And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
Ezekiel describes the sound of the living creatures' wings: 'And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.' The comparison to 'great waters' recalls how God's voice is described elsewhere (Psalm 29:3, Revelation 1:15, 14:2). The phrase 'voice of the Almighty' (qol Shaddai, קוֹל שַׁדַּי) identifies the sound as divine—God's presence produces overwhelming auditory majesty matching the visual glory. The 'noise of an host' (qol machaneh, קוֹל מַחֲנֶה) suggests military might, depicting God as divine warrior with angelic armies. The movement and stillness of the wings demonstrates perfect responsiveness to God's will—they move when He commands, rest when He ordains. This teaches that all creation exists to serve God's purposes.
Historical Context
In ancient Near Eastern cosmology, divine beings were often associated with storm imagery—thunder, lightning, mighty waters. The four living creatures (cherubim) attend God's mobile throne, showing His presence isn't static but actively engaged with creation. The alternating sound and silence (wings moving/resting) demonstrates controlled, purposeful action rather than chaotic movement. For exiles who questioned whether God was active or had abandoned them, this vision assured that He remains sovereign, powerful, and engaged. The imagery influenced later apocalyptic literature (Daniel, Revelation) and Jewish mysticism (Merkavah tradition).
Questions for Reflection
How does the imagery of God's voice as mighty waters remind you of His power and authority?
What does the creatures' responsive obedience (moving and stopping) teach about aligning your will with God's?
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Analysis & Commentary
Ezekiel describes the sound of the living creatures' wings: 'And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.' The comparison to 'great waters' recalls how God's voice is described elsewhere (Psalm 29:3, Revelation 1:15, 14:2). The phrase 'voice of the Almighty' (qol Shaddai, קוֹל שַׁדַּי) identifies the sound as divine—God's presence produces overwhelming auditory majesty matching the visual glory. The 'noise of an host' (qol machaneh, קוֹל מַחֲנֶה) suggests military might, depicting God as divine warrior with angelic armies. The movement and stillness of the wings demonstrates perfect responsiveness to God's will—they move when He commands, rest when He ordains. This teaches that all creation exists to serve God's purposes.