Ezekiel 1:19

And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.

And when the living creatures {H2416} went {H3212}, the wheels {H212} went {H3212} by them {H681}: and when the living creatures {H2416} were lifted up {H5375} from the earth {H776}, the wheels {H212} were lifted up {H5375}.

When the living creatures moved, the wheels moved along with them; and when the creatures were lifted off the ground, the wheels went with them.

So as the living creatures moved, the wheels moved beside them, and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose.

And when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.

Commentary

Ezekiel 1:19 is a vivid description from the prophet Ezekiel's foundational vision of God's glory and mobility. This verse highlights the profound synchronization between the mysterious "living creatures" and the intricate "wheels" that accompany them. It emphasizes that their movement is perfectly unified, whether moving forward or lifting off the ground, signifying a coordinated divine operation.

Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's initial and overwhelming vision, which occurred while he was among the exiles by the Chebar river in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1). The vision served to assure the exiled Israelites that God's presence was not confined to Jerusalem or the Temple but was active and sovereign even in their captivity. The elaborate imagery of the living creatures (Ezekiel 1:5) and the wheels (Ezekiel 1:15), later identified as cherubim and Ophanim, describes the divine chariot-throne, symbolizing God's omnipresence and omnipotence.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Control: The perfect synchronization of the creatures and wheels underscores God's absolute control over all aspects of creation and providence. Nothing in His divine plan moves independently or without His direction.
  • God's Mobility and Omnipresence: The vision portrays a God who is not static but dynamically present everywhere, capable of moving swiftly and purposefully. This challenges the notion that God was limited to a specific geographic location.
  • Unity in Divine Purpose: The harmonious movement signifies that all elements of God's heavenly host and His divine operations work together seamlessly to fulfill His will. There is no discord or independent action in His presence.

Linguistic Insights

The "wheels" in this vision are often associated with the Hebrew term Ophanim, which literally means "wheels" and refers to a class of celestial beings in Jewish mysticism who are part of God's chariot-throne. The "living creatures" are chayot, emphasizing their vitality and animate nature. The precise, coordinated movement described by "went by them" and "were lifted up" conveys an immediate and unhesitating response to a central guiding force, implying a spiritual intelligence at work.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, particularly this verse, offers profound reassurance. It reminds us that God is actively engaged in the world, and His plans are perfectly coordinated. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or unpredictable, like the exile for the Israelites, we can trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and control. Our lives, like the wheels and creatures, are part of a larger divine design, moving according to His perfect will. This encourages faith and submission to His leading, knowing that He is always present and purposeful.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 10:16 (4 votes)

    And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.

  • Ezekiel 10:19 (2 votes)

    And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

  • Psalms 103:20 (2 votes)

    Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.