Ezekiel 1:28

KJV

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

KJV (with Strong's)

As the appearance {H4758} of the bow {H7198} that is in the cloud {H6051} in the day {H3117} of rain {H1653}, so was the appearance {H4758} of the brightness {H5051} round about {H5439}. This was the appearance {H4758} of the likeness {H1823} of the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068}. And when I saw {H7200} it, I fell {H5307} upon my face {H6440}, and I heard {H8085} a voice {H6963} of one that spake {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This brilliance around him looked like a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was how the appearance of the glory of ADONAI looked. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of someone speaking.

Berean Standard Bible

The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.

American Standard Version

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 1:28 serves as the profound climax of Ezekiel's inaugural vision, describing the overwhelming appearance of God's glory. This verse culminates the prophet's encounter with the divine, portraying the indescribable brilliance of the manifestation, likened to a rainbow, and recording Ezekiel's immediate, reverent response of prostration, followed by the pivotal moment of hearing the voice of the speaking God, signaling his imminent prophetic commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the grand finale of the elaborate and highly symbolic vision detailed throughout [Ezekiel chapter 1](/ezekiel/1 "Ezekiel's Inaugural Vision of God's Glory"). Prior to this verse, Ezekiel meticulously describes the whirlwind from the north, the four living creatures, the intricate wheels within wheels, the expansive firmament above their heads, and the sapphire throne upon which a figure with the "likeness of a man" was seated (cf. [Ezekiel 1:4-27](/ezekiel/1-4 "Ezekiel's Vision of the Living Creatures and the Throne")). Each element of the vision builds in intensity, preparing the prophet and the reader for the ultimate revelation of God's transcendent glory. The description in [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - The Appearance of God's Glory") provides the final, most direct, yet still mediated, glimpse of the divine presence, leading directly into God's call and commission of Ezekiel in [Ezekiel 2:1](/ezekiel/2-1 "Ezekiel's Prophetic Commission").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel, a priest, was among the exiles deported to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC (cf. [2 Kings 24:10-16](/2_kings/24-10 "Jehoiachin's Captivity and Exile to Babylon")). His vision occurs "by the river Chebar" ([Ezekiel 1:1](/ezekiel/1-1 "EEzekiel 1:1 - The Vision by the Chebar River")), a canal in Mesopotamia, far from Jerusalem and the Temple, which was the traditional dwelling place of God's glory (the *Shekinah*). For the exiled Israelites, this period was marked by profound despair, disillusionment, and questions about God's presence and faithfulness outside their homeland. In this context, a direct manifestation of God's glory to a prophet in exile was immensely significant. It powerfully affirmed God's sovereignty, His transcendence over geographical boundaries, and His continued presence with His people, even in their captivity, offering a message of hope and reaffirming His covenant promises amidst perceived abandonment.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - The Appearance of God's Glory") encapsulates several major themes central to the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, the **Divine Glory and Majesty** of God is paramount, portrayed as an overwhelming, brilliant presence that elicits awe and reverence. The use of "likeness" (Hebrew *dᵉmûwth*) underscores that while God's glory is truly revealed, it is mediated, suitable for human perception without directly viewing God's essence. Secondly, the **Rainbow as a Symbol of Covenant Faithfulness** connects this vision to God's promise to Noah after the flood, signifying God's enduring commitment and mercy even amidst judgment (cf. [Genesis 9:13-16](/genesis/9-13 "God's Covenant with Noah and the Rainbow Sign")). This theme reassures the exiles that God's promises remain, even in their dire circumstances. Thirdly, Ezekiel's immediate **Reverence and Humility**—falling on his face—is a classic biblical response to a divine encounter, emphasizing the appropriate human posture before God's overwhelming holiness and authority (cf. [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah's Response to God's Holiness") and [Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "John's Reaction to the Glorified Christ")). Finally, the **Preparation for Prophetic Calling** is evident as the vision culminates in the hearing of God's voice, marking the transition from divine manifestation to direct divine communication and the initiation of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry (cf. [Ezekiel 2:1-2](/ezekiel/2-1 "Ezekiel's Commission and the Spirit's Entry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **appearance (Hebrew, _marʼeh'_):** From H4758, meaning "a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen)..." This word is repeated four times in [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - The Appearance of God's Glory"), emphasizing that Ezekiel is describing what he *saw* or *perceived*, rather than a direct, unmediated vision of God's essence. It highlights the mediated nature of divine revelation, where God's glory is presented in a form comprehensible and survivable for human eyes.
* **likeness (Hebrew, _dᵉmûwth'_):** From H1823, meaning "resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like..." This term further qualifies "appearance," indicating that what Ezekiel saw was not God Himself in His absolute being, but a representation or similitude of His glory. It maintains God's transcendence and incomprehensibility while affirming the reality of the divine manifestation. This concept is crucial for understanding the biblical portrayal of theophany.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, meaning "properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness; glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able)." This is the central theological term, referring to the tangible manifestation of God's presence, His inherent splendor, majesty, and holiness. In the Old Testament, *kavod* is often associated with a brilliant, overwhelming light or a cloud, signifying God's weighty presence and power.
* **fell (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** From H5307, meaning "to fall, in a great variety of applications... (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing)..." This verb describes Ezekiel's physical response to the overwhelming vision. To "fall upon one's face" (with *pânîym*, H6440, "face") is a common biblical posture of profound reverence, humility, submission, and awe in the presence of divine power or authority. It signifies an acknowledgement of one's utter insignificance before the Almighty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about."** This clause introduces a powerful simile, comparing the divine brightness surrounding the throne to a rainbow. The rainbow, first seen in [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "God's Covenant Rainbow with Noah") as a sign of God's covenant faithfulness and promise never to destroy the earth by flood again, here symbolizes God's enduring mercy and faithfulness, even amidst the context of judgment and exile. The "brightness" (Hebrew *nôgahh*, H5051) conveys the dazzling, radiant light that emanates from God's presence, signifying His purity, holiness, and overwhelming power.
* **"This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD."** This is the core theological statement of the verse. It explicitly identifies the vision as a manifestation of "the glory of the LORD" (Hebrew *kâbôwd Yᵉhôvâh*). The repetition of "appearance" and the inclusion of "likeness" underscore that while Ezekiel truly encountered God's manifest presence, it was not a direct, unmediated sight of God's essence, which is beyond human comprehension and endurance (cf. [Exodus 33:20](/exodus/33-20 "No One Can See God's Face and Live")). It was a divinely orchestrated representation, allowing the prophet to perceive God's majesty without being consumed.
* **"And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face,"** Ezekiel's immediate and instinctive reaction to this overwhelming sight is one of profound humility and reverence. Falling prostrate on his face is a common biblical response to direct encounters with the divine (e.g., [Genesis 17:3](/genesis/17-3 "Abraham Falls on His Face Before God"), [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "The People Fall on Their Faces at God's Glory"), [Daniel 8:17](/daniel/8-17 "Daniel's Prostration Before a Heavenly Vision"), [Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "The Disciples Fall on Their Faces at the Transfiguration")). It signifies an acknowledgement of God's supreme authority, holiness, and the creature's utter dependence and submission.
* **"and I heard a voice of one that spake."** The visual climax transitions to an auditory one, marking the crucial shift from revelation to commission. After the overwhelming sight, the prophet is now prepared to receive direct communication from God. The "voice of one that spake" (Hebrew *qôwl dâbar*) signifies the beginning of God's direct address to Ezekiel, initiating his prophetic call and ministry, which immediately follows in [Ezekiel chapter 2](/ezekiel/2 "Ezekiel's Commission"). This hearing of God's voice is the primary purpose of the preceding elaborate vision, preparing Ezekiel to be God's messenger.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 1:28 is rich in literary devices that enhance its profound theological impact. The most prominent is **Simile**, where the divine "brightness" is explicitly compared to "the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain." This comparison not only conveys the visual splendor but also imbues the scene with symbolic meaning, linking God's awe-inspiring presence to the covenant of faithfulness. **Theophany** is the overarching literary and theological phenomenon, describing a visible manifestation of God to humanity, though here it is carefully qualified by the terms "appearance" and "likeness," emphasizing its mediated nature. This mediation is a form of **Apophasis**, where the indescribable nature of God's essence is conveyed by describing what it is *like* rather than what it *is*. The prophet's physical response, "I fell upon my face," is a powerful act of **Prostration**, a common **Motif** in biblical encounters with the divine, signifying reverence, humility, and submission. Finally, the verse functions as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, as the hearing of "a voice of one that spake" clearly anticipates and sets the stage for Ezekiel's direct prophetic commission that immediately follows, signaling the transition from divine revelation to divine instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 1:28 profoundly reveals the transcendent majesty and immanent presence of God. The overwhelming "brightness" and "glory of the LORD" underscore God's absolute holiness and power, a reality so immense that it can only be perceived through a "likeness" or "appearance," protecting the human observer while still conveying divine reality. This vision establishes God's sovereignty not just over Jerusalem and the Temple, but over all creation and circumstances, even in exile, demonstrating His unconfined presence. The rainbow imagery, a symbol of covenant faithfulness, reassures His people of His enduring promises despite their sin and suffering. Ezekiel's prostration exemplifies the appropriate human response to divine encounter: profound humility, reverence, and submission, preparing the prophet to receive and faithfully deliver God's message.

