The Vision of the Wheels
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The Vision of the Wheels is a profound and complex prophetic revelation given to the prophet Ezekiel, recorded in the first chapter of the Book of Ezekiel. This vision is one of the most enigmatic and symbolically rich passages in the Old Testament, offering a glimpse into the divine majesty and the mysterious workings of God's heavenly realm.

Context and Setting

The vision occurs during the Babylonian exile, around 593 BC, when Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, is among the Jewish exiles by the Kebar River. The vision is intended to convey God's sovereignty, presence, and the unfolding of His divine plan amidst the turmoil and displacement experienced by the Israelites.

Description of the Vision

Ezekiel 1:4-28 provides a detailed account of the vision. Ezekiel sees a great storm wind coming from the north, a vast cloud with flashing fire and brilliant light surrounding it. Within this cloud, he observes four living creatures, each with a human form but possessing four faces and four wings. The faces are those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle, symbolizing the pinnacle of creation and the attributes of God—wisdom, majesty, strength, and swiftness.

Beside each creature is a wheel intersecting another wheel, appearing like a wheel within a wheel. The wheels are described as gleaming like beryl and are full of eyes all around, signifying the omniscience and omnipresence of God. The wheels move in unison with the living creatures, suggesting the harmonious and purposeful movement of God's will throughout creation.

Above the living creatures is an expanse, like an awe-inspiring crystal, and above the expanse is a throne resembling sapphire. Seated on the throne is a figure with the appearance of a man, radiant and surrounded by a rainbow, symbolizing the glory and covenant faithfulness of God.

Theological Significance

The Vision of the Wheels is rich in theological meaning. It emphasizes the transcendence and immanence of God, illustrating His ability to be both above and within His creation. The vision underscores God's control over the universe, His omnipotence, and His ability to execute His divine purposes regardless of earthly circumstances.

The imagery of the wheels and the living creatures conveys the idea of divine mobility and the readiness of God's presence to move and act in the world. The eyes on the wheels suggest God's all-seeing nature, His awareness of all events, and His providential care over His people.

Interpretation and Influence

Throughout Christian history, the Vision of the Wheels has been interpreted in various ways, often seen as a representation of the mystery of God's nature and His interaction with the world. The vision has inspired theological reflection on the nature of divine revelation, the role of angels, and the majesty of God's throne.

In art and literature, the vision has been depicted as a symbol of divine mystery and power, capturing the imagination of theologians, artists, and believers alike. It serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God and His ultimate authority over all creation.

Biblical References

· Ezekiel 1:4-28 : "As I looked, behold, a whirlwind came from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and a brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a glow like amber, and within it was the form of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: They had a human form, but each had four faces and four wings..."

The Vision of the Wheels remains a powerful testament to the grandeur and mystery of God's presence, offering believers a glimpse into the heavenly realm and the assurance of His sovereign rule over all things.
Subtopics

Vision

Vision of Abraham: Concerning his Descendants

Vision of Amos of a Plumb-Line

Vision of Amos of Fire

Vision of Amos of Grasshoppers

Vision of Amos of Summer Fruit

Vision of Amos of the Temple

Vision of Ananias of Christ

Vision of Balaam in a Trance

Vision of Cornelius, the Centurion of an Angel

Vision of Daniel of the Ancient of Days

Vision of Daniel of the Angel

Vision of Daniel of the Four Beasts

Vision of Daniel of the Ram and the He-Goat

Vision of David of the Angel of the Lord Beside the Threshing-Floor of Ornan

Vision of Elisha: At the Transporting of Elijah

Vision of Elisha's Servant of the Chariots of the Lord

Vision of Ezekiel of the City and Temple

Vision of Ezekiel of the Coals of Fire

Vision of Ezekiel of the Dry Bones

Vision of Ezekiel of the Glory of God

Vision of Ezekiel of the Man of Fire

Vision of Ezekiel of the Roll

Vision of Ezekiel of the Waters

Vision of Isaiah of the Lord and his Glory in the Temple

Vision of Isaiah of the Valley of Vision

Vision of Jacob of the Ladder With Ascending and Descending Angels

Vision of Jacob: At Beer-Sheba

Vision of Jeremiah of an Almond Rod

Vision of Jeremiah of the Seething Pot

Vision of Job of a Spirit

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos of Christ and the Golden Lampstands

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: A Rainbow and the Throne

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: A Son of Man With a Sickle

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: Death and Hell (Gehenna)

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: One-Third of the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars Were Darkened

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: Satan Bound for One-Thousand Years

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Coming out of the Temple

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Having Power Over Fire

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Having the Everlasting Gospel

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel in the Sun

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Proclaiming the Fall of Babylon

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel Reaping the Harvest

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angel That had a Book

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Angels With the Seven Last Plagues

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Army of Horsemen

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast Coming out of the Earth

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast Rising out of the Sea

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Beast That Came up out of the Bottomless Pit

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Book With Seven Seals

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Bottomless Pit

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Censer

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Court of the Gentiles

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Destruction of Babylon

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Earthquake and the Celestial Phenomena

