Ezekiel 1:12
Ezekiel 1:12 in Multiple Translations
Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved.
And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; they turned not when they went.
Every one of them went straight forward; wherever the spirit was to go they went; they went on without turning.
Each of them went together in whatever direction the Spirit wished them to go, moving without turning.
And euery one went streight forward: they went whither their spirit led them, and they returned not when they went forth.
And each straight forward they go, whither the spirit is to go, they go, they turn not round in their going.
Each one went straight forward. Where the spirit was to go, they went. They didn’t turn when they went.
And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went.
And every one of them went straight forward: whither the impulse of the spirit was to go, thither they went: and they turned not when they went.
The creatures went straight ahead in whatever direction the spiritthat controlled/guided them wanted them to go, without changing directions while they were moving.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 1:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 1:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֛ישׁ
אֶל
עֵ֥בֶר
פָּנָ֖י/ו
יֵלֵ֑כוּ
אֶ֣ל
אֲשֶׁר֩
יִֽהְיֶה
שָׁ֨מָּ/ה
הָ/ר֤וּחַ
לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙
יֵלֵ֔כוּ
לֹ֥א
יִסַּ֖בּוּ
בְּ/לֶכְתָּֽ/ן
וְ/אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
עֵ֥בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
side
N-ms
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
יֵלֵ֑כוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֶ֣ל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שָׁ֨מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
there
Adv | Suff
הָ/ר֤וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Art | N-cs
לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יֵלֵ֔כוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִסַּ֖בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
בְּ/לֶכְתָּֽ/ן
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:12
וְ/אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
עֵ֥בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
"side"
N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
פָּנָ֖י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יֵלֵ֑כוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֶ֣ל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲשֶׁר֩
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִֽהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שָׁ֨מָּ/ה
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv | Suff
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
הָ/ר֤וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Art | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
יֵלֵ֔כוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִסַּ֖בּוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
בְּ/לֶכְתָּֽ/ן
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 1:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 1:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:12
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
- Sermons on Ezekiel 1:12
Context — The Four Living Creatures
10The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle.
11Such were their faces. Their wings were spread upward; each had two wings touching the wings of the creature on either side, and two wings covering its body.
12Each creature went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they moved.
13In the midst of the living creatures was the appearance of glowing coals of fire, or of torches. Fire moved back and forth between the living creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. 14The creatures were darting back and forth as quickly as flashes of lightning.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 1:9 | and their wings were touching one another. They did not turn as they moved; each one went straight ahead. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 10:22 | Their faces looked like the faces I had seen by the River Kebar. Each creature went straight ahead. |
| 3 | Hebrews 1:14 | Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? |
| 4 | Ezekiel 1:17 | As they moved, they went in any of the four directions, without pivoting as they moved. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 1:20–21 | Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. When the creatures moved, the wheels moved; when the creatures stood still, the wheels stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose alongside them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. |
Ezekiel 1:12 Summary
[This verse shows us that the creatures were completely guided by the spirit, and they moved in perfect harmony with it. This is a powerful reminder for us to trust and obey God's will in our lives, just like the creatures trusted the spirit. As we read in Proverbs 3:5-6, we are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, and in Jeremiah 29:11, we are reminded that God has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us. By surrendering to God's leading, we can move forward in faith and experience the unity and harmony that comes from following Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the creatures to go straight ahead without turning as they moved?
This indicates that the creatures were completely surrendered to the will of the spirit, moving in perfect harmony and unity, as seen in Ezekiel 1:12, and is reminiscent of the unity and obedience of the Godhead, as described in John 5:19 and Genesis 1:26.
How does the movement of these creatures relate to our spiritual lives?
The creatures' ability to move in perfect harmony with the spirit is a powerful metaphor for our own relationship with the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs us, as seen in Galatians 5:16-25 and Romans 8:14.
What can we learn from the creatures' ability to move without turning?
Their movement without turning suggests a complete trust and surrender to the spirit's leading, which is a valuable lesson for believers, as we are called to trust and obey God's will, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual discernment?
