse 15- 18
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 to
the color of 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 height that they were dreadful
and their rings were full of eyes round about them four
Appearance of four Cherubim: Wheels verse 19- 21
And when the living creatures went – the wheels went by them
and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth
the wheels were lifted up
Whithersoever the spirit was to go – they went
thither was their spirit to go
and the wheels lifted up over against them
for the spirit of the living creature
was in the wheels
When those went – these went
and when those stood – these stood
and when those were lifted up from the earth
the wheels were lifted up over against them
for the spirit of the living creatures
was in the wheels
Appearance of four Cherubim: Wings verse 22- 25
AND the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the
living creature was as the color of the terrible crystal
stretched forth over their heads above
AND under the firmament were their wings straight
the one toward the other – every one had two
which covered on this side – their bodies
AND when they went – I heard the noise of their wings
like the noise of great waters – as the voice of the Almighty
the voice of speech – as the noise of an host
when they stood – they let down their wings
AND there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads
when they stood – and had let down their wings
Glory of the LORD verse 26- 28
AND above the firmament that was over their heads was the
likeness of a throne – as the appearance of a sapphire stone
and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness
as the appearance of a man above upon it
AND I saw as the color of amber
as the appearance of fire round about within it
from the appearance of his loins even upward
and from the appearance of his loins even downward
I saw as it were the appearance of fire
and it had brightness round about
as the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud
in the day of rain
so was the appearance of the brightness
round about
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD
AND when I saw it – I fell upon my face
and I heard a voice of one that spoke
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 3 The word of the LORD came expressly unto 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 upon him. (1697 “word” [dabar] means speech, speaking, utterance, or saying)
DEVOTION: This Hebrew word is used many times throughout the Old Testament for when the LORD speaks to someone with a message for the people. Here is Ezekiel in captivity receiving a calling of the LORD. He was a priest. He was thirty years old, which is the beginning of his ministry to the people. He was given a set of visions.
The first vision is that of four living creatures of heaven or Cherubim according to chapter 10 of Ezekiel. These four living creatures formed the chariot of the LORD.
In Revelation 4 we have a description of these living creatures again. The Cherubim were the guardians of the holiness of God. They were used in the Garden of Eden.
In a book on angels there seem to be twenty-two different offices of angels. They were always male. They were always servants to the LORD. Some of the angels followed Satan when he fell into the sin of pride. These Cherubim were serving the LORD.
The second vision was of wheels. The wheels on the chariot were under the four living creatures. They were full of eyes, which represented the omniscience of God. HE sees all that happens in heaven and earth.
The third vision showed the expanse above the chariot. The chariot moved throughout the heavens. In this expanse Ezekiel hears a voice of speech. It was like the voice of the Almighty. God was speaking to him. The LORD was giving him his mission to the people of the captivity.
The final vision was of a throne. The throne had the appearance of sapphire stone. It had the appearance of fire. The throne had someone sitting on it that had the appearance of a man. It had brightness around the throne. It was the glory of the LORD.
Ezekiel’s reaction to this vision was to fall down on his face in the presence of the LORD. When he fell down he heard a voice speaking to him.
The LORD wants Ezekiel and the people to know that HE sees everything that is going on in their lives. HIS eyes are on them. HIS Cherubim are protecting the people of God.
We need to realize that the eyes of the LORD are upon us each moment of each day. HE is aware of what we are going through. HE cares about what we are going through. HE has a message for us as we are going through difficult times: “I am with you.”
CHALLENGE: As we study this vision we should understand that the LORD is ONE who wants us to understand and see HIM in action in history and in the lives of all of HIS followers. Each of us have a responsibility to the LORD.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. (1823 “likeness” [damuwth] means similitude, appearance, fashion, image, model, or pattern.)
DEVOTION: The thoughts of commentators seem to think that the face of man represents intelligence. The face of the lion represents power. The face of the ox represents service. The face of the eagle represents swiftness.
God is allowing Ezekiel to see a little of the glory of the LORD in heaven. HE showing the prophet that HE knows what is happening in our world and HE is in control of what is going to happen.
HE planned the world and the actions that would need to be taken at any given time in the history of the nation of Israel and in all the other nations of the world. It is hard sometimes to understand what HE is allowing to happen but the Bible tells us is that HE is interested in what is good for HIS people.
