Ezekiel 1:26
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Original Language Analysis
מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃
And above
H4605
מִלְמָֽעְלָה׃
And above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
1 of 18
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙
the firmament
H7549
לָרָקִ֙יעַ֙
the firmament
Strong's:
H7549
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 18
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 #:
4 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשָׁ֔ם
that was over their heads
H7218
רֹאשָׁ֔ם
that was over their heads
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
5 of 18
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה
as the appearance
H4758
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה
as the appearance
Strong's:
H4758
Word #:
6 of 18
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
סַפִּ֖יר
of a sapphire
H5601
סַפִּ֖יר
of a sapphire
Strong's:
H5601
Word #:
8 of 18
a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire
דְּמ֞וּת
and upon the likeness
H1823
דְּמ֞וּת
and upon the likeness
Strong's:
H1823
Word #:
9 of 18
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
הַכִּסֵּ֔א
of a throne
H3678
הַכִּסֵּ֔א
of a throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
וְעַל֙
H5921
וְעַל֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דְּמ֞וּת
and upon the likeness
H1823
דְּמ֞וּת
and upon the likeness
Strong's:
H1823
Word #:
12 of 18
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
הַכִּסֵּ֔א
of a throne
H3678
הַכִּסֵּ֔א
of a throne
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
דְּמ֞וּת
and upon the likeness
H1823
דְּמ֞וּת
and upon the likeness
Strong's:
H1823
Word #:
14 of 18
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה
as the appearance
H4758
כְּמַרְאֵ֥ה
as the appearance
Strong's:
H4758
Word #:
15 of 18
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
אָדָ֛ם
of a man
H120
אָדָ֛ם
of a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
16 of 18
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Ezekiel 10:1Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.Exodus 24:10And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.Revelation 1:13And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.Ezekiel 1:22And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.Daniel 10:18Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me,Revelation 20:11And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.Revelation 14:14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Isaiah 6:1In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.Isaiah 54:11O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings sat on elevated thrones to symbolize authority and dominance. Solomon's throne of ivory overlaid with gold (1 Kings 10:18-20) represented Israel's zenith, but even it paled before this vision of the heavenly throne. The exiles needed assurance that though Judah's earthly throne had fallen, the divine King remained enthroned in sovereign majesty. This vision rebukes the notion that Babylon's conquest of Jerusalem indicated Marduk's superiority over Yahweh. Instead, God's throne-chariot mobility showed He sovereignly moved with His people, maintaining covenant relationship despite judgment. The sapphire's blue color evoked heaven's transcendence, distinguishing the divine throne from earthly counterparts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the vision of God's throne provide comfort and assurance when earthly powers seem to triumph over God's people?
- What does the human-like appearance of the figure on the throne reveal about God's nature and His intention to relate personally to humanity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This verse reaches the vision's climax—the throne of God and the divine figure seated upon it. The progression through firmament, wheels, and living creatures culminates in 'the likeness of a throne' with 'the likeness as the appearance of a man' seated above. The triple hedging ('likeness,' 'appearance,' 'likeness') emphasizes transcendence—this is as close as human language can approach the ineffable. The sapphire throne (eben sappir) echoes Exodus 24:10, where Moses saw God's feet upon a sapphire pavement, connecting this vision to Israel's covenant history. The human-like figure on the throne reveals God's person, anticipating the incarnation where deity assumes humanity fully in Christ. Reformed theology has traditionally seen this as a Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son, who is 'the image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15). The throne imagery emphasizes sovereignty—God rules over nations, including Babylon, and His purposes cannot be thwarted by exile.