* [Genesis 9:13](/genesis/9-13 "God's Covenant Rainbow with Noah")
* [Revelation 4:3](/revelation/4-3 "The Rainbow Around God's Throne in Revelation")
* [Daniel 8:17](/daniel/8-17 "Daniel's Prostration Before a Heavenly Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's encounter with the glory of the LORD in [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - The Appearance of God's Glory") provides a powerful template for our own understanding of and response to God. While we may not experience such dramatic visual theophanies, the underlying principles remain timeless. This passage calls us to cultivate a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's transcendent majesty. Recognizing that God's glory is too immense for direct apprehension should humble us, reminding us of our creaturely status and His infinite holiness. Yet, the presence of the rainbow, a sign of God's covenant faithfulness, assures us that even in our "exiles"—our times of difficulty, uncertainty, or spiritual dryness—God remains faithful to His promises. Like Ezekiel, our proper response to glimpsing God's glory, however it is revealed to us (through Scripture, creation, or the Spirit's conviction), should be one of humble submission and a readiness to listen. This posture of humility prepares us to hear His voice and respond to His call, empowering us to live out our purpose in His service, trusting in His unwavering presence and sovereign control over all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezekiel's vision of God's glory challenge or expand your understanding of who God is?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater sense of awe and reverence for God in your daily life?**
* **What "rainbows" or signs of God's faithfulness can you identify in your own life or in the midst of challenging circumstances?**
* **How does Ezekiel's response of falling on his face inform your own posture of prayer or worship?**
* **Are you prepared to hear God's voice and respond to His call, even if it leads you to uncomfortable or unfamiliar places?**

