Ezekiel 1:28

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Ezekiel 1:28 concludes the prophet Ezekiel's initial, overwhelming vision of God's glory, serving as a powerful climax before his prophetic commission. This verse describes the ultimate appearance of the divine manifestation, emphasizing its indescribable brilliance and its profound effect on Ezekiel.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a detailed and complex vision recorded in Ezekiel chapter 1. The prophet, a priest exiled by the Chebar river in Babylon, describes a whirlwind, four living creatures, wheels within wheels, a firmament, and a throne above it all. The description builds in intensity, leading to the ultimate appearance of God's presence. The vision occurs during a period of national despair for the Israelites, far from their temple in Jerusalem, making this direct manifestation of God's glory particularly significant and reassuring of God's continued presence and sovereignty, even in exile.

Key Themes

  • Divine Glory and Majesty: The phrase "the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD" is central. It signifies God's visible, awe-inspiring presence, too brilliant for direct viewing, hence described as a "likeness." This glory represents God's inherent splendor, power, and holiness.
  • The Rainbow as a Symbol: The comparison to "the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain" immediately links this divine manifestation to the rainbow covenant established with Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:16). This suggests that even amidst divine judgment (implied by the vision's context of exile), God's faithfulness and promises endure. The rainbow also appears around God's throne in heavenly visions, such as in Revelation 4:3.
  • Reverence and Humility: Ezekiel's immediate response, "I fell upon my face," is a common and profound reaction to a divine encounter in Scripture. It signifies deep reverence, humility, and submission to God's overwhelming presence and authority. Other biblical figures like Daniel (Daniel 8:17) and John (Revelation 1:17) exhibit similar responses.
  • Preparation for Prophetic Calling: The vision culminates in the hearing of a voice. This prepares Ezekiel for his direct commission from God, which immediately follows in Ezekiel 2:1, marking the beginning of his prophetic ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "glory" is kavod (כבוד), which carries the meaning of weight, substance, honor, and splendor. When applied to God, it refers to the tangible manifestation of His presence, often associated with a dazzling, almost unbearable light. The use of "likeness" (demuth) emphasizes that while Ezekiel truly saw God's glory, it was not a direct, unmediated view of God's essence, but rather a representation suitable for human perception.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision reminds us of the profound majesty and holiness of God. Even today, though we do not experience such direct theophanies, the understanding of God's supreme glory should inspire awe, reverence, and humility in our lives. Like Ezekiel, recognizing God's presence and power prepares us to hear His voice and respond to His call, trusting in His faithfulness and promises (symbolized by the rainbow), even in challenging circumstances. It underscores that God is not confined to a temple or a specific location but is sovereign and present everywhere.

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.

  • 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.

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