Ezekiel 1:10

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

As for the likeness {H1823} of their faces {H6440}, they four {H702} had the face {H6440} of a man {H120}, and the face {H6440} of a lion {H738}, on the right side {H3225}: and they four {H702} had the face {H6440} of an ox {H7794} on the left side {H8040}; they four {H702} also had the face {H6440} of an eagle {H5404}.

as for the appearance of their faces, they had human faces [in front], each of the four had a lion's face on the right, each of the four had a bull's face on the left, and each of the four had an eagle's face [toward the rear] -

The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle.

As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man; and they four had the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four had also the face of an eagle.

Commentary

Ezekiel 1:10 is a pivotal verse in the prophet Ezekiel's opening vision, detailing the symbolic faces of the four living creatures that accompany God's throne-chariot. This vivid imagery conveys profound truths about God's nature and sovereignty.

Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's initial and awe-inspiring vision, which occurred while he was among the Jewish exiles by the Chebar Canal in Babylon (around 593 BC). As a priest called to be a prophet, Ezekiel's revelations served to assure the exiled Israelites that God's presence and power were not confined to the Temple in Jerusalem. The elaborate description of the divine manifestation begins in Ezekiel 1:4, leading to the detailed appearance of these unique beings, often identified with cherubim later in the book (e.g., Ezekiel 10).

Key Themes

  • Divine Attributes and Omnipresence: The four faces on each creature—man, lion, ox, and eagle—symbolize various aspects of God's character and His dominion over all creation. They represent:
    • The Face of a Man: Symbolizes intelligence, reason, and humanity, often associated with moral discernment and dominion given to mankind.
    • The Face of a Lion: Represents strength, courage, nobility, and kingliness, often signifying power and authority.
    • The Face of an Ox: (Sometimes translated as 'bull' or 'calf') signifies strength, steadfastness, service, and endurance, often associated with patient labor and sacrifice.
    • The Face of an Eagle: Denotes swiftness, far-sightedness, majesty, and transcendence, often associated with divine judgment and swift action.
  • Comprehensive Representation of Creation: These four faces collectively represent the highest forms of life in the created world: humanity (man), wild beasts (lion), domesticated animals (ox), and birds (eagle). Their presence around God's throne emphasizes His absolute sovereignty over all living things.
  • God's Presence and Activity: The dynamism and complexity of the vision, including these creatures, underscore God's active involvement in the world, even in the midst of Israel's exile and suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "likeness" (dĕmûth) emphasizes that Ezekiel is describing an appearance or similitude, not necessarily the literal form. This reiterates that human language and vision can only capture a partial representation of divine reality. The "ox" face (shôr) is a common domestic animal, reinforcing the idea of strength and service.

Related Scriptures

The imagery of four living creatures is also found in the New Testament in Revelation 4:7, where they are described with similar faces, highlighting a consistent symbolic language throughout Scripture concerning the attendants of God's throne.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 1:10 reminds us that God is not confined to human expectations or geographical locations. Even in times of distress or displacement (like the exile), God's presence, power, and attributes remain undiminished. The multifaceted nature of these symbolic faces encourages believers to recognize the comprehensive nature of God's character—His wisdom, strength, enduring presence, and swift justice. Understanding this vision can foster a deeper awe for God's majesty and a trust in His overarching control, regardless of our circumstances.

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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 10:14 (10 votes)

    And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a cherub, and the second face [was] the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

  • Revelation 4:7 (8 votes)

    And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:9 (3 votes)

    For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 (3 votes)

    Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

  • Numbers 2:3 (2 votes)

    ¶ And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab [shall be] captain of the children of Judah.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:8 (2 votes)

    And of the Gadites there separated themselves unto David into the hold to the wilderness men of might, [and] men of war [fit] for the battle, that could handle shield and buckler, whose faces [were like] the faces of lions, and [were] as swift as the roes upon the mountains;

  • Numbers 2:10 (2 votes)

    On the south side [shall be] the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben [shall be] Elizur the son of Shedeur.