Ezekiel 1:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

As for the likeness {H1823} of the living creatures {H2416}, their appearance {H4758} was like burning {H1197} coals {H1513} of fire {H784}, and like the appearance {H4758} of lamps {H3940}: it went up and down {H1980} among the living creatures {H2416}; and the fire {H784} was bright {H5051}, and out of the fire {H784} went forth {H3318} lightning {H1300}.

Complete Jewish Bible

thus the appearance of the living creatures. With them was something that looked like fiery coals burning the way torches do, with the fire flashing here and there between the living creatures; the fire had a brilliance, and out of the fire went lightning.

Berean Standard Bible

In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.

American Standard Version

As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches: the fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 1:13 offers a profound and vivid description of the "living creatures" (cherubim) within the prophet's inaugural vision, portraying their essence as intensely fiery and dynamically active. The verse likens their appearance to burning coals and lamps, pulsating with self-contained light and energy, from which bursts of lightning emanated. This imagery powerfully conveys the awe-inspiring, unapproachable holiness, consuming purity, and sovereign power of God, whose glory these celestial beings attend and reflect, setting the stage for the subsequent revelation of the divine throne-chariot.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 1:13 is a crucial component of Ezekiel's foundational inaugural vision, meticulously detailed in [Ezekiel chapter 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory"). The preceding verses, specifically [Ezekiel 1:5-12](/ezekiel/1-5-12 "Ezekiel 1:5-12 - Description of the Living Creatures"), introduce the four living creatures, providing a general outline of their form, multiple wings, and four faces. Verse 13 then shifts focus, delving into the dynamic, internal essence and activity of these beings, particularly their fiery appearance. This detailed description intensifies the overwhelming sense of God's majesty and the supernatural reality of His presence, preparing the reader for the depiction of their swift movement in [Ezekiel 1:14](/ezekiel/1-14 "Ezekiel 1:14 - The Speed of the Living Creatures") and the accompanying wheels. The entire chapter serves as God's dramatic commissioning of Ezekiel, powerfully demonstrating divine sovereignty and presence even amidst the profound crisis of the Babylonian exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision Ezekiel received occurred "in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity" ([Ezekiel 1:2](/ezekiel/1-2 "Ezekiel 1:2 - Date of Ezekiel's Vision")), placing the prophet among the Jewish exiles by the Chebar Canal in Babylon. This historical setting is paramount, as the exiles likely grappled with feelings of abandonment by God, believing His presence was confined to the Temple in Jerusalem. Ezekiel's vision, therefore, serves as a profound theological counter-statement: God's glory and sovereignty are not geographically constrained or limited by political circumstances. He is powerfully present even in exile, demonstrating His universal dominion over all nations and His unwavering covenant faithfulness to His people, even in the midst of judgment. The fiery imagery would have resonated deeply with ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine manifestation, where powerful, awe-inspiring natural phenomena like fire and lightning were often associated with the presence and power of deities.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophetic message. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Majesty and Transcendence**, portraying God's presence as overwhelmingly glorious, unapproachable, and beyond full human comprehension, an idea consistently reinforced throughout the book as Ezekiel encounters the [glory of the Lord](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory Departs the Temple"). Secondly, the imagery of "burning coals of fire" and "lightning" emphasizes **Holiness and Purity**, suggesting God's absolute sanctity and His consuming nature, a theme powerfully depicted in the description of the [Lord's appearance on Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Fiery Presence on Sinai"). Thirdly, the dynamic movement of the fire, which "went up and down" and produced "lightning," signifies **Dynamic Activity and Immanence**. This illustrates God's active, pervasive presence and His immediate, powerful intervention in the world, sharply contrasting with the inert, lifeless idols worshipped in Babylon. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as these fiery, dynamic creatures are integral components of God's mobile throne-chariot, demonstrating His ability to move and act anywhere, at any time, affirming His ultimate control over history and destiny, even for those in exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **coals (Hebrew, _gechel'_):** From an unused root meaning "to glow or kindle," this word (H1513) refers to an ember or burning coal. In Ezekiel 1:13, it signifies not merely extinguished embers but intensely glowing, active, and vibrant fire, indicating a living, potent heat and light that is an inherent part of the creatures' being. It conveys an internal, self-sustaining brilliance and energy.
