Ezekiel 1:13
Ezekiel 1:13 in Multiple Translations
In 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.
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches: the fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
And between the living beings it was like burning coals of fire, as if flames were going one after the other between the living beings; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went thunder-flames.
These beings looked like bright burning coals or torches. Blazing fire moved to and fro between the beings, and lightning flashed out from the fire.
The similitude also of the beasts, and their appearance was like burning coles of fire, and like the appearance of lampes: for the fire ran among the beastes, and the fire gaue a glister, and out of the fire there went lightning.
As to the likeness of the living creatures, their appearances [are] as coals of fire — burning as the appearance of lamps; it is going up and down between the living creatures, and brightness [is] to the fire, and out of the fire is going forth lightning.
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. The fire went up and down among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and lightning went out of the fire.
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
And as for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like that of burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps. This was the vision running to and fro in the midst of the living creatures, a bright fire, and lightning going forth from the fire.
Thefour creatures resembled burning coals or torches. A blazing fire moved back and forth among the creatures, and lighting flashed from among them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 1:13
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 1:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/דְמ֨וּת
הַ/חַיּ֜וֹת
מַרְאֵי/הֶ֣ם
כְּ/גַחֲלֵי
אֵ֗שׁ
בֹּֽעֲרוֹת֙
כְּ/מַרְאֵ֣ה
הַ/לַּפִּדִ֔ים
הִ֕יא
מִתְהַלֶּ֖כֶת
בֵּ֣ין
הַ/חַיּ֑וֹת
וְ/נֹ֣גַהּ
לָ/אֵ֔שׁ
וּ/מִן
הָ/אֵ֖שׁ
יוֹצֵ֥א
בָרָֽק
וּ/דְמ֨וּת
dᵉmûwth
H1823
likeness
Conj | N-fs
הַ/חַיּ֜וֹת
chay
H2416
alive
Art | N-fp
מַרְאֵי/הֶ֣ם
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
N-ms | Suff
כְּ/גַחֲלֵי
gechel
H1513
coal
Prep | N-cp
אֵ֗שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
בֹּֽעֲרוֹת֙
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Qal
כְּ/מַרְאֵ֣ה
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
Prep | N-ms
הַ/לַּפִּדִ֔ים
lappîyd
H3940
torch
Art | N-mp
הִ֕יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מִתְהַלֶּ֖כֶת
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Hithpael
בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep
הַ/חַיּ֑וֹת
chay
H2416
alive
Art | N-fp
וְ/נֹ֣גַהּ
nôgahh
H5051
brightness
Conj | N-fs
לָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
וּ/מִן
min
H4480
from
Conj | Prep
הָ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Art | N-cs
יוֹצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal
בָרָֽק
bârâq
H1300
to use lightning
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 1:13
וּ/דְמ֨וּת
dᵉmûwth
H1823
"likeness"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to a likeness or resemblance, often used to describe something that is similar to something else. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, describing creation and God's relationship with humanity. It helps us understand how things are connected.
Definition: 1) likeness, similitude adv 2) in the likeness of, like as
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fashion, like (-ness, as), manner, similitude. See also: Genesis 1:26; Ezekiel 1:16; Psalms 58:5.
הַ/חַיּ֜וֹת
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
מַרְאֵי/הֶ֣ם
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
כְּ/גַחֲלֵי
gechel
H1513
"coal"
Prep | N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a burning coal or hot ember, often used to describe intense heat or purification. It appears in various contexts, including Isaiah and Ezekiel. The word symbolizes refinement and cleansing.
Definition: coal, burning coal, coals of fire, hot coals
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (burning) coal. See also: Leviticus 16:12; Psalms 140:11; Psalms 18:9.
אֵ֗שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
בֹּֽעֲרוֹת֙
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Qal
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
כְּ/מַרְאֵ֣ה
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
הַ/לַּפִּדִ֔ים
lappîyd
H3940
"torch"
Art | N-mp
A torch or lamp, this word refers to a burning flame or fire. In the Bible, it describes a light source or a symbol of God's power.
Definition: torch
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (fire-) brand, (burning) lamp, lightning, torch. See also: Genesis 15:17; Job 12:5; Isaiah 62:1.
הִ֕יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מִתְהַלֶּ֖כֶת
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Hithpael
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/חַיּ֑וֹת
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | N-fp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ/נֹ֣גַהּ
nôgahh
H5051
"brightness"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to brightness or brilliancy, like the shining of the sun, and is used in Ezekiel 8:2 to describe a brilliant light that looks like a man.
Definition: brightness Aramaic equivalent: no.gah (נֹ֫גַהּ "daylight" H5053)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: bright(-ness), light, (clear) shining. See also: 2 Samuel 22:13; Ezekiel 1:4; Psalms 18:13.
