Ezekiel Chapter One

[Jerrysch]

4 ¶ As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire.
5 Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form,
6 Each of them had four faces and four wings.
7 Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them,
9 their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward.
10 As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each had two touching another being, and two covering their bodies.
12 And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went.
13 In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.
14 And the living beings ran to and fro like bolts of lightning.


I am beginning to go through this book, and I am faced with this passage with phrases which I have highlighted in red, what meaning do you find for these phrases? Are they to be understood as pure literal or in some other manner, why or why not? If they are symbolic, where do you find the object of these symbols, that is the meaning of these symbols and for discussion sakle please be specific.

 

[eph3Nine]

4 ¶ As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire.
5 Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form,
6 Each of them had four faces and four wings.
7 Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them,
9 their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward.
10 As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each had two touching another being, and two covering their bodies.
12 And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went.
13 In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.
14 And the living beings ran to and fro like bolts of lightning.


I am beginning to go through this book, and I am faced with this passage with phrases which I have highlighted in red, what meaning do you find for these phrases? Are they to be understood as pure literal or in some other manner, why or why not? If they are symbolic, where do you find the object of these symbols, that is the meaning of these symbols and for discussion sakle please be specific.

Ezekial has to do with the nation Israel. Dispensationalists such as myself , while interested in studies in the OT, find the material in Pauls epistles of much more interest as they give us OUR instructions for today. Prophetic books give us much understanding of how God dealt with Israel.

I am a member of the Body of Christ, therefore I focus on where MY information is found.

 

[Jerrysch]

Ezekial has to do with the nation Israel. Dispensationalists such as myself , while interested in studies in the OT, find the material in Pauls epistles of much more interest as they give us OUR instructions for today. Prophetic books give us much understanding of how God dealt with Israel.

I am a member of the Body of Christ, therefore I focus on where MY information is found.

That is of course, quite informative, yet does not deal with the questions which I posted on this thread. My apeal was to those who find all material in the word of God of great interest (such as myself), sadly there is much in the non Pauline sections of Scripture which are of great importance to all believers. It is sad indeed that you do not find the revelation of God's word to Israel as of "equal interest" with the Pauline portions of Scripture considering those who had given all they had to insure that we in this 21 century got intact all thre words which God gave as inspiration by way of the work of His Spirit. I myself find a tremendous amount of Joy when considering numerous passages in the book of Psalms when we are told of Messiah comming and rescueing those of ethnic Israel at the close of the great tribulation. The Old(er) Testament gives witness to the glory of God, much of that glory is not made manifest by the writtings of Paul.But indeed I am rambling, I wanted to have the group's "take" on this passage of Scripture, do you have anything to offer in that regard?

 

[eph3Nine]

That is of course, quite informative, yet does not deal with the questions which I posted on this thread. My apeal was to those who find all material in the word of God of great interest (such as myself), sadly there is much in the non Pauline sections of Scripture which are of great importance to all believers. It is sad indeed that you do not find the revelation of God's word to Israel as of "equal interest" with the Pauline portions of Scripture considering those who had given all they had to insure that we in this 21 century got intact all thre words which God gave as inspiration by way of the work of His Spirit. I myself find a tremendous amount of Joy when considering numerous passages in the book of Psalms when we are told of Messiah comming and rescueing those of ethnic Israel at the close of the great tribulation. The Old(er) Testament gives witness to the glory of God, much of that glory is not made manifest by the writtings of Paul.But indeed I am rambling, I wanted to have the group's "take" on this passage of Scripture, do you have anything to offer in that regard?

I think I said "while I DO find the OT of interest". All of the Bible is for our LEARNING, but not for our obedience.

The POINT is one cannot understand the MYSTERY without first seeing what and WHY God had two programs to begin with...one which was SPOKEN by the mouths of the prophets since the world began (ISRAELS KINGDOM PROGRAM), and one which was KEPT SECRET since the world began (OUR MYSTERY program given to Paul).

Ezekial is extremely interesting IF we keep in mind that it is prophetic and having to do with the nation ISRAEL. It has NOTHING whatsoever to do with we, the Body of Christ. With that in mind....continue on...

 

[Jerrysch]

I think I said "while I DO find the OT of interest". All of the Bible is for our LEARNING, but not for our obedience.

What ever you said... your lack of desire to contribute your take on this passage of Scripture demonstrated something else I think.

The reason I asked about this passage was to find out how people here find meaning in smbolic sections of Scripture. Are you interested in the meaning of these symbols? Have you assigned meaning to these symbols? Are they, in you understanding symbols at all ro something else? What meaning do you find and what is it based upon? Dispys will find idfferent meaning than CTers, that is why I presented it here, I desire to know how dispys view this passage of Scripture, I think we all would like your "take" on this portion of God's wnderful reveltation, at least I would like to hear it

 

[eph3Nine]

Im truthfully really not interested in this particular passage or in symbols per se. I find plenty to get excited about and keep me busy just studying Gods plan for today.

I am now studying ACTS dispensationally and finding alot of wonderful things. Only so much time in the day, ya know? And I have a ministry on Paltalk that keeps me really busy.

You are invited to join us if you feel so inclined. Tues and Thurs eves at 7:00 PM Central time. Pastor Trent Cole from Dayton Ohio in the room called "Gods Will Made Clear". www.paltalk.com is where its at, and its LIVE Bible Study with questions and answers afterwards.

We are currently looking at Gods BIG PICTURE and why He has two programs. One involving the nation Israel and one involving we the Body of Christ. We are still looking at Gods KINGDOM GOSPEL and showing how this doesnt relate to we , the Body of Christ. Its been very well attended, about 30-40 people each evening and good dialogue afterwards.

