The phrase "The One with the Likeness of a Man" is a significant biblical expression that appears in the prophetic and apocalyptic literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Ezekiel. This expression is often associated with divine appearances and visions, where heavenly beings or manifestations of God are described in human-like form.

Daniel's Vision

In the Book of Daniel, the phrase is notably used in Daniel 10:5-6, where Daniel describes a vision of a heavenly being: "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude" . This description is often interpreted as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, or as an angelic being, possibly the pre-incarnate Christ, given the majestic and awe-inspiring nature of the figure.

Ezekiel's Vision

In Ezekiel 1:26-28, the prophet Ezekiel also encounters a vision of a figure with the likeness of a man: "Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne, with a sapphire stone above it. And on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire, and brilliant light surrounded Him. The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD" . Here, the figure is directly associated with the glory of the LORD, indicating a divine presence.

Theological Significance

The appearances of "The One with the Likeness of a Man" in these visions are rich with theological implications. They suggest the transcendence and immanence of God, who, while being wholly other and beyond human comprehension, chooses to reveal Himself in a form that is relatable to human beings. This anthropomorphic representation underscores the biblical theme of God's desire to communicate and relate to humanity.

In Christian theology, these Old Testament visions are often seen as foreshadowing the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. The pre-incarnate appearances of Christ, or Christophanies, are understood as anticipations of the New Testament revelation of God in the person of Jesus. The descriptions of these figures in Daniel and Ezekiel resonate with the New Testament portrayal of Christ in the Book of Revelation, where He is depicted with similar imagery of divine majesty and authority.

Interpretations and Debates

While traditional interpretations align these visions with the pre-incarnate Christ or angelic beings, there is scholarly debate regarding their exact nature. Some scholars propose that these figures represent angelic messengers, while others emphasize their symbolic representation of God's glory and presence. The conservative Christian perspective often leans towards viewing these appearances as Christophanies, emphasizing the continuity of God's revelation throughout the biblical narrative.

In summary, "The One with the Likeness of a Man" serves as a profound symbol of divine revelation, bridging the gap between the heavenly and earthly realms, and pointing towards the ultimate revelation of God in Jesus Christ. The imagery and descriptions found in the visions of Daniel and Ezekiel continue to inspire awe and theological reflection within the Christian tradition.