Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 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.
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 Eze 1:12; in this verse the prophet refers to the fire that was between them (ch. Eze 10:2; Eze 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 (Psa 18:13), and the altar fire gives out flashes like the lightning. This again has suggested the combinations in Rev 6:9; Rev 8:3-5.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
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.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
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.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
He further describeth what he had more briefly spoken of Eze 1:6. 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 Num 11:1-3, or Isa 10:17, or Jer 4:4; that would consume their glory, and there be none to quench it, Jer 7:20; 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, Isa 62:1, and destruction of enemies, as Zec 12:6. Or if it may be interpreted by Dan 10:6, where the lamp that burneth expresseth the Divine wisdom and love, and possibly the knowledge and love of Christ, as Rev 1:15, 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 Gods 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, Exo 19:16; contends with enemies, 2Sa 22:15; Zec 9:14. 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.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
13. likeness . . . appearancenottautology. “Likeness” expresses the general form;”appearance,” the particular aspect.
coals of firedenotingthe intensely pure and burning justice wherewith God punishes by Hisangels those who, like Israel, have hardened themselves against Hislong-suffering. So in Isa 6:2;Isa 6:6, instead of cherubim, thename “seraphim,” the burning ones, is applied,indicating God’s consuming righteousness; whence their cry to Him is,”Holy! holy! holy!” and the burning coal is applied to hislips, for the message through his mouth was to be one of judicialseverance of the godly from the ungodly, to the ruin of the latter.
lampstorches. The fireemitted sparks and flashes of light, as torches do.
went up and downexpressingthe marvellous vigor of God’s Spirit, in all His movements neverresting, never wearied.
fire . . . brightindicatingthe glory of God.
out of the fire . . .lightningGod’s righteousness will at last cause the bolt ofHis wrath to fall on the guilty; as now, on Jerusalem.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
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 their ministerial gifts; the gifts of the Spirit are compared to fire, and like coals of fire are to be stirred up, and not covered or quenched; Ac 2:3; and because of their clear shining light in the truths of the Gospel; and because of their ardent love to Christ, and the souls of men; the coals whereof give a most vehement flame, which all the waters of reproach and persecution cannot quench, So 8:6; and because of their burning zeal for the glory of God, and the interest of the Redeemer; hence they are called “seraphim”, fiery or burning Isa 6:2;
[and] like the appearance of lamps: so the ministers of the Gospel are compared to lamps, which hold forth the light of the Gospel to the sons of men; they are the lights or lamps of the world, and some of them are bright burning and shining ones, as John was, Mt 5:14;
it went up and down among the living creatures; that is, fire went up and down among them; so the Targum,
“and fire inflamed was among the creatures;”
by which may be meant the word of God, comparable to fire,
Jer 20:9; common to all the ministers of the Gospel, by which their minds are enlightened, and their hearts are warmed and filled with zeal, and by which they are the means of enlightening and warming others:
and the fire was bright; and clear, as the word of God is:
and out of the fire went forth lightning; by means of the ministry of the word, the kingdom and interest of Christ spread like lightning in the world, from east to west; so the coming of the son of man in his kingdom and power is compared to lightning, Mt 24:27; it denotes the quick, penetrating, and enlightening power and efficacy of the word.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
As I said yesterday, something divine ought to shine forth in this vision, because God set forth the face of a man and of an ox, of an eagle and of a lion, and in this he accommodates himself to the stupidity of the people, as I have said, and also to the capacity of the Prophet, because, as we are men, we cannot penetrate beyond the sky. God therefore bore in mind his Prophet, and all the pious, while, at the same time, he wished indirectly to reprove the people’s sluggishness. At the same time, if the face of a man had not been different from common forms, the vision had not excited such admiration in the mind of the Prophet. Hence something heavenly ought to be mixed with the earthly figures. This is the reason why the living creatures were like burning fire Now we begin to understand what this difference means; as when God appeared to Moses, if there had been nothing wonderful in it, Moses would not have thought that he was called by God, but he acknowledged God in the bush, because he saw that the bush was on fire and yet not consumed. (Exo 3:2.) Then he began to be aroused, and to reflect within himself, that a divine vision was presented to him. The same is to be diligently observed in this place. And hence we gather, how humanely, nay, how indulgently, God deals with us. For, as on his part, he sees how small is our comprehension, so he descends to us: hence the faces of the living creatures, the stature of their body, and what we have formerly mentioned. Now, however, since he sees us torpid upon the ground, and lying there, as it were idle, so he raises us up: this is the meaning of what Ezekiel now says, viz., the appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals. And since coals taken out of the fire sometimes die out, he says the coals were burning. The Prophet would of necessity be moved when he saw that. the living creatures were not really such, that is, when he saw in the form of the animals something celestial, and exceeding the standard of nature, and even the senses of man: and this also ]s profitable to the rest of man.-kind. For when we read this vision we acknowledge what the Prophet narrates to be so evident, that God shines forth in it, and does not suffer his Prophet to doubt. Hence his teaching, which is marked by such certain proofs, is better confirmed to us. In the meantime, it is desirable to impress upon the memory what we said yesterday, that there is something terrific in this vision, since the people were hardened against all threats, nay, even blows themselves. For God had already inflicted severe judgments, not only on the kingdom of Israel, but on the city itself, and the whole land of Judah. Even the captives were champing their bits and roaring, because driven into exile, and, in the meantime, those who remained in the city thought that they were treated nobly. Wherefore such was their security, that it was necessary to put terrors before them, as we shall see a little while afterwards. And it is also said, the fire burned before God, where he not only wishes his own glory to be beheld by us, but where he wishes to strike fear, as he did at the promulgation of the law. (Exo 19:20) And David, in the 18 Psalm, narrates that God appeared to him in this way when he was preserved by him: (Psa 18:8 🙂 doubtless he understands that God unfolded his formidable power against the unbelieving. So also in this place, he says, the appearance of the living creatures was like fiery and burning coals, and then he adds another image, that they were like lamps, which some explain as firebrands or burnt wood. But another opinion is more general, and more approved by me. The Prophet now expresses the form of the fire more dearly, viz., that the coals were like lamps For lamps send out their brightness to a distance, and seem to scatter their rays in every direction, like the sun when it shines through the serene air. On the whole, the Prophet means, that the fire was not obscure but full of sparks, and shows that rays were diffused like lighted lamps. Afterwards he says, they walked between the living creatures The Prophet sees, as it were, a fiery form amidst the living creatures themselves. Thus God wished to show the vigor of his own spirit in all actions, that we should not measure it in our manner, according to the depravity which is innate with us. For when we discourse concerning the works of God, we conceive what our reason comprehends, and we wish in some way to affix in our minds an image of God. But God shows, that when he works there is a wonderful vigor, as if fire were moving to and fro. Hence that vigor is incomprehensible to us.
