Ezekiel 1:11

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.

Thus were their faces {H6440}: and their wings {H3671} were stretched {H6504} upward {H4605}; two {H8147} wings of every one {H376} were joined {H2266} one {H376} to another {H376}, and two {H8147} covered {H3680} their bodies {H1472}.

thus their faces. As for their wings, each had two that stretched upward and joined those of others, and two more that covered their bodies.

Such were their faces. Their wings were spread upward; each had two wings touching the wings of the creature on either side, and two wings covering its body.

And their faces and their wings were separate above; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.

Commentary

This verse continues the prophet Ezekiel's astonishing vision of God's glory, seen while he was among the exiles by the Chebar River in Babylon. Specifically, it further details the appearance of the "living creatures" (Hebrew: chayot) that serve as the foundation for the divine throne. Ezekiel's intricate description emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of these celestial beings.

Context

Ezekiel 1 opens with a profound prophetic vision experienced by Ezekiel during the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity (circa 593 BC). This vision, occurring in a foreign land, served to assure the exiled Israelites that God's presence and power were not confined to the Temple in Jerusalem but extended even to Babylon. The initial verses describe a whirlwind, a great cloud, and fire, out of which emerged four living creatures. Ezekiel 1:5-10 elaborates on their human form, four faces, and four wings. Verse 11 focuses on the arrangement and function of these wings, emphasizing their posture and use. This detailed description underscores the majesty and transcendence of God, who commands such awe-inspiring beings.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Majesty and Otherworldliness: The precise arrangement of the creatures' wings highlights their supernatural nature, distinct from earthly beings. Their posture, with wings "stretched upward," suggests a readiness for divine command and swift movement, indicative of God's active presence and sovereignty over creation.
  • Reverence and Humility: The phrase "two covered their bodies" (likely referring to their feet or lower parts) conveys a profound sense of reverence and humility in the immediate presence of God's overwhelming glory. This act of covering is a common motif in biblical encounters with the divine, seen also with the seraphim in Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6:2). It signifies a recognition of divine holiness and the creature's unworthiness or need for modesty before such power.
  • Unity and Coordinated Action: The detail that "two wings of every one were joined one to another" implies a remarkable unity and coordination among these living creatures. Despite their individual forms and multiple faces, they act in perfect concert, reflecting the singular purpose and harmony of God's heavenly hosts. This unity is crucial for their role in moving the divine chariot-throne, as further described in Ezekiel chapter 10.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wings" is kรขnรขph (ื›ึผึธื ึธืฃ), which can also refer to a "skirt" or "extremity," reinforcing the idea of covering or borders. The precise arrangement of the wings (two stretched upward, two joined, two covering) suggests not random appendages but an intentional, purposeful design for both flight and reverence. The "living creatures" (chayot) are later identified as cherubim, powerful angelic beings associated with God's presence and glory.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, though complex, offers timeless truths for believers. It reminds us of God's immense power and transcendent holiness, which demands our reverence and humility. Just as the living creatures operate in perfect unity to fulfill God's will, Christians are called to work together in harmony, demonstrating the singular purpose of the Body of Christ. Furthermore, God's presence is not limited by geography or human circumstances; He is sovereign and active even in difficult times of "exile" or hardship, offering hope and assurance. This vision underscores that God is always active, always sovereign, and always worthy of our worship.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 6:2

    Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

  • Ezekiel 1:23

    And under the firmament [were] their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.

  • Ezekiel 10:16

    And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.

  • Ezekiel 10:19

    And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.
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