Ezekiel 1:16

The appearance of the wheels and their work [was] like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work [was] as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

The appearance {H4758} of the wheels {H212} and their work {H4639} was like unto the colour {H5869} of a beryl {H8658}: and they four {H702} had one {H259} likeness {H1823}: and their appearance {H4758} and their work {H4639} was as it were a wheel {H212} in the middle {H8432} of a wheel {H212}.

All four wheels looked the same: their inner parts gleamed like beryl, and their structure seemed to be that of a wheel inside a wheel.

The workmanship of the wheels looked like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their workmanship looked like a wheel within a wheel.

The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto a beryl: and they four had one likeness; and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel.

Commentary

Ezekiel 1:16 continues the prophet Ezekiel's awe-inspiring vision of God's glory, focusing specifically on the intricate and dynamic appearance of the wheels associated with the four living creatures.

Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's foundational vision, received while he was among the exiles by the river Chebar in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1). The entire chapter describes a complex, multi-faceted manifestation of God's presence, serving to assure the exiled Israelites that God's power and sovereignty were not confined to Jerusalem but extended even to their place of captivity. The wheels, often called ophanim in Hebrew tradition, are integral components of this divine chariot-throne, symbolizing God's omnipresence and omnipotence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Brilliance and Purity: The description "like unto the colour of a beryl" suggests a radiant, transparent, and pure appearance. Beryl, a precious gemstone, often implies clarity, value, and a divine glow, hinting at the holiness and splendor of God's presence.
  • Unity and Consistency: "they four had one likeness" emphasizes the uniformity and perfect synchronization of these celestial mechanisms. Despite their complexity, they operate with singular purpose and design, reflecting the unified will and perfect order of God.
  • Omnidirectional Movement and Sovereignty: The most distinctive feature, "a wheel in the middle of a wheel," points to an extraordinary design that allows movement in any direction without needing to turn. This symbolizes God's absolute freedom, His ability to act and move anywhere, and His perfect control over all creation. It speaks to His omnipresence and unhindered sovereignty, emphasizing that His plans are always in motion and cannot be thwarted. This complex engineering underscores the incomprehensible wisdom and power of the divine being they support, ultimately leading to the vision of the divine throne and the likeness of a man upon it.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "beryl" is tarshish (תרשִִֵׁש), which can refer to a yellowish-green gemstone, often identified with topaz or chrysolite. Its inclusion highlights the precious and luminous quality of the wheels, signifying divine glory and purity. The phrase "wheel in the middle of a wheel" (וָּׁאוּפִן בּׁוּאוּפִן - 'ophann ba'ophann) vividly portrays their interconnected, perpendicular arrangement, enabling movement in all cardinal directions without reorientation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, particularly the description of these wheels, reminds us of God's incredible majesty and His limitless power. Even in times of distress or exile, His throne is mobile, His presence is everywhere, and His purposes are unhindered. We can take comfort in the knowledge that God is not static or limited but is actively working in the world, moving with purpose and precision. His sovereignty means that He is always in control, orchestrating events even when we cannot fully comprehend His intricate "wheels within wheels."

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 10:6 (5 votes)

    His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

  • Ezekiel 10:9 (3 votes)

    And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels [was] as the colour of a beryl stone.

  • Ezekiel 10:11 (3 votes)

    When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went.

  • Exodus 39:13 (2 votes)

    And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper: [they were] inclosed in ouches of gold in their inclosings.

  • Ephesians 3:10 (2 votes)

    To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

  • Psalms 36:6 (2 votes)

    Thy righteousness [is] like the great mountains; thy judgments [are] a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.

  • Psalms 40:5 (2 votes)

    Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.