Daily Devotions
Ezekiel
"The likeness of four living creatures"
Text: Ezekiel 1:5
NEW SYMBOLS
The vision God gave to Ezekiel was complex and profound. There were symbols that were familiar (“cloud”, “fire”). But there were also “new” symbols that were introduced.
“Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures.
And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.
Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings.”
Ezekiel 1:5-6
1. “Likeness of four living creatures”
a) These may be identified as “cherubim” (Ezekiel 10:1).
b) They were first mentioned as guardians of Eden (Genesis 3:24).
c) They were carved onto the mercy seat of the Ark (Exodus 25:17-22).
2. These were mighty angels.
a) They were “living creatures”.
b) The cherubim in the Tabernacle were not imagined beings.
c) These mighty angels stood in the presence of the LORD.
3. “Four faces”
a) It is difficult to imagine how this works.
b) The four faces belong to a single cherub.
c) They may represent a number of things:
i) Their complexity.
ii) Their personality.
iii) Their capability.
4. “Four wings”
a) The wings represent a number of things:
i) Power
ii) Mobility
iii) Speed
b) Each cherub had four wings.
i) This serves to highlight their might.
ii) These were not ordinary creatures.
iii) These were amazing and mighty living cherubim of the LORD.
c) They reflect the majesty and glory of God Most High.