* **lightning (Hebrew, _bârâq'_):** Derived from the root "to flash," this term (H1300) denotes lightning, a gleam, or a flashing sword. Its presence here emphasizes sudden, powerful bursts of divine energy, often associated with God's voice, judgment, or revelation in other biblical contexts (e.g., [Psalm 18:14](/psalms/18-14 "Psalm 18:14 - God's Lightning as a Weapon")). It conveys an element of awe, terror, and swiftness, highlighting the immediate and uncontainable power emanating from the divine presence.
* **living creatures (Hebrew, _chay'_):** From the root "to live," this word (H2416) describes something alive, vibrant, or strong. In this context, it refers to the cherubim, celestial beings who are intrinsically alive and dynamic, serving as manifestations of God's active presence. Their "living" quality is profoundly underscored by the pulsating fire and ceaseless movement, distinguishing them sharply from the inert, lifeless idols worshipped by surrounding nations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for the likeness of the living creatures":** This introductory phrase sets the stage, indicating that Ezekiel is describing the general form and inherent nature of the cherubim, which he has previously introduced. The use of "likeness" (H1823, _dᵉmûwth_) suggests that while he is describing what he saw, it is still a visionary representation, a divine reality too grand and complex for full human comprehension, hence the need for similes.
* **"their appearance [was] like burning coals of fire":** This is the primary simile, likening the creatures' core essence or internal radiance to intensely glowing, active embers (H1513, _gechel_). This imagery conveys their inherent heat, light, and purifying nature, powerfully reflecting the holiness of the God they serve. It suggests an internal, living, and dynamic fire rather than an external, destructive one.
* **"[and] like the appearance of lamps":** Another powerful simile, this adds to the fiery description, suggesting the flickering, dynamic quality of flames. "Lamps" (H3940, _lappîyd_) can also mean torches or flaming brands, emphasizing not just static light but a moving, illuminating, and constantly active presence that radiates brilliance.
* **"it went up and down among the living creatures":** This clause describes the pervasive movement of the fire itself (H1980, _hâlak_), indicating a pulsating, animating energy that permeated and flowed through the creatures. It suggests constant vigilance, dynamic activity, and the omnipresent, active nature of the divine Spirit within and around these beings, illustrating their ceaseless motion in fulfilling God's will.
* **"and the fire was bright":** This highlights the intensity and purity of the fire (H5051, _nôgahh_). It is not a dim, smoky, or destructive fire but one that radiates brilliant, unblemished light, signifying the absolute holiness, glory, and illuminating power intrinsically associated with God's presence.
* **"and out of the fire went forth lightning":** This final powerful image adds an element of sudden, explosive power and divine communication (H1300, _bârâq_). Lightning in biblical contexts often accompanies divine revelation, judgment, or theophany (e.g., [Psalm 77:18](/psalms/77-18 "Psalm 77:18 - God's Voice in the Storm")). Its emanation from the fire suggests that the creatures are not merely fiery but are conduits or manifestations of God's immediate, awe-inspiring power and swift, decisive action.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 1:13 is exceptionally rich in **Simile**, employing "like burning coals of fire" and "like the appearance of lamps" to describe the utterly indescribable. These comparisons are vital, allowing the prophet to convey the overwhelming visual and sensory experience of the divine without claiming to fully grasp or delineate its true form. The pervasive use of fire, lamps, and lightning throughout the verse serves as powerful **Symbolism**. Fire consistently symbolizes divine presence, holiness, purification, and judgment throughout scripture (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire")). Lamps represent light, guidance, and revelation. Lightning signifies sudden power, divine communication, and the swiftness of God's action and judgment. The dynamic description of the fire "going up and down" also employs **Vivid Imagery** and borders on **Personification**, giving the fire an active, almost sentient quality that underscores the living, energetic, and pervasive nature of the divine presence it embodies within the living creatures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 1:13 profoundly contributes to the biblical understanding of God's nature and His dynamic interaction with creation. The pervasive fiery imagery points directly to God's inherent holiness, purity, and unapproachable glory, a truth that pervades all of scripture and demands reverent awe from humanity. It also emphasizes His dynamic, active presence, not confined to a single location or static form, but moving with sovereign intent throughout His creation and among His people. This vision serves as a powerful assurance to the exiles, and indeed to all believers across generations, that God's glory and power are undiminished, even in the darkest and most desperate circumstances, and that His divine purposes continue to unfold with irresistible might. The terrifying beauty of the living creatures, imbued with self-sustaining fire and emanating lightning, serves as a constant and vivid reminder of the awesome, transcendent majesty of the Almighty God.

