Ezekiel 1:24

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when they went {H3212}, I heard {H8085} the noise {H6963} of their wings {H3671}, like the noise {H6963} of great {H7227} waters {H4325}, as the voice {H6963} of the Almighty {H7706}, the voice {H6963} of speech {H1999}, as the noise {H6963} of an host {H4264}: when they stood {H5975}, they let down {H7503} their wings {H3671}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I heard the sound of their wings when they moved; it was like the sound of rushing water, like the voice of Shaddai, like the noise of a tumultuous crowd or army. When they stopped, they lowered their wings.

Berean Standard Bible

When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

American Standard Version

And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of a host: when they stood, they let down their wings.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 1:24 offers a powerful auditory description of the living creatures supporting God's throne-chariot within the prophet's inaugural vision. As these celestial beings moved, their wings produced a thunderous roar, vividly compared to the sound of mighty waters, the authoritative voice of the Almighty, and the disciplined clamor of a vast army. This intense sensory experience underscores the immense power, majestic presence, and perfect order inherent in God's heavenly retinue, conveying His active sovereignty and unyielding control, even amidst the profound desolation of the Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 1:24 is a pivotal moment within Ezekiel's foundational vision, which unfolds from [Ezekiel 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel 1 - The Vision of God's Glory") through [Ezekiel 3](/ezekiel/3 "Ezekiel 3 - Ezekiel's Commission and Call"). The preceding verses (Ezekiel 1:4-23) meticulously detail the complex appearance of the four living creatures, their multiple faces, their straight legs, and their four wings, along with the intricate wheels beside them, all covered with eyes. This elaborate visual description systematically builds a sense of divine complexity, power, and omnipresence, culminating in the overwhelming auditory experience presented in verse 24. The movement and sound described here are intrinsically linked to the creatures' function as bearers of the divine throne, emphasizing their immediate and perfect responsiveness to God's command. The subsequent verses (Ezekiel 1:25-28) further heighten the vision's majesty by describing the firmament above the creatures and the glorious appearance of the One seated upon the throne, solidifying the awe-inspiring nature of the divine encounter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received this profound vision in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's exile (Ezekiel 1:2), placing the event around 593 BC. The prophet was among the Jewish exiles by the Chebar Canal in Babylon, a land far removed from the Jerusalem Temple, which, though still standing, was soon to be destroyed. In this period of national humiliation, spiritual disorientation, and shattered hopes, the vision served as a profound theological counter-narrative. It directly challenged any prevailing notion that God was confined to Jerusalem or rendered powerless in a foreign land. The imagery of "great waters" and a "host" would have resonated deeply with ancient Near Eastern concepts of divine power and military might, yet here it is uniquely applied to Yahweh, demonstrating His unparalleled supremacy over all earthly and heavenly forces. The vision provided crucial assurance to the exiles that God's presence was dynamic and mobile, not static or limited by geographical boundaries, and that He remained sovereign over His people's destiny, even in their desperate circumstances.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically highlights the **overwhelming majesty and transcendence of God**. The sounds described are not merely loud; they convey an incomprehensible power and scale, affirming that God is utterly distinct, supreme, and beyond human comprehension. Secondly, the immediate and synchronized obedience of the creatures—moving and stopping in perfect synchronicity—underscores the theme of **divine order and absolute sovereignty**. Despite the immense power manifested, there is no chaos, only purposeful action directed by God's will. This divine order is a recurring motif in Ezekiel, often contrasting sharply with the spiritual and moral disorder of Israel. Thirdly, the dynamic movement and powerful presence of the divine chariot emphasize **God's active presence and mobility**, even in exile. This directly challenges the common ancient Near Eastern belief that deities were tied to specific temples or lands, assuring the exiles that the God of Israel was indeed with them, ready to act on their behalf, a theme powerfully echoed in God's promise to be a "little sanctuary" to the exiles in [Ezekiel 11:16](/ezekiel/11-16 "Ezekiel 11:16 - God as a Sanctuary in Exile").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** This word, appearing five times in the verse, signifies more than just an indistinct "noise"; it denotes a potent "voice" or "sound" that carries profound meaning and authority. Derived from an unused root meaning "to call aloud," it describes a powerful, discernible utterance. In Ezekiel 1:24, it conveys the overwhelming auditory impact of the creatures' movement, which is then explicitly equated with the "voice of the Almighty" and "voice of speech," indicating a direct manifestation of divine communication or presence.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shadday'_):** This divine title, _Shadday_, emphasizes God's absolute power, self-sufficiency, and omnipotence. It is derived from a root meaning "to be mighty" or "to deal violently," conveying a sense of irresistible force. When Ezekiel hears the "voice of the Almighty," it signifies an encounter with the supreme, all-powerful God, a force capable of both bringing about judgment and delivering salvation. This name frequently appears in contexts emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness and overwhelming might, as seen in His self-revelation to Abram in [Genesis 17:1](/genesis/17-1 "Genesis 17:1 - God Appears to Abram as El Shaddai").
