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.

And under the firmament {H7549} were their wings {H3671} straight {H3477}, the one {H802} toward the other {H269}: every one {H376} had two {H8147}, which covered {H3680} on this side {H2007}, and every one {H376} had two {H8147}, which covered {H3680} on that side {H2007}, their bodies {H1472}.

Under the dome each had a pair of wings spread out straight toward those of others, and each had a pair which covered his body.

And under the expanse, their wings stretched out toward one another. Each one also had two wings covering its body.

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.

Commentary on Ezekiel 1:23 (KJV)

Ezekiel 1:23 is a vivid detail within the prophet Ezekiel's foundational vision of God's glory and the divine chariot-throne, a profound encounter that marked the beginning of his prophetic ministry during the Babylonian exile. This verse describes the precise arrangement and function of the wings of the four living creatures, later identified as Cherubim, which support the heavenly throne.

Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's initial prophetic encounter by the river Chebar, where he sees a whirlwind, a great cloud, and fire enfolding itself. Out of this vision emerge four living creatures, each with four faces and four wings. Verse 23 specifically focuses on the wings' posture and purpose. It follows the description of the "firmament" above their heads, which appeared like a dazzling crystal, setting the stage for the throne of God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Readiness: The description of their "wings straight, the one toward the other" signifies perfect order, unity, and an immediate readiness to execute God's will. There is no confusion or disarray in the heavenly realm.
  • Reverence and Humility: The phrase "every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies" indicates that out of their four wings, two were used for covering. This act of covering their bodies symbolizes profound reverence, humility, and awe in the presence of God's immense glory. This posture is reminiscent of the Seraphim in Isaiah's vision, who used two wings to cover their faces and two to cover their feet.
  • Majesty and Mystery: The intricate and otherworldly details of these creatures, including their wing structure, emphasize the transcendence and incomprehensible majesty of God. The vision is overwhelming in its complexity, underscoring the divine power and presence.

Linguistic Insights

The term "firmament" (Hebrew: raqia', רָקִיעַ) refers to an expanse or stretched-out canopy. While in Genesis 1 it denotes the expanse of the sky, here in Ezekiel, it describes a solid, transparent, and awe-inspiring platform directly above the living creatures, supporting the divine throne. The straightness of the wings ("straight, the one toward the other") implies a rigid, purposeful orientation, not merely resting.

Practical Application

The detailed description of the heavenly beings' posture offers several insights for believers today:

  • Awe and Reverence: If mighty heavenly creatures display such profound reverence in God's presence, how much more should humanity approach the Almighty with humility and awe? This encourages a deeper sense of worship and respect for God.
  • Readiness for Service: The "wings straight" suggest a perpetual readiness to obey God's commands. Believers are called to be similarly prepared and responsive to God's will in their lives.
  • Humility in God's Presence: The act of covering their bodies reminds us that even the most glorious beings are humble before the Creator. This teaches us the importance of self-effacement and acknowledging God's supreme authority.

Ezekiel 1:23, though brief, paints a powerful picture of divine order, the reverence of celestial beings, and the overwhelming glory of God's throne, inviting us to reflect on our own posture before the Divine.

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 1:24

    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.
  • Luke 17:10

    So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
  • Job 4:18

    Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly:
  • Psalms 89:7

    God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.
  • 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.
  • Ezekiel 1:12

    And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; [and] they turned not when they went.

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