Ezekiel 1:15
Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֵ֖רֶא
Now as I beheld
H7200
וָאֵ֖רֶא
Now as I beheld
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
הַחַיּ֖וֹת
the living creatures
H2416
הַחַיּ֖וֹת
the living creatures
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
2 of 10
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
אֶחָ֥ד
behold one
H259
אֶחָ֥ד
behold one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Cross References
Ezekiel 10:9And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone.Daniel 7:9I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.Revelation 4:7And 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.Ezekiel 1:6And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.
Historical Context
Ancient thrones were typically stationary symbols of fixed authority. Ezekiel's wheeled throne revolutionizes this concept—God's sovereignty is mobile, not geographically limited. This directly addressed exile theology: Jews wondered if Yahweh's power extended to Babylon or remained in Jerusalem's destroyed temple. The chariot-throne demonstrated divine omnipresence and transcendence over territorial limitations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's mobile throne challenge our attempts to confine His presence to particular places or practices?
- What comfort does divine mobility provide when life's circumstances remove us from familiar spiritual settings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The introduction of wheels 'upon the earth by the living creatures' adds new complexity to the vision—this is not a static throne but a mobile chariot. Wheels represent divine mobility and sovereign freedom. The throne can move anywhere God wills, demonstrating He is not confined to temple or territory (contra pagan territorial deities). Four wheels (one per creature) indicate stability and omnidirectional capability. God's presence can manifest wherever He chooses.