Our understanding of good is different from HIS understanding of good. HE knows what it will take to cause HIS people to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. HE knows that we have a tendency to walk in a different direction from HIS laws. HE wants to make it plain to us that this is disobedience and it will be punished.
It is reassuring to know that God is in control. There are times when we might think that HE could act better toward HIS people as Jeremiah thought at times but HE always acts in a way that will help those who are genuine followers of HIM to understand that HE cares about our growth in our knowledge of HIM.
This book seems to give us a little more insight into how HE works in the world. We are never alone. HIS army of angels are all around us every moment of every day helping us fight the battle against the devil and his angels. The war is real.
We may lose some battles but HE is always going to win the ward.
CHALLENGE: Trust in the LORD is essential for us to understand what HE is doing in our world and in our life. Our vision has to be focused on this fact.
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: 14 And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning. (4758 “appearance” [mar’eh] means sight, phenomenon, luster, brilliance, outward or visible aspect of a person or thing, pattern, or vision)
DEVOTION: Here we have the first vision of Ezekiel. He saw something that he didn’t understand or had never seen before. It was a surprise to him. Words didn’t come easy to describe what he was seeing.
He had never seen an angel before and their glowing and moving back and forth was something to hard to really describe well. He had a vision that the LORD wanted him to see and tell others about.
Words didn’t seem to express what this vision did to him as he was given it for a purpose of understand just who the LORD was and who HIS servants were in relationship to the children of Israel.
He was in awe of what the LORD was showing him that he was supposed to share with the Children of Israel at that time.
One author said that this depicts God’s judgment as a war machine “with intense, relentless motion that signifies God’s constant work of judgment.”
God is a God of judgment and a God of love. HE wants HIS people to understand that HE can show either judgment or love at any time to those who are supposed to follow HIM faithfully.
CHALLENGE: If we saw this vision what would our reaction be? Would we want to get the message of salvation out to all those around us before judgment was going to come to them just like it was coming to the children of Israel for their lack of faithfulness.
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke. (3519 “glory” [kabowd] means honor, splendor, dignity, abundance, or majesty.)
DEVOTION: Ezekiel was in captivity. He received a vision from the LORD which revealed the presence of the LORD with HIS people in the land of Babylon. The heavens opened and this is what he saw.
First we have a vision of the Cherubim, which is a class of angels. Remember that angels were created before man. They had different responsibilities in the kingdom of God. They were to be inhabitants of heaven. They were to do the LORD’S biding in heaven and earth. They were created perfect or without sin.
However, before the creation of man some of the angels rebelled against the LORD. HE had given them a choice and a group followed a Cherub and rebelled. That Cherub’s name was Lucifer or Satan. He fell with a number of angels. They have been trying to work against the plans of God since that time until this present moment. They will continue to work against the LORD until they are judged. Once they are judged they will be in the lake of fire that was reserved for them for eternity. Humans that reject the LORD will join them there for eternity. One point to make is that humans will never become angels and although at times angels appear as humans on earth they will never be true humans. These are two different creations of God.
Here we have this group of angels surrounding the splendor of the LORD as HE reveals HIMSELF to Ezekiel. When the LORD calls HIS prophets in the Old Testament, we have a vision of God before the prophet. Ezekiel sees the appearance of rainbow in the sky with a brightness that causes him to fall on his face before this vision.
God appears to HIS people on many occasions. We understand that our Bible gives us an understanding of who God is and what HE does in the life of HIS followers throughout history.
CHALLENGE: Our life should represent a time period when we met the LORD and began to understand HIS majesty. Once we saw God for who HE is, we can serve HIM with faithfulness.
