Ezekiel 1:22

And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature [was] as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.

And the likeness {H1823} of the firmament {H7549} upon the heads {H7218} of the living creature {H2416} was as the colour {H5869} of the terrible {H3372} crystal {H7140}, stretched forth {H5186} over their heads {H7218} above {H4605}.

Over the heads of the living creatures was what appeared to be a dome glittering like ice; it was awesome, spread out over their heads, above them.

Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.

And over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of a firmament, like the terrible crystal to look upon, stretched forth over their heads above.

Commentary

Ezekiel 1:22 is a pivotal verse in the prophet Ezekiel's foundational vision, describing the celestial machinery that supports the divine throne. This particular verse focuses on the appearance of the "firmament" above the four living creatures.

Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's extraordinary vision of God's glory, which he received by the Chebar Canal during the Babylonian exile (circa 593 BC). As a priest taken captive, Ezekiel's initial visions served to assure the exiled Israelites that God's presence was not confined to the Temple in Jerusalem but was sovereign everywhere, even in Babylon. The vision unfolds with intricate details of four living creatures, wheels within wheels, and then, in this verse, the expanse above them. This prophetic vision laid the groundwork for his ministry, emphasizing God's transcendent power and omnipresence even in a foreign land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Transcendence and Majesty: The description of the firmament as "terrible crystal" conveys an overwhelming sense of God's pure, awesome, and unapproachable glory. It speaks to a holiness that both attracts and inspires profound reverence.
  • Order and Structure in the Divine Realm: The firmament acts as a clear, solid barrier or platform, signifying the established order and stability of God's heavenly domain. It is a support for the throne of God, which is described in subsequent verses.
  • Purity and Clarity: The crystal-like appearance suggests absolute purity, transparency, and brilliance, reflecting the unblemished nature of God's character and His perfect light.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "firmament" is raqia (ืจึธืงึดึ™ื™ืขึทึ™), which literally means "an expanse" or "something stretched out," often referring to the vault of the sky. In Genesis 1:6-8, it describes the expanse God created to separate the waters. Here, it functions as a solid, crystalline platform. The phrase "terrible crystal" comes from qerach nora (ืงึถึฅืจึทื— ื ึนื•ืจึธึ–ื). Qerach means "ice" or "crystal," emphasizing its clear, hard, and reflective quality. Nora means "awesome," "dreadful," or "awe-inspiring," not terrible in a negative sense, but evoking profound reverence and wonder. It's a "dreadful" or "awe-inspiring" clarity, signifying an impenetrable, dazzling brilliance.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, including this detail of the firmament, reminds us of God's immense power and sovereign control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or hopeless. For those in exile, this vision affirmed that God was still on His throne, actively governing. Today, this verse encourages us to look beyond our immediate struggles and recognize the majesty of God. The "terrible crystal" firmament speaks to His unblemished purity and the absolute clarity of His divine judgment and purpose. It invites awe and reverence, reminding us that God is infinitely greater and more glorious than we can comprehend, yet He reveals Himself to His prophets and to us through His Word.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 10:1

    ยถ Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

  • Revelation 4:6

    And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

  • Ezekiel 1:26

    ยถ 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.

  • Revelation 21:11

    Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

  • Exodus 24:10

    And they saw the God of Israel: and [there was] under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in [his] clearness.

  • Revelation 4:3

    And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

  • Job 37:22

    Fair weather cometh out of the north: with God [is] terrible majesty.
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