לָ/אֵ֔שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
וּ/מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הָ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Art | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
יוֹצֵ֥א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
בָרָֽק
bârâq
H1300
"to use lightning"
N-ms
This word refers to lightning, a bright and powerful force of nature. It is also used to describe a flashing sword, conveying a sense of speed and intensity.
Definition: to flash (with lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. See also: Exodus 19:16; Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 18:15.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 1:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 1:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:13
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
- Sermons on Ezekiel 1:13
Context — The Four Living Creatures
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. 15When I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 4:5 | From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings, and peals of thunder. Before the throne burned seven torches of fire. These are the seven Spirits of God. |
| 2 | Psalms 104:4 | He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants. |
| 3 | Matthew 28:3 | His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. |
| 4 | Genesis 15:17 | When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, behold, a smoking firepot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the halves of the carcasses. |
| 5 | Daniel 10:5–6 | I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. |
| 6 | Revelation 10:1 | Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire. |
| 7 | Revelation 18:1 | After this I saw another angel descending from heaven with great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his glory. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 1:7 | Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the hooves of a calf, gleaming like polished bronze. |
Ezekiel 1:13 Summary
[This verse describes a powerful and awe-inspiring vision of God's presence, with glowing coals of fire or torches in the midst of the living creatures, symbolizing His purifying and refining power (as seen in Malachi 3:2-3). The fire moving between the creatures represents God's dynamic and powerful presence, reminding us of His holiness and authority (Psalm 97:3-4). As believers, we can apply this vision to our own lives by seeking to reverence and obey God, knowing that He is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28-29), and by being open to the movement of His Spirit in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the glowing coals of fire or torches in the midst of the living creatures?
The appearance of glowing coals of fire or torches represents God's purifying and refining presence, as seen in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet encounters God's holy presence and is purified by a coal from the altar.
Why is fire moving back and forth between the living creatures?
The fire moving between the living creatures symbolizes God's dynamic and powerful presence, reminiscent of the burning bush in Exodus 3:2, where God's presence is accompanied by fire, signifying His holiness and power.
What is the meaning of lightning flashing out of the fire?
The lightning flashing out of the fire represents the swift and powerful judgment of God, as seen in Psalm 97:3-4, where God's presence is accompanied by lightning and flames, symbolizing His mighty power and authority.
How does this vision relate to our lives as believers?
This vision reminds us of God's holy and powerful presence in our lives, calling us to reverence and obedience, as stated in Hebrews 12:28-29, where we are encouraged to worship God with reverence and awe, knowing that our God is a consuming fire.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of glowing coals of fire or torches evoke in my heart, and how can I apply the concept of God's refining fire to my own life?
- How can I, like the living creatures, be open to the movement of God's Spirit in my life, and what are the implications of being led by the Spirit?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's powerful presence in my life, and how can I share this with others?
- In what ways can I, like Ezekiel, be a witness to God's glory and power in my own community, and what are the challenges and opportunities of doing so?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 1:13
As for the likeness of the living creatures,.... That is, of their bodies; for their faces, feet, hands, and wings are described before: their appearance [was] like burning coals of fire: because of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 1:13
As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
He further describeth what he had more briefly spoken of . There you had their shape and make, here you have their colour. The likeness; in which they were seen by the prophet. Their appearance was like burning coals of fire; their aspect was of a fiery colour, to affright and alarm secure sinners. That God who had hitherto appeared most patient and long-suffering, now makes discoveries of himself in dreadful displeasure, which would burn, as , or , or ; that would consume their glory, and there be none to quench it, 21:12. God doth by his prophet here forewarn them of very great miseries coming on them, wrath as fire, as coals, and burning, every word adding weight to the. phrase. It notes also the zeal and fervent affection of these living creatures doing the will of God. And like the appearance of lamps: it was not a furious and unbounded fire, it was as that which burneth in the lamp, limited, it should not devour but the wicked. Or it may note the care and wisdom wherewith these executions should be made, as if all were done in the light of lamps, as in dark places we take candies to light us in our work. Or it may intimate the hope for the good among the Jews, as lamps doth, , and destruction of enemies, as .