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Fall of the City

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Falling Star

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Angels

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Angels Released from the Euphrates River

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Horses

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Four Living Creatures

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Golden Vials

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Great White Throne

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Hail and Fire

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Lamb on Mount Zion

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Locusts

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Measurement of the Temple

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Mountain That Was Thrown Into the Sea

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Multitude Praising

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The New Jerusalem

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The One Who is Faithful and True, Riding a White Horse

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Open Door

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Opening of the Book of Life

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Plague Upon the Men Who had the Mark of the Beast

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Red Dragon

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The River of Life

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sea of Glass

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sea Turned Into Blood

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Sealing of the One Hundred and Forty Four Thousand

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Second and Third Woes

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Angels With the Seven Vials of the Wrath of God

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Lamps

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seven Thunders

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Seventh Seal and the Seven Angels

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Six Seals

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Temple Opened

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Thrones of Judgment

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Tree of Life

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Twenty-Four Elders

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Olive Trees and the Two Lampstands

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Two Witnesses

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Vine and the Winepress

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The War in Heaven

Vision of John on the Island of Patmos: The Woman Clothed With the Sun

Vision of John the Baptist: At the Immersion of Jesus

Vision of Joshua of the Captain of the Lord's Army

Vision of Micaiah of the Defeat of the Israelites; of the Lord on his Throne; and of a Lying Spirit

Vision of Moses of the Burning Bush

Vision of Moses of the Glory of God

Vision of Paul in a Trance

Vision of Paul in Corinth

Vision of Paul of a Man of Macedonia, Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia, and Help Us"

Vision of Paul of Ananias

Vision of Paul of Christ, on the Way to Damascus

Vision of Paul of Paradise

Vision of Peter of the Sheet Which Was Lowered from the Sky

Vision of Stephen of Christ

Vision of the Israelites of the Manifestation of the Glory of God

Vision of the People of the Tongues of Fire at Pentecost

Vision of Zacharias in the Temple

Vision of Zechariah of Horns and Carpenters

Vision of Zechariah of Horses

Vision of Zechariah of the Flying Roll

Vision of Zechariah of the Golden Lampstand

Vision of Zechariah of the High Priest

Vision of Zechariah of the Mountains and Chariots

Vision: A Mode of Revelation

Vision: Peter, James, and John of the Transfiguration of Jesus and the Appearance of Moses and Elijah

Related Terms

Night-visions (2 Occurrences)

Dreams (34 Occurrences)

Four (3139 Occurrences)

Dreamer (4 Occurrences)

Vision (106 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Living (3112 Occurrences)

Iddo (14 Occurrences)

Mahazioth (2 Occurrences)

Creature (73 Occurrences)

Chebar (8 Occurrences)

Appear (111 Occurrences)

Alarming (3 Occurrences)

Affrighted (60 Occurrences)

Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)

Alarmed (28 Occurrences)

Seer (21 Occurrences)

Dream (82 Occurrences)

Glory (590 Occurrences)

Literature (2 Occurrences)

Substance (99 Occurrences)

Apocalyptic

Cloud (119 Occurrences)

Divine (39 Occurrences)

Amos (12 Occurrences)

Prophecy (37 Occurrences)

Prophets (270 Occurrences)

Records (50 Occurrences)

Fourth (87 Occurrences)

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)

Prophesy (96 Occurrences)

Fearful (73 Occurrences)

Prophesied (57 Occurrences)

Sovereign (209 Occurrences)

Revelation (52 Occurrences)

Daniel (74 Occurrences)

Mankind (80 Occurrences)

Esdras

Falsehood (107 Occurrences)

Night-vision (2 Occurrences)

Nightwatch

Unveiler (4 Occurrences)

Unhallowed (3 Occurrences)

Unspiritual (6 Occurrences)

Underfoot (14 Occurrences)

Oracles (8 Occurrences)

Jadon (1 Occurrence)

Jedo (1 Occurrence)

Located (5 Occurrences)

Locks (29 Occurrences)

Lock (6 Occurrences)

Gateway (40 Occurrences)

Whitewash (7 Occurrences)

Whited (7 Occurrences)

Watcher (2 Occurrences)

Imaginings (1 Occurrence)

Idle (33 Occurrences)

Final (16 Occurrences)

Fantasies (4 Occurrences)

Frighten (15 Occurrences)

Fancies (3 Occurrences)

Frightening (4 Occurrences)

Thirtieth (9 Occurrences)

Throne (181 Occurrences)

Trance (7 Occurrences)

Terrifiest (1 Occurrence)

Terrify (27 Occurrences)

Troubleth (12 Occurrences)

Revealeth (9 Occurrences)

Revealer (4 Occurrences)

Reveals (14 Occurrences)

Revelations (2 Occurrences)

Elihu (11 Occurrences)

Employment (5 Occurrences)

Extremely (15 Occurrences)

Enormous (5 Occurrences)

Expedient (8 Occurrences)

Daubed (9 Occurrences)

The Vision of the Temple Waters
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