 

[Dennis_Hogg]

Perhaps the four faces although real represent four different groups of created beings wild beasts, tame beasts, birds and man. The cherubim might represent the pinnacle of all created living beings, and "Lucifer" was the pinnacle of the cherubim Ezek 28:14

 

[Dispy]

4 ¶ As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire.
5 Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form,
6 Each of them had four faces and four wings.
7 Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them,
9 their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward.
10 As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each had two touching another being, and two covering their bodies.
12 And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went.
13 In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.
14 And the living beings ran to and fro like bolts of lightning.


I am beginning to go through this book, and I am faced with this passage with phrases which I have highlighted in red, what meaning do you find for these phrases? Are they to be understood as pure literal or in some other manner, why or why not? If they are symbolic, where do you find the object of these symbols, that is the meaning of these symbols and for discussion sakle please be specific.

Scofield, in his study Bible, has quite a long footnote for verse 6. I will copy a portion of it for you, and if you have a Scofield Bible, maybe you can read the rest.

"The "living creatures" are identical with the Cherubim. The subject is somewhat obsure, but from the position of the Cherubim at the gate of Eden, upon the cover of the ark of the covenant, and in Rev. 4., it is clearly gathered that they have to do with the vindication of the holiness of God as against the presumptuous pride of sinful man, who despite his sin, would "put forth his hand, and take also the tree of life (Gen.3. 22-24".(SNIP)

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[Jerrysch]

Scofield, in his study Bible, has quite a long footnote for verse 6. I will copy a portion of it for you, and if you have a Scofield Bible, maybe you can read the rest.

"The "living creatures" are identical with the Cherubim. The subject is somewhat obsure, but from the position of the Cherubim at the gate of Eden, upon the cover of the ark of the covenant, and in Rev. 4., it is clearly gathered that they have to do with the vindication of the holiness of God as against the presumptuous pride of sinful man, who despite his sin, would "put forth his hand, and take also the tree of life (Gen.3. 22-24".(SNIP)

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

Interesting... but how did he reach his conclusions, and how then can we determine the validity of these?

 

[Dispy]

Interesting... but how did he reach his conclusions, and how then can we determine the validity of these?

Jerry, being Dr. Scofield is no longer alive, I cannot ask him how he reached his conclusions. There are no doubt more knowledgeable persons then I who can give a better determinations then I could.

I am no authority on the symbolisms in the book of the Revelation.

Good luck in you study.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[johnlf]

I apologize that I cannot yet post URLs

Google this under exact phrase search and it will be the only link:

articles/2001/378/

The Gospel in Quadraphonic:

Why Are There Four Gospels?

 

[Mograce2U]

Hi Jerrysch,
Do you have a Harper's? It has a fairly good commentary on Eziekel. It doesn't give much on the 4 living creatures however.

Robin

 

[Mograce2U]

oops duplicate post
Robin

 

[DeaconDean]

These Four Living Creatures may be the Cherubim that are also related to the Four Living creatures in Revelation 4:7-8.

"And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." -Rev. 4:7-8

"Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning." -Eze. 1:4-14

Also:


[FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica]Nave's Topical Bible[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica]Cherubim [T]

• 
  
• Eastward of the garden of Eden
  Genesis 3:24
• In the tabernacle
  Exodus 25:18-20; 37:7-9
• The ark of the covenant rested beneath the wings of
  1 Kings 8:6,7; 2 Chronicles 5:7,8; Hebrews 9:5
• Figures of, embroidered
  • On the walls of the tabernacle
    Exodus 26:1; 36:8
  • And on the curtain
    Exodus 26:31; 36:35
• In the temple
  1 Kings 6:23-29; 2 Chronicles 3:10-13
• Figures of
  • On the curtain
    2 Chronicles 3:14
  • On the walls
    1 Kings 6:29-35; 2 Chronicles 3:7
  • On the lavers
    1 Kings 7:29,36
• In Ezekiel’s vision of the temple
  Ezekiel 41:18-20,25
• FIGURATIVE
  Ezekiel 28:14:16
• SYMBOLICAL
  Ezekiel 1; 10

I hope this helps. [/FONT]

 

[Covenant Heart]

4 ¶ As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire.
5 Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form,
6 Each of them had four faces and four wings.
7 Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them,
9 their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward.
10 As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each had two touching another being, and two covering their bodies.
12 And each went straight forward; wherever the spirit was about to go, they would go, without turning as they went.
13 In the midst of the living beings there was something that looked like burning coals of fire, like torches darting back and forth among the living beings. The fire was bright, and lightning was flashing from the fire.
14 And the living beings ran to and fro like bolts of lightning.


I am beginning to go through this book, and I am faced with this passage with phrases which I have highlighted in red, what meaning do you find for these phrases? Are they to be understood as pure literal or in some other manner, why or why not? If they are symbolic, where do you find the object of these symbols, that is the meaning of these symbols and for discussion sakle please be specific.

I'd Go For Figures Of Speech...


And I'll tell you why. If you search your text, you will find that the word "like" occurs 6x. Like is term of comparison. It is a simile, a literary form that draws attention to a point of correspondence.

Of course, there are images in the reading that do NOT use "like." What will you do with them? They occur at the beginning of the reading, and at the end. And there are several in the middle. What does it mean?

Are you to read as literary figures ONLY those images that use the word, "like," OR do you suppose that the positioning of those "likes" might be intended to SUGGEST that you read ALL the images that way?

What do you think?

Blessings!
Covenant Heart