Ezekiel 1:5-14 – God is in sovereign control

Ezekiel 1:5-14 tells us that from the midst of the stormy wind, Ezekiel saw four living creatures. These ten verses describe the features of these four creatures. In Ezekiel 10:20 the prophet referred to them as cherubim. They are angelic beings first mentioned in Genesis 3:24. There we are told that after Adam had sinned, God placed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden with a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the Tree of life. This was only one role that cherubim played. However, in all the passages that talked about cherubim, their obvious role was to magnify God’s sovereignty and His righteousness. They would guard the holiness of God.

These cherubim all four of them in these verses have the same unique features. They were all human-like. Unlike Revelation 4, these living beings only had four wings instead of six. Each had four wings and four faces in different directions. These described in Ezekiel only needed four wings because they were underneath the platform of God’s throne and had no need for their eyes to be covered and shielded from looking at God. 

Each of the living creatures had four faces. One with the face of a man, one with the face of a lion, one with the face of an ox, and one with the face of an eagle. They were all representatives of God’s total creation. It is a symbol of His control over the different spheres of life. Whether on earth, in the wild, in domestic, or in the sky, God is above all ruling in His awesome sovereignty.

The four cherubim stood in four corners. Each with two outspread wings touching the tips of that of the next living being to form a hollow square. Then with the other two wings, they each cover themselves. This was to show both modesty in being and unity in purpose. Underneath the wings were undisclosed numbers of hands, probably two in number. Like humans, they each had two legs which were said to be straight and without joints but with hoofs glistening like polished brass.

Verse 12 said that when they moved, they would go straight forward. In other words, they did not turn to change direction speaking of being focused on fulfilling a common purpose and demonstrating dedication in their assignment. Their movements were said to be as instant as a flash of lightning i.e., they were not only spontaneous but instantaneous. They would act swiftly and implement the will of God as directed by the Spirit.

Verse 13 says that the appearance of these living creatures was like burning coal of fire. This implies that they were reflecting the glory of God because of their proximity to Him. Remember Moses? How his face glistened brightly after spending much time in God’s presence. Perhaps this was why the cherubim having constantly been in God’s presence were said to have faces like burning coals.

These four living beings made up of part angel, part human, and part animal were fitting representatives of the whole created order of God. Their service to God points us to the sovereignty of God over all creation. What Ezekiel saw was vital. They helped him and the exiles, and even us to know that God is sovereign. And that He is still on the throne. And no matter how trying the circumstances we encounter may be, God is in control. He knows everything that we are going through. And it is comforting to know that in all things, He is working out for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose.