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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context of Ezekiel 1:24

Ezekiel 1:24 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's initial and profound vision of God's glory and divine chariot-throne, which occurred while he was among the Jewish exiles in Babylon. This particular verse describes the sound emanating from the wings of the four living creatures (often identified as cherubim) that serve as the foundation of God's mobile throne. The entire chapter emphasizes the immense power, majesty, and dynamic presence of God, even in a foreign land, assuring the exiles that God had not abandoned them. The preceding verses detail the appearance of these creatures, their four faces, and their wings, setting the stage for the powerful sensory experience described here.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Overwhelming Divine Power: The description "like the noise of great waters" and "the voice of the Almighty" conveys an immense, awe-inspiring power that is beyond human comprehension. It signifies God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible might. This sound is not chaotic but purposeful, indicating divine authority.
  • Order and Obedience: Despite the overwhelming sound, the creatures move and stop in perfect synchronization ("when they stood, they let down their wings"). This highlights the divine order that governs all creation and and the immediate obedience of heavenly beings to God's command. It underscores God's control over every aspect of His cosmic dwelling.
  • God's Active Presence: The dynamic movement and powerful sound emphasize that God is not static or distant, but an active, living, and present deity. Even in exile, God is on the move, demonstrating His presence among His people and His readiness to act.

Linguistic and Symbolic Insights

The imagery in Ezekiel 1:24 is rich with symbolism:

  • "Noise of great waters" (Hebrew: mayim rabbim): This phrase is a common biblical metaphor for overwhelming power, multitude, and majesty. It evokes the sound of a powerful waterfall or the crashing waves of the sea, symbolizing God's irresistible force and omnipresence. We see similar imagery describing God's voice in Psalm 29:3 and Christ's voice in Revelation 1:15.
  • "Voice of the Almighty" (Hebrew: qol Shaddai): The term Shaddai (Almighty) emphasizes God's omnipotence and self-sufficiency. Hearing His voice is encountering absolute authority and power. This is not just a sound, but the very "voice of speech," indicating clear, deliberate communication from God.
  • "Noise of an host": This comparison to a vast army or multitude further reinforces the idea of immense power, organization, and readiness for action. It suggests the overwhelming force and number of God's heavenly attendants, all moving in unison under His command.

Practical Application and Reflection

Ezekiel's vision, particularly the description in verse 24, invites us to cultivate a profound sense of awe and reverence for God. In a world that often minimizes the divine, this verse reminds us of God's majestic power and sovereign control over all things. It encourages us to:

  • Acknowledge God's Sovereignty: Just as the creatures move in perfect obedience, we are called to trust in God's perfect plan and His active presence in our lives, even amidst difficult circumstances like exile or uncertainty.
  • Listen for God's Voice: The "voice of speech" from the Almighty reminds us that God desires to communicate with His people. We are encouraged to seek His word and discern His guidance in our lives, knowing His voice carries ultimate authority and wisdom.
  • Live in Reverence: The overwhelming sound and power should inspire a deep sense of humility and worship, recognizing that we serve a God of infinite might and glory, whose presence is both powerful and orderly. This vision can lead us to a greater understanding of God's glory, as seen throughout scripture, such as in Isaiah 6:3.
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 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.

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