Or if it may be interpreted by , where the lamp that burneth expresseth the Divine wisdom and love, and possibly the knowledge and love of Christ, as , it will well suit with the whole vision, and with what next follows. It went up and down; this fire, or the burning lamp or both, went up and down, stood not still, nor was carried, but, as the Hebrew, made itself walk up and down. It moved itself, which is too much to ascribe to creatures; God only is an unmoved mover: so it will lead our thoughts to God, who moved all these living creatures. This fire was bright; it was not the dark and sooty fire of malice and hell. It shined, as always God’ s zeal for his own glory, and as angels’ zeal for the glory of their God, doth. Or it was so bright as to discover itself in more than ordinary glory. Out of the fire went forth lightning: with this God gave the law, ; contends with enemies, . These lightnings, as they are terrible to sinners, and strike an awe upon saints; so they tell both that there is more than ordinary of God to be looked to in them. His judgments as lightning call upon us to fear, seek, and shelter ourselves with God.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
Ezekiel 1:13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance [was] like burning coals of fire, [and] like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.Ver. 13. Their appearance was like burning coals of fire.] Angels are actuosi et efficaces ut ignis, of a fiery nature, and of a fiery operation, as is also the Holy Spirit, whereby they are actuated. Angels are all on a light fire, as it were, with zeal for God and indignation against sin; let us be similarly affected. Paul was a heavenly spark; John Baptist, "a burning and shining light." Chrysostom saith that Peter was a man made all of fire, walking among stubble; Basil was a pillar of fire; Latimer cried out, Deest ignis. In Bucholcere vivida omnia fuerunt, &c. It went up and down among the living creatures.] The fire and flame did. Heb., It made itself to walk of its own accord and pleasure. And the fire was bright.] Let us also labour to kindle and keep quick the fire of zeal upon the hearth of our hearts, without all smoke or smudge of sin. And out of the fire went out lightnings.] "The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth"; his noble works done by those instruments of his, the holy angels, are quickly noted and noticed, as in Sennacherib’ s army. Melch.
Adam.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
(13) Like the appearance of lamps.—The word “and” before this phrase is not in the original, and should be omitted. The words are merely a further explanation. The cherubim were like burning coals of fire, like torches or lightnings. The word “lamps” does not refer to the material, but to the light, and whether in the Hebrew or in its Greek equivalent, is translated by torches (Nahum 2:4; John 18:3),firebrands (Judges 15:4), or lightnings (Exodus 20:18). Ezekiel could find no single word to express his meaning, and has therefore given two, that between them the idea of the fiery brilliancy may be better conveyed. It went up and down.—“ It” refers to the fire. This indescribable fiery appearance went up and down among the living creatures, “bright” in itself, and throwing out coruscations of “lightning.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
Verse 13. Like burning coals of fire] The whole substance appeared to be of flame; and among them frequent coruscations of fire, like vibrating lamps, often emitting lightning, or rather sparks of fire, as we have seen struck out of strongly ignited iron in a forge. The flames might be something like what is called warring wheels in pyrotechny. They seemed to conflict together.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 1:13
13. A slight correction of the text after LXX. is necessary in this verse, which should read as R.V. marg., and in the midst of the living creatures was an appearance like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. The description of the living creatures themselves was finished in Ezekiel 1:12; in this verse the prophet refers to the fire that was between them (ch. Ezekiel 10:2; Ezekiel 10:6 seq.). The whole phenomenon represents not only a chariot on which Jehovah rides, but also a throne on which he sits and a place where he abides. Hence as in Isaiah 6 there is an altar with fire. With the idea of Isaiah, however, the prophet has combined the other that coals of fire accompany the manifestation of Jehovah (Psalms 18:13), and the altar fire gives out flashes like the lightning. This again has suggested the combinations in Revelation 6:9; Revelation 8:3-5.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 1:13
Lamps - “like the appearance of” flames. Omit the “and” before “like.” The “bright flames” resembled “coals of fire.” It went up - i. e. “fire went up.”
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 1:13
13. The Greek text seems to be preferable here: “And in the midst of the living creatures was an appearance as of coals of fire burning, as the appearance of torches turning about in the midst of the living creatures,” etc.
Sermons on Ezekiel 1:13
| Sermon | Description | |
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Burning Fire of the Spirit - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the description of the throne of God in Revelation 4:5. They emphasize that their aim is to provide practical teachings that lead to real-lif |
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(Revelation - Part 1): John Saw Further in All Directions by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the visions that John saw. He describes how John saw various apocalyptic events, such as the sun turning black, th |
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The Unrelenting Humility of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the scene of worship described in Revelation chapter 4. The worship is directed towards the God of all creation, with thunderings, lightning |
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(Through the Bible) Revelation 4-6 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon on Revelation chapter 4, the speaker begins by explaining the significance of the phrase "after these things" which marks the start of the third section of the book. |
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Church History - Session 6 (Prophecy in Daniel and Revelation Fullfilled) by Edgar F. Parkyns | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seals in the book of Revelation. The people in the sermon believed that the seals represented a period of suffering, perse |
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(Second Coming of Christ) 07 the Day Christians Stand Before Jesus by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of judgment and rewards in both earthly and heavenly realms. They explain that during the 70th week, a seven-year period, fearful |
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The Apocalypse - Revelation 4 by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on chapter 4 of the book of Revelation. The chapter begins with John being summoned to heaven where he is given a new vision. The vision centers |