The creatures' ability to move in harmony with the spirit implies a deep level of spiritual discernment, which is essential for believers, as we are called to discern God's will and move in accordance with it, as seen in Ephesians 5:15-17 and Colossians 1:9-10.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to move 'straight ahead' in my spiritual journey, and how can I surrender to the Holy Spirit's leading in my life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of unity and harmony with other believers, as reflected in the creatures' movement in Ezekiel 1:12?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trust and surrender, as seen in the creatures' movement, to my own relationship with God?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust and obey God's will, even when it's difficult or uncertain, and how can I move forward in faith?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:12
And they went everyone straight forward,.... Or, "over against his face" (q); for, which way soever they went, whether forward or backward, or on either side, they had a face to go before them, to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:12
And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. They went every one straight forward. The same idea as Ezekiel 1:9.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
They went every one straightforward: see . Which way soever they went, each living creature had one face looking straight forwards, and their other faces looking toward other coasts of the world; if the fore right were to the south, the other faces looked one to the east, one to the west, and the other to the north. Thus with rectitude, constancy, wisdom, and universal care Providence rules and guides affairs of the world, and especially of the church, to the glory of God. Whither the spirit was to go; the wind moved, say some; but if there were a gale of wind, which blowing gently on these living creatures stirred them in the sight of the prophet, it was emblematical, and represented to his view the power and influence of the Spirit of God, which moved and acted these admirable creatures. The will, command, and breathing of the Spirit of God both gave and guided their motions to ends he himself designed. Going is attributed here to the Spirit of God by allusion, and not properly, for who is ever in every place cannot properly be said to go from or to any place. They went; the living creatures readily observed the impressions of the Spirit of God, and obeyed. They turned not when they went: see . They looked not back as unwilling, they turned not out of the way as froward, they gave not over till they had completed their course.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
Ezekiel 1:12 And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; [and] they turned not when they went.Ver. 12. And they went every one straight forward.] See on Ezekiel 1:9. Whither the Spirit was to go, they went.] That is, the Spirit of God, by whose direction and conduct the angels do all things; he is the great agent that setteth angels to work. Let us also be "led by the Spirit of God," so shall we approve ourselves "sons of God."
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
(12) Whither the spirit was to go.—The one informing spirit which animated all the living creatures alike, and in accordance with which all their movements were ordered.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
Verse 12. They went every one straight forward] Not by progressive stepping, but by gliding. Whither the spirit was to go] Whither that whirlwind blew, they went, being borne on by the wind, see Ezekiel 1:4.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:12
12. went straightforward] i.e. in the direction to which the living creature’s face was turned. The chariot had four sides facing the four quarters of the heavens; on each side of the chariot was a living creature whose principal face, the human, looked in the same direction as the side of the chariot on which it stood. Thus the whole, the chariot and living creatures, presented exactly the same front to each of the four directions, and there was no need to “turn.” See what is said of the wheels, Ezekiel 1:15 seq. whither the spirit was to go] The “spirit” is the directing impulse. It did not belong to the individual living creatures but to the whole manifestation composed of living creatures, wheels, and the like.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:12
The “chariot,” though composed of distinct parts, was to be considered as a whole. There was one spirit expressive of one conscious life pervading the whole, and guiding the motions of the whole in perfect harmony.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:12
12. The reason of their orderly movements is now given: there was a controlling spirit according to which they moved.All are but parts of one stupendous whole Whose body Nature is, and God the
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:12
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Hebrews 1:4-14 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus Christ. He compares the fulfillment to someone going on a journey and finally appearing in person |
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(2 Samuel) the Kindness of God by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that comparing ourselves to others does not determine our righteousness before God. Instead, we are judged by God's holy standard, such as th |
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Angels Are Real by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, Basilia Schlink shares a story of a little boy who miraculously survives being run over by a truck. The boy claims that there were two angels protecting him during |
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The Supernatural Today by A.C. Valdez Sr. | A.C. Valdez Sr. emphasizes the relevance of supernatural occurrences in today's world, drawing parallels between biblical events and modern manifestations of God's power. He shares |
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The Weeping Mary at the Sepulcre by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches on the importance of seeking Christ diligently, using the example of Mary Magdalene's persistent search for Jesus after His resurrection. He emphasizes t |
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Angelic Assistance and Gazing Upon the Son by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin shares a powerful sermon on the significance of angelic assistance and the importance of gazing upon Jesus, the Son. He recounts a transformative experience in India w |
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Fire 21 Conference by Brian Guerin | Brian Guerin shares a prophetic message at the Fire 21 Conference, emphasizing the need to break barriers that hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit, likening them to a beaver dam tha |