Ezekiel 1:27

And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.

And I saw {H7200} as the colour {H5869} of amber {H2830}, as the appearance {H4758} of fire {H784} round about {H5439} within {H1004} it, from the appearance {H4758} of his loins {H4975} even upward {H4605}, and from the appearance {H4758} of his loins {H4975} even downward {H4295}, I saw {H7200} as it were the appearance {H4758} of fire {H784}, and it had brightness {H5051} round about {H5439}.

I saw what looked like gleaming, amber-colored fire radiating from what appeared to be his waist upward. Downward from what appeared to be his waist, I saw what looked like fire, giving a brilliant light all around him.

From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him.

And I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of his loins and upward; and from the appearance of his loins and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness round about him.

Ezekiel 1:27 is a profound verse within the prophet Ezekiel's foundational vision of God's glory, experienced during his exile in Babylon. This particular verse describes the awe-inspiring appearance of the divine being seated above the firmament, emphasizing brilliance and intense light.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed, often enigmatic, description of God's throne-chariot vision, which begins with a whirlwind and cloud (Ezekiel 1:4). After describing four living creatures, wheels within wheels, and a crystal firmament, Ezekiel 1:26 notes the presence of a throne and a figure upon it. Verse 27 then elaborates on the appearance of this glorious figure, revealing the overwhelming nature of God's majesty to the prophet and, by extension, to the exiled people of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Glory and Majesty: The primary theme is the overwhelming, indescribable glory of God. The imagery of "fire" and "brightness" conveys His absolute splendor and power.
  • Purity and Holiness: Fire in the Bible often symbolizes God's holiness, consuming impurity and refining. The intense, all-encompassing fire around the divine figure speaks to His unapproachable purity (Hebrews 12:29).
  • God's Transcendent Presence: Even in exile, far from the Jerusalem Temple, God reveals Himself in a spectacular way, assuring His people that His presence is not confined to a single location but transcends all earthly boundaries.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "colour of amber" translates the Hebrew word chashmal (חַשְׁמַל). This term is unique to Ezekiel's vision (found also in Ezekiel 1:4 and Ezekiel 8:2). While "amber" is a common translation, many scholars believe it refers to "electrum," a gleaming alloy of gold and silver known for its brilliant, fiery luster. This suggests a material that is both precious and intensely radiant, perfectly suited to describe the divine appearance.

Reflection and Application

Ezekiel 1:27 invites us to contemplate the awesome and majestic nature of God. For the exiled Israelites, this vision was a profound message of hope and reassurance: God had not abandoned them. His glory was not diminished by their circumstances, nor was His presence limited to the destroyed Temple. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of:

  • Reverence and Awe: It calls us to a deep sense of reverence for a God whose glory is beyond human comprehension, yet who chooses to reveal Himself.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite life's uncertainties and hardships, God remains on His throne, sovereign and glorious, just as He appeared to Ezekiel in a time of national crisis.
  • Hope in Adversity: Like Ezekiel, we can find comfort and strength in the knowledge that God's presence is with us, even in our own "exiles" or difficult seasons. The brilliance described here foreshadows the light and glory that will illuminate the New Jerusalem, where God Himself is the lamp.
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 1:4

    ¶ And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness [was] about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

  • Ezekiel 8:2

    Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber.

  • Hebrews 12:29

    For our God [is] a consuming fire.

  • Psalms 97:2

    Clouds and darkness [are] round about him: righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his throne.

  • Deuteronomy 4:24

    For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.

  • Psalms 50:3

    Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

  • Revelation 1:14

    His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire;

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