Reading for December 17th

Read Ezekiel 1.4-12. In 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 hholy place in the Temple where the ark of the covenant is kept under the cherubim's (1 Kings 6; see also Ex 25.10-22; 37.1-9). In verse 4: Wind, cloud, and fire appear frequently in theophanies (Ex 19; 1 Kings 19). In verses 5-12: Like: The vision is only a promiimate 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; 2 Chr 3.10-14 each emntioned 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 represents 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), royal (lion), strength (ox), and mobility (eagle). Comments or Questions..