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DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Fell on my face verse 28
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DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Word of the LORD verse 3
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
God – Elohim verse 1
Creator, Sovereign, Plural name) verse 1
Visions of God verse 1
LORD – Jehovah verse 3, 28
Covenant keeping,
Personal
Word of the LORD verse 3
Hand of the LORD verse 3
Voice of the Almighty verse 24
the voice of speech
as the noise of a host
Throne of God verse 26 – 28
appearance of a sapphire stone
appearance of his loins
appearance of fire and it had
brightness round about
appearance of the bow that is in
the cloud
appearance of the likeness of the
glory of the LORD
Glory of the LORD verse 28
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Four living creatures verse 5- 25
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Ezekial – fell on his face
I heard a voice of one that spoke verse 1-28
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Ezekiel – priest – son of Buzi verse 1
Captivity – 13th year in fourth month
fifth day
I was among the captives by the
river of Chebar – heavens were
opened and I saw visions of God
Word of the LORD came to him
In land of Chaldeans by rive Chebar
Hand of the LORD was there upon him
I looked and behold a whirlwind
came out of the north
Saw four living creatures
had the likeness of a man
had four faces and four wings
face of man
face of lion
face of Ox
face of eagle
in the wheels
Saw one wheel
color of beryl
Rings full of eyes
Living creatures were lifted up
from the earth
Their spirit
Likeness of the firmament on the
heads of the living creatures
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
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QUOTES regarding passage
1:5–14 As the prophet watched the approaching storm, four living creatures emerged. But this was not their only appearance to the prophet. They also are introduced again in 10:5 and 10:20, where they are called “cherubim.” These angelic creatures were divinely appointed guardians of the holiness of God. Their mission was to prevent anything unholy from coming into the presence of a holy God. They were indicators of the presence of Yahweh, the holy God of Israel, in the storm cloud.
After the fall of Adam, cherubim were stationed at the entrance of the garden in Eden to guard against reentry by sinful humans into the presence of God (Gen 3:22–24). Their likeness was embroidered on the curtain of the tabernacle to guard the holy of holies against unauthorized entry (Exod 26:31). Within the holy of holies their likeness was placed atop the ark bearing the tablets of covenant, and they affirmed God’s presence there (Exod 25:18–22). In Ezekiel’s vision they are indicators of God’s presence and his concern for the exiles in Babylon (cf. also Rev 4:7–8).
These verses list ten characteristics of the cherubim. These servants of God were equipped uniquely to perform their assigned tasks. Every aspect of their appearance represented some characteristic related to the performance of those tasks.
First, the four living beings had the form or appearance of a “man” (i.e., a human being, v. 5). While their general appearance was human, they had some additional unique, nonhuman features. Although they were not human (vv. 6–7), their human qualities were a subtle reminder that mortals are the crown of God’s creative work (Gen 1:26–28) and the central focus of his creation (Gen 2:8–25).
Second, every creature had four faces. The four faces, one each on four sides (v. 8), are described in detail in v. 10. Each face represented the highest form of animal life in a general category. One face was a lion and represented wild, undomesticated animals. Another face was like an ox and represented domesticated animals. A third face was like an eagle, the most powerful and magnificent of God’s winged creatures. Other categories of animals such as fish and creeping beings were not represented. These creatures show God as the Lord of his creation. Human beings were the crown of his creative work. They were to exercise dominion as the chief steward of creation (Gen 1:28).
Third, their legs were “straight” (v. 7) with gleaming hooves like a calf. The term “straight” refers to their unjointed structure. The foot was like the hoof of a calf, rounded for ease in turning. This characteristic suggested the stability of these creatures in performing assigned tasks.38
Fourth, under their wings each creature had hands like a human being (v. 8). Each of the four wings touched those of the creature next to it. The wings of the cherubim in the holy of holies also touched (v. 11; cf. 1 Kgs 6:27). Each was related closely to his neighbor and united as one in performing assigned tasks.
Fifth, when they moved, they went “straight” forward (vv. 9, 12). Since there was a face on each of the four sides, any direction they moved could be forward; so the creatures did not turn to change direction of movement. This suggests a sense of purpose, commitment, and availability for assignments.
Sixth, these cherubim were winged creatures, each having four wings (v. 11; cf. 8). Two wings were extended upward apparently to support the throne-platform and/or in praise to God on the throne. These two wings touched the wings of each neighboring creature (cf. vv. 9, 23). The other two wings were used to cover the body of each creature as a sign of humility and modesty. Isaiah 6:2 and Rev 4:1–11 present similar visions in which the creatures each had six wings. The additional pair of wings was used to shield the faces of the creatures from the face of God. Brownlee suggests that the creatures of Ezekiel’s vision had no need to cover their faces since they were under and supporting the platform (v. 22) and looked straight ahead (v. 9) and so they could not see the face of God.
