Ezekiel chapter 1

vs 19

Okay, so apparently the wheels represent chariots, which are another symbol of power in ancient times (certainly in the OT they are - numbers of chariots are often given of a king's army). Of course, chariots don't often fly, so these wheels' ability to follow the creatures around is a little strange. I also had some people at Bible study point out that the problem with my wheel design was that there was nowhere for an axle. Good point, but then it doesn't really say there is anything attached to the wheel.

vs 20

Yes, of course it was. The spirit of the living creatures... was in... the wheels... You could be forgiven for thinking they were robot animals, but I think that's reading too much in here.

Okay, the wheels followed them around, and the spirit of God was what they were following, I assume. And I assume that was represented by the wind.

vs 21

Come on. Not only is this verse a repeat, but it repeats all the things I don't understand, all in one go. My imagination is really more of a tornado - it's like they're all being blown around in this big storm by the wind.

vs 22

A large, awesome crystal vault. K.

vs 23

So they were standing with the vault sort of in the middle above them - so the creatures were both surrounding, but also below, the vault.

vs 24

It's quite a procession this thing makes - it is supposed to be giving off this aura of power and be scary, I reckon.

vs 25

A voice! Goodness me, you might even think there is a message in this vision. But first, more descriptions! So the voice comes from above the vault, above the creatures. From on high, you might say.

vs 26

Atop a throne of what the TNIV calls only lapis lazuli (like NASB), but the NIV suggests could also be sapphire (like KJV) - so what we really can assume is it's some blue stone - there is a man. Or something like a man. Obviously he's bloody important, because not even the king of Babylon rides this storm.

vs 27

So this man looks very bright and shiny and impressive. The metal gives the appearance of strength, the light of purity. Powerful and holy.

vs 28

And as the lips begin to move, and we think we might start to hear from the one whose radiance is surrounding him like rainbows... we get to the end of the chapter. I think if you did not bow down to this person when they turned up, you honestly have no idea. This person is so obviously powerful, that there is really nothing like it. He is in fact the likeness of the glory of God, we are told. Theophany? Is that even the right word? I think it is - the idea of God appearing in physical form. Now, this is a vision, so I don't think it's strictly theophany. But it is a vision of theophany. So there. God represented as a man is still a huge idea.