Ezekiel 1:28 - As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.
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What does "Ezekiel 1:28" mean?
This verse, Ezekiel 1:28, is the culmination of a powerful and complex vision Ezekiel has in the first chapter of his book. Let's break down what it means:
"As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain..." This is a simile. Ezekiel is comparing the "brightness all around" to a rainbow. Rainbows are visually striking and associated with hope, promise, and God's covenant with Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:13-17). In this context, the rainbow-like brightness suggests a divine presence that is both awesome and potentially merciful.
"...so was the appearance of the brightness all around." Ezekiel is emphasizing the sheer brilliance and captivating nature of the light surrounding the figure he's witnessing. It's not just bright, it's like a rainbow, radiating different colors and possessing an otherworldly quality.
"This was the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory." This is the heart of the matter. The rainbow-like brightness is described as the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh's glory. It's crucial to understand that Ezekiel is not seeing Yahweh himself in his fullness, which is likely beyond human comprehension. Instead, he's being granted a glimpse, a manifestation, of God's glory. The phrase "likeness" suggests that what Ezekiel sees is an approximation, a representation of God's power, majesty, and holiness.
"When I saw it, I fell on my face..." This is a typical reaction to encountering the divine in the Hebrew Bible. Falling on one's face is a sign of deep reverence, humility, and submission in the face of overwhelming power and holiness. Ezekiel is overwhelmed by what he sees and recognizes the immense gap between himself and the divine presence.
"...and I heard a voice of one that spoke." This marks the beginning of Ezekiel's prophetic calling. The voice confirms that this is not just a random phenomenon but a communication from God. The voice will then proceed to give Ezekiel his mission to speak to the people of Israel.
In summary, Ezekiel 1:28 depicts:
A theophany: An appearance or manifestation of God to humans.
God's glory as an awe-inspiring, rainbow-like radiance: The brilliance suggests power and holiness. The rainbow connection hints at covenant and hope amidst the storm.
Ezekiel's profound reaction of humility and submission: Overwhelmed by the divine presence, he falls prostrate.
The commencement of Ezekiel's prophetic calling: The voice signals a divine commission and the beginning of his role as a messenger of God.
Key Themes and Interpretations:
The Holiness and Transcendence of God: The vision emphasizes God's distinctness and separateness from humanity.
God's Communication with Humanity: Even though God is transcendent, He chooses to reveal Himself and communicate with chosen individuals.
The Prophet's Role: Ezekiel's response underscores the appropriate posture for a prophet: humility, obedience, and a willingness to receive and deliver God's message.
Hope in Judgement: Even amidst the impending destruction of Jerusalem that Ezekiel will prophesy, the appearance of the rainbow hints at God's faithfulness and potential for restoration.
This verse is a pivotal point in Ezekiel's book, marking the beginning of his prophetic journey and setting the stage for his message of judgment and hope to the people of Israel.
Ezekiel 1:28 - As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.
What does "Ezekiel 1:28" mean?
This verse, Ezekiel 1:28, is the culmination of a powerful and complex vision Ezekiel has in the first chapter of his book. Let's break down what it means:
"As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain..." This is a simile. Ezekiel is comparing the "brightness all around" to a rainbow. Rainbows are visually striking and associated with hope, promise, and God's covenant with Noah after the flood (Genesis 9:13-17). In this context, the rainbow-like brightness suggests a divine presence that is both awesome and potentially merciful.
"...so was the appearance of the brightness all around." Ezekiel is emphasizing the sheer brilliance and captivating nature of the light surrounding the figure he's witnessing. It's not just bright, it's like a rainbow, radiating different colors and possessing an otherworldly quality.
"This was the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory." This is the heart of the matter. The rainbow-like brightness is described as the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh's glory. It's crucial to understand that Ezekiel is not seeing Yahweh himself in his fullness, which is likely beyond human comprehension. Instead, he's being granted a glimpse, a manifestation, of God's glory. The phrase "likeness" suggests that what Ezekiel sees is an approximation, a representation of God's power, majesty, and holiness.
"When I saw it, I fell on my face..." This is a typical reaction to encountering the divine in the Hebrew Bible. Falling on one's face is a sign of deep reverence, humility, and submission in the face of overwhelming power and holiness. Ezekiel is overwhelmed by what he sees and recognizes the immense gap between himself and the divine presence.
"...and I heard a voice of one that spoke." This marks the beginning of Ezekiel's prophetic calling. The voice confirms that this is not just a random phenomenon but a communication from God. The voice will then proceed to give Ezekiel his mission to speak to the people of Israel.
In summary, Ezekiel 1:28 depicts:
A theophany: An appearance or manifestation of God to humans.
God's glory as an awe-inspiring, rainbow-like radiance: The brilliance suggests power and holiness. The rainbow connection hints at covenant and hope amidst the storm.
Ezekiel's profound reaction of humility and submission: Overwhelmed by the divine presence, he falls prostrate.
The commencement of Ezekiel's prophetic calling: The voice signals a divine commission and the beginning of his role as a messenger of God.
Key Themes and Interpretations:
The Holiness and Transcendence of God: The vision emphasizes God's distinctness and separateness from humanity.
God's Communication with Humanity: Even though God is transcendent, He chooses to reveal Himself and communicate with chosen individuals.
The Prophet's Role: Ezekiel's response underscores the appropriate posture for a prophet: humility, obedience, and a willingness to receive and deliver God's message.
Hope in Judgement: Even amidst the impending destruction of Jerusalem that Ezekiel will prophesy, the appearance of the rainbow hints at God's faithfulness and potential for restoration.
This verse is a pivotal point in Ezekiel's book, marking the beginning of his prophetic journey and setting the stage for his message of judgment and hope to the people of Israel.