* **Host (Hebrew, _machăneh'_):** This term refers to an "encampment" or "army," whether a literal military formation or a figurative multitude. The comparison of the sound to that of an "host" evokes the disciplined, overwhelming force of a vast military formation on the move. It suggests not only immense numbers but also a unified, purposeful, and formidable power, highlighting the organized might of God's heavenly retinue acting in perfect concert and readiness for divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings":** As the living creatures, whose appearance was meticulously detailed in the preceding verses, began their movement, Ezekiel's attention was immediately captured by the powerful sound generated by their wings. This initial observation establishes the dynamic and active nature of the divine presence and sets the stage for the dramatic and awe-inspiring comparisons that follow. The verb "went" (Hebrew, _yâlak'_) implies purposeful, directed movement, not random motion.
* **"like the noise of great waters":** The first powerful simile used to describe the sound is that of "great waters" (Hebrew, _mayim rabbim'_). This evokes the immense, roaring sound of a mighty waterfall, a surging ocean, or a powerful flood. It conveys an overwhelming, irresistible force and volume, suggesting the vastness, majesty, and uncontainable power associated with God's presence, reminiscent of the voice of God in [Psalm 29:3](/psalm/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord is Over the Waters").
* **"as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech":** This crucial phrase elevates the sound from a mere natural phenomenon to a direct divine utterance. It is not simply a loud noise, but the very "voice of the Almighty" (Hebrew, _qôl Shadday'_), indicating ultimate authority, omnipotence, and sovereign power. The subsequent addition, "the voice of speech" (Hebrew, _qôl hămullâh'_), further clarifies that this is a discernible, intentional communication, implying divine revelation or command, rather than an inarticulate roar, underscoring God's active engagement.
* **"as the noise of an host":** The third vivid simile compares the sound to that of a vast "host" or army. This imagery conveys a sense of immense numbers, disciplined movement, and formidable power. It suggests the organized might of God's heavenly retinue, moving in perfect unison and readiness for action, emphasizing the divine order and formidable strength that govern even the most overwhelming manifestations of God's presence.
* **"when they stood, they let down their wings":** In stark contrast to the thunderous sound of movement, the creatures demonstrate immediate and perfect obedience. The moment they "stood" (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_), indicating a halt or cessation of movement, they "let down" (Hebrew, _râphâh'_) their wings. This action signifies a transition from active, powerful motion to a state of reverence, stillness, and attentiveness, implying their readiness to receive further divine instruction or to acknowledge the presence of the One on the throne.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 1:24 is exceptionally rich in **Simile**, a literary device that employs "like" or "as" to draw comparisons between disparate things, creating vivid and impactful imagery. The prophet utilizes three potent similes to convey the overwhelming sound of the creatures' wings: "like the noise of great waters," "as the voice of the Almighty," and "as the noise of an host." These comparisons are not merely descriptive; they are designed to communicate the immense, majestic, and authoritative nature of God's presence, transcending ordinary human experience. The use of **Hyperbole** is also evident, as the descriptions stretch the limits of human comprehension to articulate an unearthly sound, emphasizing its immense volume and power beyond any normal earthly experience. Furthermore, the passage skillfully employs **Sensory Imagery**, particularly auditory imagery, to fully immerse the reader in Ezekiel's overwhelming encounter, making the divine manifestation palpable. The dramatic shift from the dynamic, thunderous sound to profound silence when the creatures stand and let down their wings creates a powerful **Contrast**, highlighting their perfect obedience and the divine order that governs the heavenly realm. Finally, the entire passage is imbued with **Symbolism**, where the sounds themselves represent divine power, ultimate authority, and the disciplined, formidable might of God's cosmic administration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 1:24 offers profound theological insights into the very nature of God and His dynamic interaction with creation. The overwhelming sounds described—likened to mighty waters, the authoritative voice of the Almighty, and a vast army—collectively portray God as supremely powerful, utterly sovereign, and perfectly ordered in His operations. This passage powerfully affirms God's transcendence, demonstrating that His presence is not confined by human constructs, physical temples, or geographical boundaries, but is dynamic, mobile, and actively manifest wherever He chooses to reveal Himself. The immediate and synchronized obedience of the creatures, ceasing their movement and lowering their wings in reverence, underscores the theme of divine authority and the perfect harmony and submission within God's heavenly court. This awe-inspiring vision served to reassure the exiled Israelites that their God, Yahweh, remained in absolute control, majestic, and intimately present, even in the foreign land of Babylon, capable of both righteous judgment and ultimate restoration.

