Reading for December 18th

Read Ezekiel 1.13-28. 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 onthe image of the cart that carried the ark of the covenant from Philista 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 on the covenant of the Lord of Hosts, who is enthroned on the chereubim." Apphire: 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 incorporealty 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..