Ezekiel 1:25
And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִי
H1961
וַיְהִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מֵעַ֕ל
H5921
מֵעַ֕ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לָרָקִ֖יעַ
from the firmament
H7549
לָרָקִ֖יעַ
from the firmament
Strong's:
H7549
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשָׁ֑ם
that was over their heads
H7218
רֹאשָׁ֑ם
that was over their heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
7 of 10
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
בְּעָמְדָ֖ם
when they stood
H5975
בְּעָמְדָ֖ם
when they stood
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
8 of 10
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
Historical Context
The vision (593 BC) emphasized God's transcendent authority—His voice coming from above all creation. This contrasted with Babylonian myths placing gods within creation. Yahweh's throne transcends all, and His voice commands absolute authority. The cherubim's respectful posture taught proper worship: reverent attention combined with willing obedience. This shaped liturgical practice: reading Scripture precedes response, divine word elicits creaturely worship.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cherubim's attentive posture model proper reception of God's Word?
- What is the relationship between active obedience and reverent listening in Christian discipleship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
"And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings." The voice from above the cherubim represents God's sovereign command. The creatures' standing and lowering wings indicates reverent attention before divine speech. This models proper posture before God: active obedience but also attentive listening. The Reformed emphasis on hearing God's Word appears—creatures exist to hear and obey divine communication. True worship includes both adoration and instruction, receiving God's self-revelation humbly.