The Vision of the Cherubim and Wheels is a profound and complex revelation given to the prophet Ezekiel, recorded in the first chapter of the Book of Ezekiel. This vision is one of the most vivid and symbolically rich passages in the Old Testament, offering insights into the majesty and sovereignty of God, as well as His divine presence and activity in the world.

Context and Setting

The vision occurs in the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, around 593 BC, while Ezekiel is among the exiles by the Kebar River in Babylon. This period marks a time of great turmoil and uncertainty for the Israelites, who are grappling with the destruction of Jerusalem and the loss of their homeland. Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, is called by God to deliver messages of judgment and hope to the people of Israel.

Description of the Vision

Ezekiel 1:4-28 provides a detailed account of the vision. Ezekiel sees a stormy wind coming from the north, a great cloud with flashing fire and brilliant light surrounding it. Within the cloud, he observes four living creatures, later identified as cherubim in Ezekiel 10. Each creature has four faces—those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle—and four wings. Their appearance is like burning coals of fire, and they move with the speed of lightning.

Beside each cherub is a wheel intersecting another wheel, appearing like a wheel within a wheel. The wheels are described as having the appearance of beryl, and their rims are full of eyes all around. The spirit of the living creatures is in the wheels, allowing them to move in any direction without turning.

Above the cherubim is an expanse, resembling crystal, and above the expanse is a throne of sapphire. Seated on the throne is a figure with the appearance of a man, surrounded by a brilliant radiance like a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day. This is the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

Theological Significance

The Vision of the Cherubim and Wheels is rich in theological symbolism. The cherubim, with their multiple faces, represent the fullness of creation and the omnipresence of God. Each face symbolizes different aspects of creation: humanity (man), wild animals (lion), domesticated animals (ox), and birds (eagle). The wheels, with their eyes, signify God's all-seeing nature and His ability to move and act throughout the earth with perfect knowledge and wisdom.

The vision emphasizes God's sovereignty and His active presence among His people, even in exile. The mobility of the wheels suggests that God's presence is not confined to the temple in Jerusalem but extends to all places, including Babylon. This would have been a source of comfort and assurance to the exiled Israelites, affirming that God had not abandoned them.

Prophetic Implications

Ezekiel's vision serves as a prelude to his prophetic ministry, underscoring the authority and divine origin of his messages. The vision reveals the holiness and majesty of God, setting the stage for the themes of judgment and restoration that permeate the Book of Ezekiel. It calls the people of Israel to recognize God's glory and to respond with repentance and faithfulness.

Biblical References

· Ezekiel 1:4-28 : The detailed account of the vision.
· Ezekiel 10:15-22 : Further identification of the living creatures as cherubim.

The Vision of the Cherubim and Wheels remains a powerful testament to the transcendence and immanence of God, inviting believers to contemplate His glory and to trust in His sovereign purposes.