Seventh, they followed the “spirit” in their movement (vv. 12, 20). This refers to the divine Spirit of the one who sat on the throne above them, who was directing and enabling their movements. The Old Testament taught that the beings who surrounded Yahweh were there to perform his will, and in the New Testament the Spirit is the one who enables all created beings to perform the will of God (John 14:5–31; 16:1–15; Rom 8:1–8; Acts 2:1–38; Eph 1:13–14). D. Block has argued that the frequent use of rûaḥ (“spirit/wind/breath”) in Ezekiel warrants calling him “the prophet of the spirit.” Although the term can have many senses (wind, direction, side, agency of conveyance, agency of animation, agency of inspiration, mind, sign of divine ownership),42 the use here as an agency of animation is the most frequent in Ezekiel. That it further refers to “the vitalizing principle of life that comes from God himself” is indicated by the otherwise anomalous use of the article (hārûaḥ, “the spirit”). So the cherubim were divinely appointed and empowered to do the will and work of God.
Eighth, their appearance was like “burnished bronze” (v. 7) and “coals of fire” or “torches” (v. 13). This characteristic, mentioned again in 10:7, was associated with a theophany. The brightness of their appearance suggests their close relation and proximity to Yahweh. The skin of Moses’ face was radiant with light after having been in the presence of God (Exod 34:29–35).
Ninth, the movement of the creatures was as quick as a flash of lightning (v. 14). This concept suggests instantaneous action that resulted in immediate implementation of the will of God activated by the power of the “spirit.”
Tenth, the wings of the creatures made an awesome sound (vv. 23–25). “Rushing waters” (v. 24) was to Ezekiel like the voice of God. This language confirms that this is a theophany.
These spiritual beings who were part angel, part human, and part animal were fitting representatives of the whole created order. Their activity affirmed the relationship of God to his creation as Lord of all things. This idea was vital in helping Ezekiel and the captives in exile and the people in Judah understand that in the midst of the storms of life, God was still on his throne. He was not oblivious to their circumstances. (Cooper, L. E. (1994). Ezekiel (Vol. 17, pp. 64–67). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
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The Lord confronted Ezekiel with this glorious vision to impress on him the majesty, holiness, and wonder of the God who was about to execute judgment on the people of Israel. Ezekiel was awestricken by God’s holiness. The indelible impression of this theophany would be a constant encouragement to Ezekiel in his difficult ministry of announcing God’s judgments on his own contemporaries. The awesome holiness of God visualized in Ezekiel’s commission would be a backdrop against which he could see the wickedness of Israel and thereby understand why God had to judge his sinful people. When the nations profaned the Lord by claiming that Judah was in captivity because her God was weak, Ezekiel would know that his God was greater than Babylonia’s gods. Though the Lord had chosen to discipline his people then, he would be victorious over all the nations when he would restore Israel to her Promised Land. (Alexander, R. H. (1986). Ezekiel. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Vol. 6, pp. 756–757). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House)
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Ezekiel had been taken into captivity with King Jehoiachin in March of 597. He was one of the exiles who had been resettled by the Kebar River—a canal off the Euphrates River that flowed to the east of Babylon (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Eze 1:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Ezekiel spotted four living creatures in the midst of the fire. These beings are identified in chapter 10 as cherubim, a special order of angelic beings. They have special access to God (cf. 28:14, 16) and are bearers of God’s throne-chariot. On the tabernacle’s ark of the covenant, gold images of cherubim, with outstretched wings, guarded the mercy seat where the glory of the Lord dwelt (Ex. 25:17-22; Num. 7:89). God was “enthroned between the cherubim” of the ark of the covenant (1 Sam. 4:4; 2 Sam. 6:2; Pss. 80:1; 99:1; Isa. 37:16). This place where God was enthroned was called “the chariot” (1 Chron. 28:18). Since the earthly tabernacle and temple were a copy of the heavenly reality (Heb. 8:5), Ezekiel’s vision was of the actual throne-chariot of God, borne by cherubim. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Eze 1:5). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Some interpreters feel that these represent intelligence (man), power (lion), service (ox), and swiftness (eagle). However, it seems better to see the faces as representing the highest forms of life in God’s created realm. Man was mentioned first because he was the acme of God’s creative work. He was followed by the lion, “king” among wild beasts; the ox, one of the strongest of domestic animals; and the eagle, the “lord” of the birds. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Eze 1:10). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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The two wheels for each cherub were unusual in shape; one wheel intersected another wheel at right angles. Thus they could roll in four directions without being turned and could move with the cherubim. Their great awesome (cf. v. 22) height added to their fearful design. This awesomeness was enhanced by the rims of the wheels being full of eyes all around. This unusual feature probably pictures divine omniscience (cf. 2 Chron. 16:9; Prov. 15:3), the eyes representing the all-seeing nature of the One who rides on this throne-chariot. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Eze 1:15–18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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The Lord’s glory is referred to 16 times in Ezekiel (1:28; 3:12, 23; 8:4; 9:3; 10:4, 18-19; 11:22-23; 39:21; 43:2 [twice], 4-5; 44:4; see comments under “Structure and Style” in the Introduction). Ezekiel had seen a theophany, as God had appeared to him in a visionary form. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Eze 1:25–28). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
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Ver. 14. And the living creatures ran, &c.] Did their work with great readiness and swiftness; so, especially in the latter day, ministers of the Gospel shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased, Dan. 12:4: and returned: for though before it is said, they turned not when they went, they kept straight on till they had done their work; but when they have done it, then they return, and give an account of it to him that has sent them: and their running and returning are said to be, as the appearance of a flash of lightning; very sudden and swift.
