Ezekiel 10:10

And [as for] their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.

And as for their appearances {H4758}, they four {H702} had one {H259} likeness {H1823}, as if a wheel {H212} had been in the midst {H8432} of a wheel {H212}.

Their shape was the same for all four, like a wheel inside a wheel.

As for their appearance, all four had the same form, like a wheel within a wheel.

And as for their appearance, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been within a wheel.

Commentary

Ezekiel 10:10 continues the prophet's awe-inspiring description of the divine beings and wheels associated with God's glory, specifically detailing the appearance and interconnectedness of these mysterious wheels.

Context of Ezekiel 10:10

This verse is part of Ezekiel's profound vision of the glory of the Lord, which he first encountered by the river Chebar (Ezekiel 1:1). Chapter 10 reiterates and expands upon the earlier account, focusing on the cherubim and the wheels (often called ophannim in Hebrew) as God's glory prepares to depart from the Jerusalem Temple due to the people's idolatry. The intricate description of the wheels in Ezekiel 10:10, stating "they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel," echoes the imagery found in Ezekiel 1:16, emphasizing their complex design and interconnectedness.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Omnipresence: The "wheel in the midst of a wheel" imagery powerfully conveys God's absolute control and ability to move in any direction without turning. This symbolizes His omnipresence and the seamless execution of His divine will across all creation. It assures that even amidst judgment and chaos, God is sovereign and acts purposefully.
  • Intricate Design and Divine Wisdom: The complex, interconnected nature of the wheels speaks to the profound wisdom and meticulous design inherent in God's operations. What appears chaotic or incomprehensible to human eyes is, in divine reality, perfectly ordered and purposeful. This reflects God's infinite intelligence at work.
  • Mystery and Awe: Ezekiel's visions are often characterized by their overwhelming, almost indescribable nature. The "wheel in the midst of a wheel" evokes a sense of profound mystery and reverence, reminding us that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts deeper than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wheels" in this context is ophannim (אוֹפַנִּים), a term often used to describe these specific celestial wheels associated with God's throne-chariot. The phrase "wheel in the midst of a wheel" (אוֹפַן בְּתוֹךְ אוֹפַן – ophan b'tokh ophan) suggests a concentric or perpendicular arrangement, perhaps like a gyroscope, allowing for movement in any direction—forward, backward, or sideways—without needing to turn. This implies incredible agility, precision, and the absence of any hindrance to God's movement or purpose.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, though ancient and complex, offers timeless truths for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Unseen Plan: Just as the wheels moved with perfect coordination, God's plans are always in motion, even when we don't fully understand them. This vision encourages trust in His overarching sovereignty, especially during times of uncertainty or perceived chaos, much like Israel faced during the exile.
  • God's Omnipresence and Control: The wheels moving effortlessly in any direction remind us that God is not limited by space or circumstance. He is present everywhere and in control of all things, guiding history and individual lives according to His perfect will.
  • Humility Before Divine Majesty: The sheer complexity and grandeur of this vision should cultivate humility and awe within us. It's a powerful reminder of God's incomprehensible power and majesty, far beyond human capacity to fully grasp.
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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 1:16 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 97:2 (2 votes)

    Clouds and darkness [are] round about him: righteousness and judgment [are] the habitation of his throne.

  • 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.

  • Romans 11:33 (2 votes)

    ¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

  • Psalms 104:24 (2 votes)

    O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.