### FAQ
**Why is the rainbow mentioned in Ezekiel's vision of God's glory?**

Answer: The mention of the rainbow (Hebrew *qesheth*) in [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - The Appearance of God's Glory") carries profound symbolic weight, primarily linking God's majestic presence to His covenant faithfulness. The rainbow was first established as a sign of God's covenant with Noah after the flood, promising never to destroy the earth by flood again ([Genesis 9:13-16](/genesis/9-13 "God's Covenant with Noah and the Rainbow Sign")). In Ezekiel's context of exile and judgment, the rainbow serves as a powerful reminder that even amidst the storm of divine judgment, God's promises endure, and His mercy prevails. It signifies hope and reassurance that God remains faithful to His people, even when they face severe consequences for their sin. The rainbow also appears around God's throne in other heavenly visions, such as in [Revelation 4:3](/revelation/4-3 "The Rainbow Around God's Throne in Revelation"), reinforcing its association with divine majesty and covenant.

**Why did Ezekiel fall upon his face when he saw the glory of the LORD?**

Answer: Ezekiel's act of falling upon his face (Hebrew *nâphal* *pânîym*) is a common and deeply significant response to a direct encounter with the divine throughout Scripture. It signifies profound reverence, humility, and submission in the presence of God's overwhelming holiness, power, and majesty. When humans are confronted with the unapproachable glory of God, their natural response is often one of awe-struck fear and a recognition of their own creaturely insignificance and sinfulness. This posture acknowledges God's supreme authority and sovereignty. Other biblical figures, such as Abraham ([Genesis 17:3](/genesis/17-3 "Abraham Falls on His Face Before God")), Moses and Aaron ([Numbers 16:22](/numbers/16-22 "Moses and Aaron Fall on Their Faces")), Daniel ([Daniel 8:17](/daniel/8-17 "Daniel's Prostration Before a Heavenly Vision")), and even the disciples at the Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "The Disciples Fall on Their Faces at the Transfiguration")) and John in Revelation ([Revelation 1:17](/revelation/1-17 "John's Reaction to the Glorified Christ")), exhibit similar reactions, underscoring the universal human response to a direct manifestation of God's glory.

**What is meant by "the glory of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: "The glory of the LORD" (Hebrew *kâbôwd Yᵉhôvâh*) refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of God's presence, His inherent splendor, majesty, and holiness. In the Old Testament, God's glory is often associated with a brilliant, overwhelming light, a cloud, or fire, signifying His weighty presence and power. In [Ezekiel 1:28](/ezekiel/1-28 "Ezekiel 1:28 - The Appearance of God's Glory"), it is described as an "appearance of the likeness" of this glory, indicating that while Ezekiel truly encountered God's manifest presence, it was a mediated revelation, suitable for human perception without directly viewing God's infinite essence. This concept highlights God's transcendence and His ability to reveal Himself to humanity in a way that is both real and protective. The glory of the LORD represents God's active presence among His people, His sovereign power, and His unblemished purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's vision of the "glory of the LORD" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Ezekiel saw only the "appearance of the likeness" of God's glory, the New Testament declares that Jesus is the very embodiment and direct revelation of that glory. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") states, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Here, the unapproachable glory that caused Ezekiel to fall on his face became incarnate, dwelling among humanity. Jesus is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), making the invisible God visible and comprehensible. Ezekiel heard "a voice of one that spake" from the throne; in Christ, we have the living Word of God, who speaks directly to us ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The rainbow, a sign of God's covenant faithfulness in Ezekiel's vision, is ultimately fulfilled in the New Covenant established through Christ's blood, a covenant of grace and eternal life that surpasses all previous covenants ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). Ezekiel's response of falling on his face foreshadows the universal reverence due to Christ, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philipians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Thus, the awe-inspiring glory glimpsed by Ezekiel is fully and perfectly revealed in Jesus, the Christ, who is the true image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")).

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

Revelation 10:1

¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Revelation 4:3

And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and [there was] a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Genesis 17:3

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

Ezekiel 3:23

Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.

Acts 9:4

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Ezekiel 8:4

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

Daniel 8:17

So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end [shall be] the vision.