Ezekiel 1:21

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 creature [was] in the wheels.

When those went {H3212}, these went {H3212}; and when those stood {H5975}, these stood {H5975}; and when those were lifted up {H5375} from the earth {H776}, the wheels {H212} were lifted up {H5375} over against {H5980} them: for the spirit {H7307} of the living creature {H2416} was in the wheels {H212}.

When [the living creatures] moved, [the wheels] moved; when the former stood still, the latter stood still; and when the former were lifted off the ground, the wheels were lifted up next to them; because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures 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 beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Context

Ezekiel 1:21 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's foundational vision of God's glory and throne-chariot, which he received by the Chebar River during the Babylonian exile (circa 593 BC). This profound vision, detailed in Ezekiel 1, served to assure the exiled Israelites that God's presence and power were not confined to the Temple in Jerusalem, but were mobile and sovereign over all creation, even in a foreign land. This specific verse describes the intricate and synchronized movement of the "living creatures" (cherubim) and the "wheels" (ofen) that accompany the divine throne, emphasizing their unified, divinely directed action.

Key Themes

  • Unified Divine Action: The verse highlights the seamless coordination between the living creatures and the wheels. Their synchronized movement—when one went, the other went; when one stood, the other stood—demonstrates a singular, unified divine purpose and action. There is no discord or independent movement within God's operations.
  • Spirit-Directed Sovereignty: The crucial phrase "for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels" reveals that the movement is not mechanical or random, but spiritually animated and directed. This signifies God's absolute control and animation of all aspects of His creation and plans, demonstrating His omnipresence and sovereign rule, operating through His Spirit.
  • God's Unrestricted Presence: The mobility of this divine chariot signifies that God is not confined to any specific geographical location or temple. He can manifest His glory and exercise His authority anywhere, bringing comfort and hope to His exiled people by showing He was present with them, even in Babylon.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "spirit" here is ruach, which is a versatile term meaning breath, wind, or spirit. In this context, it powerfully conveys the animating, directing, and unifying force—the divine Spirit—that governs the intricate machinery of God's glory. The "living creature" (Hebrew: chayyah) refers to the cherubim, powerful angelic beings intimately associated with God's presence and throne. The "wheels" (Hebrew: 'ophan) are described with eyes, suggesting divine knowledge and omnipresence.

Related Scriptures

  • This elaborate vision of God's glory and the mechanics of His throne is further detailed and reiterated in Ezekiel chapter 10, where the cherubim and wheels are again described in relation to God's glory.
  • The concept of being led by the Spirit, where divine guidance directs actions, is a foundational theme throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament, as seen in Romans 8:14.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 1:21 offers profound comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved and in complete control, even in chaotic or unsettling circumstances. Just as every part of His divine chariot moves in perfect synchronicity by His Spirit, so too does God orchestrate all things according to His sovereign will. For believers, this verse can serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning our lives with the Holy Spirit's guidance, trusting that He leads us with divine purpose and precision, and that God is never far, no matter our location or situation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 10:17

    When they stood, [these] stood; and when they were lifted up, [these] lifted up themselves [also]: for the spirit of the living creature [was] in them.

  • Ezekiel 1:19

    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.

  • Ezekiel 1:20

    Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither [was their] spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature [was] in the wheels.

  • Romans 8:2

    For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back