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.

Then I beheld {H7200}, and lo a likeness {H1823} as the appearance {H4758} of fire {H784}: from the appearance {H4758} of his loins {H4975} even downward {H4295}, fire {H784}; and from his loins {H4975} even upward {H4605}, as the appearance {H4758} of brightness {H2096}, as the colour {H5869} of amber {H2830}.

I looked and saw what seemed like a man made of fire. From what appeared to be his waist downward was fire, and from his waist upward was what appeared to be a gleaming amber-colored brilliance.

Then I looked and saw a figure like that of a man. From His waist down His appearance was like fire, and from His waist up He was as bright as the gleam of amber.

Then I beheld, and, lo, a likeness as the appearance of fire; from the appearance of his loins and downward, fire; and from his loins and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as it were glowing metal.

Ezekiel 8:2 KJV describes a pivotal moment in the prophet Ezekiel's vision, where he beholds a manifestation of divine glory. This verse is part of a series of visions that reveal the deep-seated idolatry within the Temple in Jerusalem, justifying God's impending judgment.

Context of Ezekiel 8:2

In Ezekiel chapter 8, the prophet is transported in a vision from Babylon to Jerusalem by the Spirit of the Lord. His purpose is to witness the abominations being committed by the elders and priests within the Temple, which are provoking God's anger and leading to the city's destruction and the exile of its people. The figure described in verse 2 is the divine being who will guide Ezekiel through this disturbing tour of sacrilege, emphasizing the holiness that was being desecrated.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Manifestation (Theophany): The description of "a likeness as the appearance of fire" and "brightness, as the colour of amber" signifies a profound encounter with the divine. This isn't a literal description of God's form but a symbolic representation of His majesty and power, designed to convey His overwhelming presence.
  • Holiness and Purity: Fire in biblical imagery often symbolizes God's consuming holiness and purity, which purges sin and judges unrighteousness. The brightness further emphasizes His unapproachable light and glory, contrasting sharply with the darkness of the idolatry Ezekiel is about to witness.
  • Judgment and Authority: The fiery and radiant appearance of this divine figure underscores the immense authority and power of the one who is about to reveal and execute judgment upon Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder that God sees all and will not tolerate sin indefinitely.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "colour of amber" translates from the Hebrew word chashmal. This term is unique to Ezekiel's prophecies (Ezekiel 1:4, Ezekiel 1:27, and here). While "amber" in English suggests the fossilized resin, chashmal more accurately refers to a highly polished, gleaming metal, possibly electrum (an alloy of gold and silver), or a brilliant, fiery radiance. This suggests an intense, shimmering, almost molten brilliance, far beyond the dullness of mere amber, enhancing the sense of divine glory and power.

Related Scriptures

This vision of a divine figure with a fiery and radiant appearance echoes similar encounters in Scripture:

  • A very similar description of the divine glory is found in Ezekiel 1:27, where Ezekiel first encounters the glory of the Lord.
  • The glory of the Lord appearing "like devouring fire" was also seen by Moses and the elders on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:17).
  • The prophet Daniel also describes a divine being with a similar glowing appearance (Daniel 10:6).

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision in verse 2 reminds us of the profound holiness and awe-inspiring nature of God. His glory is not merely a comforting presence but also a consuming fire that stands against sin. For believers today, this verse serves as a call to reverence and a warning against spiritual complacency. It underscores the importance of maintaining purity in worship and in our hearts, knowing that God is not blind to our actions and will ultimately bring all things to light, as He did with the abominations in the Temple.

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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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;

  • 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.

  • Daniel 7:9

    ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.

  • Daniel 7:10

    A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

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