Ezekiel 1:26

¶ 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.

And above {H4605} the firmament {H7549} that was over their heads {H7218} was the likeness {H1823} of a throne {H3678}, as the appearance {H4758} of a sapphire {H5601} stone {H68}: and upon the likeness {H1823} of the throne {H3678} was the likeness {H1823} as the appearance {H4758} of a man {H120} above {H4605} upon it.

Above the dome that was over their heads was something like a throne that looked like a sapphire. On it, above it, was what appeared to be a person.

Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.

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 a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 1:26 is a pivotal verse within Ezekiel's profound and awe-inspiring inaugural vision, which occurred during the Babylonian exile. The prophet has just described four living creatures, wheels within wheels, and an expansive, crystal-like firmament above their heads. This verse culminates the description of the heavenly chariot-throne, revealing the divine occupant. It's a vision designed to convey God's omnipresence, sovereignty, and transcendent glory, even when His people are far from their homeland and temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Transcendence: The imagery of a "throne" immediately establishes God's ultimate authority and kingship over all creation. Its position "above the firmament" signifies His transcendence—He is beyond and above all earthly and even heavenly phenomena. The sapphire stone appearance speaks to His purity, majesty, and the unapproachable brilliance of His divine presence.
  • Anthropomorphic Revelation: The phrase "the likeness as the appearance of a man" is highly significant. While God is Spirit and cannot be fully contained or depicted, He chooses to reveal Himself in a form relatable to humanity. This is not God literally having a physical body at this point, but a symbolic representation emphasizing His personal nature and ability to interact with His creation. For Christian theology, this vision is often seen as a precursor to the Incarnation of Christ, where God indeed took on human form.
  • The Beauty and Majesty of God's Presence: The "sapphire stone" is consistently associated with divine glory and the heavens in biblical literature (e.g., Exodus 24:10). This detail underscores the breathtaking beauty, purity, and preciousness of the divine presence, which is beyond human comprehension and earthly comparison.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's repeated use of "likeness" (Hebrew: demuth, דְּמוּת) and "appearance" (Hebrew: mareh, מַרְאֶה) is crucial. These terms emphasize that Ezekiel is not seeing God directly in His essence, but rather a representation or an image. This maintains God's ultimate transcendence while allowing for a tangible, albeit symbolic, revelation. The "sapphire" (Hebrew: sappir, סַפִּיר) refers to a precious, deep blue stone, often associated with the heavens and the glory of God's throne, as seen in other biblical descriptions of divine majesty.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision reminds us that God is actively reigning, even amidst chaos, exile, or personal hardship. His throne is not static but mobile, signifying His active involvement and presence everywhere. For believers today, this verse offers comfort and assurance that God is sovereign over all circumstances. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate troubles to the majestic, transcendent God who sits on the throne. The "likeness of a man" on the throne can also inspire awe at God's condescension to relate to humanity, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly bridges the gap between the divine and human.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 10:1

    ¶ 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.

  • 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 1:13

    And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.

  • 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.

  • Daniel 10:18

    Then there came again and touched me [one] like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,

  • Hebrews 12:2

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Revelation 14:14

    And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud [one] sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
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