Ver. 15. Now as I beheld the living creatures, &c.] Whilst he had the vision of them, and when he was considering their form and likeness, and what, should be the meaning of them: behold, one wheel upon the earth; the Jews understand this of an angel, who stood upon the earth, and his head reached to the living creatures, and his name is Sandalphon; and so many expositors interpret the wheels of angels: but the more common interpretation of them is, that they design the visible world, and all things in it, which are movable and uncertain; though the true interpretation of them, as of the living creatures, is to be fetched from the vision in Rev. 4 and as the four living creatures here are the same with the four beasts there; so the wheels are the same with the four-and-twenty elders, the representatives of Gospel churches, as appears by both being in the same situation; as there is a throne, and next to that the four beasts, and next to them the four-and-twenty elders, Rev. 4:3, 4, 6 and 5:6, 11. so here also is a throne, and next to the throne the four living creatures or cherubim, and next the living creatures, and by the side of them the wheels, ch. 10:1, 2, 6, 7, 9 and this is further manifest by their being both under the same influence and motion; as the four beasts were the first agents and movers, and the four-and-twenty elders were directed by them, who went before them in their devotion, Rev. 4:9, 10 and 5:14. so the wheels moved as the living creatures did; when the living creatures went, they went; when they stood, the wheels stood; and when the creatures were lifted up, the wheels were also, ver. 19, 21 and 10:16, 17, 19 and the wheels are a very proper emblem of churches under the Gospel dispensation; partly for their round form, a symbol of perfection; the churches of Christ being more perfect under the gospel-dispensation than the church was under the legal one: and partly for their movableness from place to place; churches are not always in the same place; they have been removed from Judea into the Gentile world; and they have wheeled about there, sometimes in one place, and sometimes in another: as also for their changeable state and situation; being sometimes in prosperity, and sometimes in adversity: likewise for the work done by them; many things are done by the help and with the use of wheels; much work is done in and by the churches of Christ; here the Gospel is preached, ordinances administered, divine worship in all its parts performed, sinners are converted, and saints are edified and comforted; and as, when wheels are in motion, they make a great noise and rattling; so when there is any great work going on in the churches of Christ, it makes a great noise in the world; as at the first preaching and spread of the Gospel, both in Judea, and among the Gentiles; and at the time of the Reformation; and as there will be when antichrist shall be destroyed, and the Gospel shall be spread all the world over, Rev. 19:1–6. to which may be added, that these wheels, together with the cherubim or living creatures, make a chariot; and as the cherubim in the temple are called the chariot of the cherubim, 1 Chron. 28:18. so the author of Ecclesiasticus, ch. 49:8, says, that Ezekiel was shewn the glorious vision upon the chariot of the cherubim; and nothing is more common with the Jews than to call this vision of Ezekiel מרכבה, mercavah, or chariot. So in the Targum on 1 Kings 7:33, it is said, “the work of the wheels was as the work of the wheels of the glorious chariot;” meaning this in Ezekiel; and a chariot is a fit emblem of the churches of Christ, in which he rides about the world, and does his work; see Cant. 3:9; and though but one wheel is here mentioned, yet it appears that there were four, as in ver. 16 and ch. 10:9. a wheel by every living creature; so though there is but one general assembly and church of the first-born written in heaven, of which Christ is the head, and for which he gave himself; yet there are many particular congregated churches, which may be signified by the number four; partly with respect to the four parts of the world, where Christ has an interest, and which will more manifestly appear in the latter day; and partly with respect to the four living creatures, a wheel to every cherub, a church to every minister and pastor; for though sometimes there have been more pastors than one to a church, when large, yet never more than one church under the care of one pastor; moreover, this wheel or wheels were seen upon the earth; which is observed, to distinguish the church militant from the church triumphant in heaven; and to point out the place where the churches are; which though they consist of men that are not of the world, yet they are in the world: as also to denote the firmness of them; they are on the earth, not in the air or sea, where wheels can’t move and roll; but upon terra firma, and that to the churches is Christ Jesus; and may also signify, that the mutability and movableness of churches are only whilst they are on earth, in the present state of things; it follows, by the living creatures: that is, the wheel or wheels were seen by the side of the living creatures; which is more fully expressed in ch. 10:9. churches are placed by the ministers of the Gospel, to direct them in matters of faith and worship; to put them in motion; to stir them up to the exercise of grace, and the discharge of duty; to watch over them in the Lord; and to feed them with spiritual knowledge and understanding: with his four faces; either the living creatures; and so the Vulgate Latin version renders it, having four faces: and the meaning is, that the wheel or wheels were on the four sides of the living creatures: or rather, as Jarchi, the wheel’s four faces; for upon every wheel there were the same four faces as were in the living creatures, as is clear from ch. 10:13, 14. there being a great likeness between Gospel churches and Gospel ministers: the first was the face of a cherub or ox; which may denote the patience of Gospel churches, and the members thereof, in bearing afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions, for the sake of Christ; their meditation on the word of God continually, the ox being a creature that chews the cud; and their constancy, and laboriousness in the work of the Lord; the second was the face of a man; which may be expressive of their knowledge and understanding of divine and spiritual things; and of their tender-heartedness, sympathy, and compassion, one towards another, in distressed circumstances: the third was the face of a lion; signifying their boldness and intrepidity in the cause of Christ, and the profession of his name: and the fourth was the face of an eagle; shewing that they mount up on the wings of faith and love, as on eagles wings; that they soar aloft, and dwell on high, and have their affections set on things in heaven, and not on earth. Cocceius interprets the wheel or wheels of the word of God, and the course of the ministry of it, under the influence of the spirit; and so Starckius of late. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 6, pp. 6–7). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
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FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
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Specific Creation
“All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.” (1 Corinthians 15:39)
The doctrine of special creation means that creation took place by supernatural processes and that each created entity was specifically planned and formed by God. This doctrine is clearly taught in the Genesis record, where the phrase “after his kind” is used no less than ten times in the very first chapter.
One such remarkable reference is found here in 1 Corinthians 15:37-44. The distinctiveness of several major realms of creation is set forth as follows:
Botanical: “God giveth . . . to every seed his own body” (v. 38)
Zoological: “All flesh is not the same flesh” (our text).
Physical: “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another” (v. 40). Thus, although all celestial bodies may be made of the same basic chemical elements, planet Earth is unique in its complexity and purpose.
Astral: “There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory” (v. 41). Even among the celestial bodies, each star is unique.
Spiritual: “There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body” (v. 44). The Scriptures indicate that although they are genuinely physical bodies, they will one day be supernatural bodies, not controlled by the present force systems of nature.
God has a noble purpose for each created system, and He has specially designed each for that purpose. Although He has made ample provision for “horizontal” changes within the system, never can one evolve “vertically” into a more complex system. (HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
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THE ADVOCATE, PART 1
We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1 John 2:1
How does Christ accomplish our restoration to fellowship with God? John puts it here in these verses in a very beautiful way. Christ does it, says John, by being our advocate. “If any man sin”—if any of you should happen to fall into sin—then you, we, all of us together—”have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” John uses the same [Greek] word in his Gospel, in chapter 16 verse 7, where our Lord said that He would send us another comforter. So what is an advocate? An advocate is one who represents another. He stands before a court, and he presents the case of someone else; he represents this person and puts forward the pleas. And John tells us that the Lord Jesus Christ is, for all who believe on Him and trust Him, “an advocate with the Father.”