* [Revelation 4:6-8](/revelation/4-6-8 "Revelation 4:6-8 - The Four Living Creatures Around the Throne")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Exodus 24:17](/exodus/24-17 "Exodus 24:17 - The Glory of the Lord Like a Devouring Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision, though ancient, complex, and filled with profound symbolism, calls us to a deep and abiding sense of awe and reverence for God. In a contemporary world that often seeks to domesticate, diminish, or even dismiss God, this passage serves as a potent reminder of His immense power, unapproachable holiness, and dynamic, active presence. It challenges us to move beyond a casual or superficial understanding of faith and to cultivate a profound respect and holy fear for the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Even in our own "exiles"—times of hardship, uncertainty, or feeling distant from God—this vision assures us that God's glory is not contained or limited but is actively sovereign, moving wherever His people are and orchestrating His purposes. It compels us to consider how we might live our lives in light of such a magnificent God, allowing His purifying fire to refine us from sin and His illuminating light to guide our paths, always approaching Him with the reverence and humility His majesty demands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vivid imagery of "burning coals of fire" and "lightning" challenge or deepen your current understanding of God's nature and character?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to be reminded of God's dynamic and active presence, especially amidst difficult or seemingly stagnant circumstances?**
* **What does the "brightness" of the fire suggest about God's absolute holiness, and how should that truth profoundly impact your posture and approach to Him in worship and daily life?**
* **How can cultivating a greater sense of awe and reverence for the transcendent God transform your daily walk of faith, your prayers, and your interactions with the world?**

### FAQ

**What do the "burning coals of fire" and "lamps" symbolize in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The "burning coals of fire" and "lamps" in Ezekiel 1:13 are profoundly rich symbols. The fire primarily symbolizes God's **holiness, purity, and consuming presence**. It is depicted as an internal, living fire, indicating that these celestial creatures are permeated with divine essence, not merely touched by an external flame. This fire also represents **divine judgment and purification**, as fire biblically refines and consumes impurities. The "lamps" (or torches, from Hebrew _lappîyd_) further emphasize **illumination, guidance, and the dynamic, active nature of God's presence**. They suggest a constant, flickering, and moving light that is both awe-inspiring and revealing, highlighting the creatures' role in carrying and manifesting God's glory and truth. The combined imagery powerfully underscores the terrifying beauty, active power, and unapproachable sanctity of the divine realm.

**How does this vision relate to God's presence in exile?**

Answer: Ezekiel's vision is profoundly significant for the Jewish exiles in Babylon. It directly addresses their potential despair and the widespread belief that God had abandoned them or was confined to the Jerusalem Temple. By appearing to Ezekiel by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, God demonstrates unequivocally that His **sovereignty and presence are not limited by geographical location or political circumstances**. The mobile throne-chariot, with its dynamic, fiery creatures, vividly illustrates that God is not static but is actively present with His people wherever they are, even in a foreign land of captivity. This vision served as a powerful message of hope and assurance, reminding the exiles that God remained in control, His glory undiminished, and His covenant faithfulness unwavering, even amidst their judgment and displacement. It affirmed that God's plan for His people continued, regardless of their physical location, a theme echoed in other prophetic books like [Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - Plans for Hope and a Future").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 1:13, with its awe-inspiring imagery of fiery, glorious, and dynamically active living creatures, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament vision reveals God's transcendent glory through angelic beings, the New Testament declares that the very fullness of God's deity dwells bodily in Christ ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Jesus is the supreme and perfect revelation of the invisible God, being the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). The "burning coals of fire" and "lightning" foreshadow Christ's purifying and refining work, as He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, bringing a spiritual, refining fire to His people ([Malachi 3:2-3](/malachi/3-2-3 "Malachi 3:2-3 - The Refiner's Fire")). He is the true Light of the World, illuminating spiritual darkness and guiding humanity into truth ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), far surpassing the light of any physical lamp. Furthermore, the dynamic, active presence of the Holy Spirit, often associated with fire in the New Testament ([Acts 2:3-4](/acts/2-3-4 "Acts 2:3-4 - Tongues of Fire at Pentecost")), is poured out by Christ, empowering believers and manifesting God's active presence in the world. Ultimately, the awe-inspiring majesty and sovereign power glimpsed in Ezekiel's vision are perfectly embodied in Christ, who will return with power and great glory, His eyes like "blazing fire" ([Revelation 1:14](/revelation/1-14 "Revelation 1:14 - Christ's Fiery Eyes")), bringing ultimate judgment and establishing His eternal kingdom where His glory will shine forever.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 104:4

Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Revelation 4:5

And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and [there were] seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Genesis 15:17

¶ And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.

Revelation 18:1

¶ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

Matthew 28:3

His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Ezekiel 1:7

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 colour of burnished brass.

Daniel 10:5

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz: