Reading for February 5th

Read Ezekiel 1.4-28a The inaugural vision.
The imagery of God's throne chariot (compare 1 Chr 28.18; Ps 18.10) is based on the most holy place in the Temple where the ark of the covenant is kept under the cherubim (1 Kings 6; see also
Ex 25.10-22; 37.1-9).
In verse 4 wind, cloud, and fire appear frequently in the theophanies (Ex 19; 1 Kings 19).
In verses 5-12 Like: the vision is only a proximate human attempt to describe the divine presence.
The four living creatures are the cherubim that surround the ark.
Exodus 25.18-22; 37.7-9; and 1 Kings 6.23-28; 2 Chr 3.10-14 each mentioned only two, but this passage combines the totals.
Composite human/animal winged creatures are well represented throughout the ancient Near East as guardians of thrones, city gates, and temples.
The number four presupposes the four horns of the Temple altar (Ex 27.2; 38.2; Zech 2.1-4; 1.18-21)
which represent the four "winds" or cardinal directions, indicating God's presence in the Temple at the center of creation.
The four faces represent the divine qualities of intelligence (human), royalty (lion), strength (ox), and mobility (eagle).
In verses 13-14 the burning coals of fire: the sacrificial altar of the Temple (Ex 27.1-8; 38.1-7) or the incense altars (Ex 30.1-10; 37.5-28).
In verses 15-21 the wheels contribute to the imagery of divine motion in all four directions.
They are based on the image of the cart that carried the ark of the covenant from Philistia to Jerusalem (1 Sam 6; 2 Sam 6) and the rings that held the poles by which the Levites carried the ark
(Ex 25.12-15; 30.4-5).
The wheel within a wheel: a wheel; with a hub.
In verses 22-25 Dome shining like crystal, see Gen 1.6-8, which uses "firmament" or "dome" to symbolize the distinction between heaven and earth.
The sound of mighty waters: The vision is both auditory and visual.
In verses 26-28a compare 1 Sam 4.4; 2 Sam 6.2; 1 Chr 13.6, "the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned on the cherubim."
Sapphire: see Ex 24.10.
Ezekiel attempts to describe God in human terms, but the imagery is inadequate.
Gleaming amber and fire convey the power and incorporeality of the divine presence.
The rainbow symbolizes God's covenant with creation (Gen 9.8-17).
The glory of the LORD: God's presence (Ex 16.6-7; 40.34-38).
Comments or Questions...