Ezekiel 1:24 - When they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of an army. When they stood, they let down their wings.

Generated Verse: Ezekiel 1:24

What does "Ezekiel 1:24" mean?


This verse from Ezekiel 1:24 is part of a very vivid and symbolic description of Ezekiel's vision of God's glory. Let's break down the meaning:

"When they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters..." The "they" refers to the living creatures (or cherubim) Ezekiel sees around God's throne. Their movement creates a powerful, overwhelming sound, compared to the roar of vast, rushing waters (like a waterfall or ocean). This suggests immense power and energy.

"...like the voice of the Almighty..." The noise is further intensified by comparing it to the voice of God. This links the creatures and their movement directly to God's authority and presence. It's not literally God's voice, but it conveys the same sense of divine power and command.

"...a noise of tumult like the noise of an army." The sound is also likened to the chaotic, organized force of an army in motion. This brings in the idea of God's divine warfare, his power to act decisively and forcefully in the world. The "tumult" suggests a controlled, yet overwhelming, intensity.

"When they stood, they let down their wings." When the creatures stopped moving, they lowered their wings. This suggests a pause in action, a moment of reverence, or a ceasing of activity. It could also symbolize submission and attentiveness to God's will. When they are not actively carrying out God's work, they are in a state of waiting, ready to receive new instructions.

Overall Meaning and Significance:

God's Power and Glory: The verse emphasizes the sheer power, majesty, and overwhelming presence of God. The loud, multifaceted sound is a sensory representation of God's glory.
The Servants of God: The living creatures are powerful beings, but they are also servants of God. Their movements and stillness are dictated by His will.
The Divine Realm is Active and Dynamic: The vision is not static. There's a sense of constant activity, movement, and energy surrounding God's throne.
Awe and Reverence: The verse evokes a sense of awe and reverence. Ezekiel is witnessing something beyond human comprehension, and the sheer force of the vision is meant to inspire humility and respect.
Symbolic Language: It is important to remember this is symbolic language used to convey spiritual realities that are difficult to describe in ordinary terms. Ezekiel is using the most powerful and awe-inspiring comparisons he can think of to communicate the nature of God's glory.

In summary, Ezekiel 1:24 is a powerful description of God's presence and power, conveyed through the imagery of the living creatures and the intense sounds associated with their movement. It emphasizes God's authority, the dynamism of the divine realm, and the proper response of awe and reverence in the face of the holy.