Other passages that echo or expand upon these themes include:
* [Psalm 29:3-4](/psalm/29-3-4 "Psalm 29:3-4 - The Voice of the Lord is Over the Waters")
* [Revelation 1:15](/revelation/1-15 "Revelation 1:15 - Christ's Voice Like Many Waters")
* [Isaiah 6:1-3](/isaiah/6-1-3 "Isaiah 6:1-3 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Glory and Seraphim")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision, particularly the raw power and perfect order described in verse 24, invites us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and reverence for the Most High God. In a world that often seeks to diminish, domesticate, or even dismiss the divine, this verse serves as a powerful and necessary reminder of God's uncontainable majesty and sovereign control over all things. It challenges us to move beyond a casual or superficial understanding of God and to embrace a worship that authentically acknowledges His absolute otherness and overwhelming power. The immediate and perfect obedience of the living creatures, silencing their thunderous wings at a moment's notice, models a posture of humble submission, attentiveness, and readiness to respond to the divine will. This calls us to consider our own responsiveness to God's voice and leading in our lives: are we quick to obey, or do we resist His guidance? The profound truth that God's presence is dynamic and mobile, even in the midst of exile and desolation, offers immense comfort and hope: no matter our circumstances—whether personal struggles, societal upheaval, or spiritual dryness—God is with us, active and sovereign, ever ready to speak and to act on our behalf. This vision encourages us to trust implicitly in His perfect plan and to find profound peace in His unwavering presence, knowing that the God who commands the universe is intimately involved in the details of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of overwhelming sound and immediate silence in Ezekiel 1:24 shape your understanding of God's immense power and absolute authority?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to cultivate a greater sense of awe and reverence for God's majestic and transcendent presence?**
* **What practical lessons does the perfect obedience of the living creatures teach us about our own response to God's commands and divine guidance?**
* **How can the dynamic and mobile nature of God's presence, as powerfully depicted here, bring comfort and hope to you in times of personal "exile," uncertainty, or profound challenge?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the sound being "like the noise of great waters"?**

Answer: The comparison to "great waters" (Hebrew, _mayim rabbim_) is a potent and recurring biblical metaphor for immense, overwhelming power, vastness, and majestic authority. It evokes the roaring sound of a mighty waterfall, the crashing waves of the sea, or the irresistible force of a flood—all forces of nature beyond human control. In Ezekiel 1:24, this imagery signifies the irresistible force, awe-inspiring volume, and omnipresent nature of God's power and presence. This powerful auditory motif is frequently used in scripture to describe divine power, such as in [Psalm 29:3](/psalm/29-3 "Psalm 29:3 - The Voice of the Lord Over the Waters"), where the voice of the Lord is said to be "over the waters." It underscores that the sound emanating from God's throne is not merely loud, but carries the weighty essence of divine authority and an uncontainable, majestic force that demands attention and reverence.

**Why is the sound also described as "the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech"?**

Answer: This phrase is crucial because it elevates the description from a mere natural phenomenon (like great waters) to a direct and intentional manifestation of divine communication and authority. "The voice of the Almighty" (Hebrew, _qôl Shadday_) emphasizes God's absolute omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and sovereign power, indicating that this sound is an emanation of ultimate authority. The subsequent addition of "the voice of speech" (Hebrew, _qôl hămullâh'_) is particularly significant, as it clarifies that the overwhelming sound is not chaotic, inarticulate, or random, but purposeful and communicative. It implies that God is not a silent, distant deity, but one who actively speaks, reveals Himself, and issues commands, even through the powerful, symbolic sounds of His heavenly court. This highlights God's active desire to communicate with His creation and His people, even in the midst of overwhelming power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 1:24, with its awe-inspiring depiction of overwhelming divine power, majestic authority, and perfect order, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "noise of great waters" and the "voice of the Almighty" foreshadow the inherent, majestic authority of the Son of God. Just as the thunderous sound of the cherubim's wings signifies God's dynamic and active presence, Christ is the ultimate and perfect embodiment of God's presence among humanity, the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The "voice of speech" emanating from the Almighty points directly to Jesus as the definitive and final revelation of God; as [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son") declares, God, "in these last days has spoken to us by His Son." The disciplined movement and immediate obedience of the heavenly host prefigure the perfect, unwavering obedience of Christ, who [humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). Furthermore, the imagery of a powerful "host" speaks to the overwhelming power and ultimate victory of God, which is fully realized in Christ's triumph over sin, death, and all cosmic forces. The very voice of the resurrected Christ is described with similar majesty in [Revelation 1:15](/revelation/1-15 "Revelation 1:15 - Christ's Voice Like Many Waters"), where it is likened to "the roar of many waters," directly connecting the Old Testament manifestation of divine power to the glorified Son. Thus, Ezekiel's vision, while terrifying in its grandeur, ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the One through whom God's power, presence, and perfect will are fully revealed and eternally accomplished for humanity.

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

Ezekiel 43:2

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

Daniel 10:6

His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

Revelation 1:15

And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

Psalms 29:3

The voice of the LORD [is] upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD [is] upon many waters.

Psalms 29:9

The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Psalms 68:33

To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, [which were] of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, [and that] a mighty voice.