Ezekiel was the prophet who God called to bring hope to those who had been exiled in Babylon. The Israelites believed that because they were in exile and the temple had been destroyed, God was no longer with them. They also believed that because the Babylonians had been victorious, their gods were more powerful.
Ezekiel has a powerful vision by the rivers of Babylon. He sees a storm and four strange four-faced creatures with four strange intersecting wheels that move freely and, above the wheels an expansive platform, and on that platform, a throne:
"Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him." (Eze.1:26-28)
In short, Ezekiel sees a chariot bearing God on the throne.
- the wheels are within wheels giving free movement in any direction.
- the four creatures who pull the chariot look remarkably like the gargoyles carved on the stone pillars in the Babylonian temple
- the platform of the wagon-chariot is expansive
- the throne is magnificent and the One who is on the throne is magnificent
- His appearance is like a brilliant rainbow, bringing to mind the faithful promise made to Noah.
Why is this new beginning so significant for Ezekiel?
The Israelites had come to see God as being stuck in the temple. But now with the temple being destroyed, God is portrayed as a mobile God who comes to be with his people. Secondly, the Israelites thought that Babylonian gods were more powerful but here they are simply portrayed as the beasts of burden who pull the throne-wagon. History is God's servant. Thirdly, as glorious and majestic as this vision is, the final impression of this God who is with us, is that the storm is over and that the promises will come true.
This is a very encouraging new beginning for Ezekiel the prophet as he rebuilds Israel's hope and understanding in God:
- God is with us wherever we are
- God is in charge of the forces of history and uses history to do His bidding
- God comes to end the storm and keep his promises
Sent from my iPad... Pls excuse brevity and typos...