However, this word merits our closer attention. We must never think of it as if the Lord Jesus Christ were there pleading for us before an unwilling God. You will find that certain hymns suggest that, and statements have often been made that sound as if God were opposed to us and as if God, who is utter righteousness and absolute perfection, is insisting on His pound of flesh and insisting upon His right to punish us for our sins. They picture the Lord Jesus Christ as pleading desperately and urgently, trying to persuade the Father and at last succeeding in getting Him to change His opinion.
But that is an impossible suggestion, and we must be very careful not to view this idea of advocacy in that way. It is impossible because we are told so plainly and clearly in the Word of God that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). So as we consider the advocacy, let us get rid of the idea that God is unwilling and that He is one who is not prepared to forgive.
A Thought to Ponder
We must never think of it as if the Lord Jesus Christ were there pleading for us before an unwilling God.
(From Walking with God, pp. 36-37. (WALKING WITH GOD BY DR MARTYN LLOYD-JONES)
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God’s Gentle Grace
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2
“Tell all the truth but tell it slant,” the poet Emily Dickinson wrote, suggesting that, because God’s truth and glory is far “too bright” for vulnerable human beings to understand or receive all at once, it’s best for us to receive and share God’s grace and truth in “slant”—gentle, indirect—ways. For “the Truth must dazzle gradually / Or every man be blind.”
The apostle Paul made a similar argument in Ephesians 4 when he urged believers to be “completely humble and gentle” and to “be patient, bearing with one another in love” (v. 2). The foundation for believers’ gentleness and grace with each other, Paul explained, is Christ’s gracious ways with us. In His incarnation (vv. 9–10), Jesus revealed Himself in the quiet, gentle ways people needed in order to trust and receive Him.
And He continues to reveal Himself in such gentle, loving ways—gifting and empowering His people in just the ways they need to continue to grow and mature—“so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature” (vv. 12–13). As we grow, we become less vulnerable to looking elsewhere for hope (v. 14) and more confident in following Jesus’ example of gentle love (vv. 15–16).
By Monica La Rose (Our Daily Bread
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After being cruelly mistreated, Jesus is crucified and gives up His spirit.
INSIGHT
The apostle John reveals the most detailed picture of Pilate’s judgment of Jesus. At first, Pilate says, “I find no fault in Him at all” (18:38). Then, he scourges Jesus, hoping to placate the Jews. Without success, he makes efforts to release Jesus, but the Jewish leaders will not stand for it. Anxious about his political reputation in Rome, Pilate caves in, washes his hands of the affair, and releases Jesus to the Jewish leaders to be crucified.
We place much of the blame for Jesus’ death on Pilate. But if at any point in time Pilate had repented of His deed, Jesus Himself would have welcomed him into the kingdom of God ( Quiet Walk)
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THE CENTRALITY OF THE CROSS
For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. 2 Corinthians 5:14
Everything proceeds from the cross. A Christian is a man who glories in the cross. If the cross is not central to you, you are not a Christian. You may say that you admire Jesus and His teaching, but that does not make you a Christian.
The apostle tells us that the cross governs his view of himself and that he has a new view of himself as a result of the cross. This is one of the most glorious aspects of the doctrine of the cross. It gives a man an entirely different view of himself.
Now, how does that happen? If you read 2 Corinthians 5, you will find that he there expands this aspect in a particularly clear manner. He has two great things to say: “Wherefore,” he says in verse 16, “henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” That is one. But here is another in verses 14-15: “For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
What he is saying in that chapter is all summarized in verse 17 when he puts this astonishing statement before us: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” And among the “all things” that have become new is man’s view of himself. This is one of the most glorious deliverances a man can ever know, to be free and delivered from himself.
A Thought to Ponder: If the cross is not central to you, you are not a Christian. (From The Cross, pp. 199-200, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
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It may be simple, but it’s also a matter of obedience. Are you willing to reallocate your resources to help center your heart and mind on Christ? It will work every time. The more you give to His purposes, the more centered on Him you become. (p. 132)
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When you open this Book, you are not just opening a book. When you read the Word, you are doing more than reading words. You are not simply taking in information; you are taking in life, warm from the breath of God. Nor are you studying the works of dead writers – rather you are hearing the voice of the living Lord. (p. 141)
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Puritan Thomas Watson explained, “Ministers knock at the door of men’s hearts; the Spirit comes with a key and opens the door. (p. 146)
Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World by Dr. David Jeremiah
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