Afterwards he says, The fire was bright, and lightning issued from it This would affect the Prophet’s mind, when he saw fire glittering in an unaccustomed manner. We know that fire is often bright, especially when flame is added; but the Prophet here intends something very uncommon, as if he had said that the fire is not like that arising from lighted wood, but that it was resplendent, whence we may readily collect that God here sets before us his visible glory: and for the same reason he says, lightning issued from the fire Hence arises the splendor just mentioned, since lightning is mingled with the fire. But we know that lightning cannot be beheld without fear; for in a moment the air seems inflamed, just as if God would in some way or other absorb the world: hence the appearance of lightning is always terrible to us. He was unwilling, indeed, that his Prophet should be frightened, except as far as was needful to humble him. But, as I stated at the beginning, this vision was not offered to the Prophet for his private use, but that it might be useful to the whole people. Meanwhile the Prophet, as he was but human, had need of this preparation, that he might be humbled. For we always attribute something to pride, which renders our senses obtuse, so as to be incapable of the glory of God. Therefore when God wishes to become familiarly known to us, he strips us of all pride and all security: lastly, humility is the beginning of true intelligence. Now we understand why lightning issued from the fire: he afterwards confirms this.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(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 (Nah. 2:4; Joh. 18:3),firebrands (Jdg. 15:4), or lightnings (Exo. 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.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
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. (LXX.; see also Eze 10:2). The term “coals of fire” is used, Psa 18:12, of the “fireballs of the thunderstorm,” and in Exo 20:18, the lightnings are called “torches.” Has this any reference to Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6), with its altar and coals? St. John also (Rev 4:5; Rev 8:3-5) saw the lightnings coming from the throne and the altar which was before it, and counted the torches “which are the seven spirits of God.”
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. It went up and down among the living creatures, and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. And the living creatures ran and returned (RSV ‘darted to and fro) as the appearance of a flash of lightning.’
The writer calls on all the resources known to man as sources for the splendour of light, apart from the heavenly bodies (which he would not wish to associate with the scene due to their significance in Babylonian worship). ‘Burning coals of fire’, ‘torches’ and ‘lightning’. The thought is of splendour and glory, and swiftness, and holiness and possibly resulting judgment. The idea is not to analyse but to wonder at the glory and splendour of the sight.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Eze 1:13. Like the appearance, &c. Like the appearance of lamps which went up and down among the living creatures. That is, the fire moved itself up and down. Milton’s expression is, “And careering fires between:” that is, fires which ran swiftly, and as it were tilted at each other.See Par. Lost, vi. 756. and Newton’s note.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Eze 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, Isa 4:4 Mat 3:11 Act 2:3 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. a
It went up and down among the living creatures.
And the fire was bright.
And out of the fire went out lightnings.
a Melch. Adam.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
lamps = the lamp; or, torch (singular)
went forth = kept going forth.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Eze 1:7, Gen 15:17, Psa 104:4, Dan 10:5, Dan 10:6, Mat 28:3, Rev 4:5, Rev 10:1, Rev 18:1
Reciprocal: 2Ki 6:17 – full of horses Psa 80:1 – dwellest Eze 10:2 – coals Eze 10:7 – unto the Eze 10:15 – This Dan 7:9 – and his wheels Heb 1:7 – Who
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Eze 1:13. This verse is a general description Of the four creatures, and the central meaning is that they were lively and attractive which was true of the empires.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Eze 1:13-14. As for the likeness of the living creatures Their colour, or aspect; their appearance was like burning coals They were inflamed by the Spirit of God with a holy zeal for his glory, and with indignation against impenitent sinners. This might also be intended as a symbolical declaration, that after the long patience of God, all things now tended to vengeance, and the executing of his judgments upon the Jews; for executing which he would use these angels as ministers. And like the appearance of lamps This probably signified, that the uprightness of the divine justice should shine forth, or be made manifest in these judgments. It went up and down among the living creatures That is, the fire moved itself up and down. Miltons expression, (Paradise Lost, 6:756,) is, And careening fires between. That is, fires which ran swiftly, and, as it were, tilted at each other: emblematical of the terrible effects of the ministry of these living creatures on the objects of divine vengeance. Out of the fire went forth lightning Significative of the irresistible force of the divine judgments, and the terrible and sudden destruction to be produced by them. And the living creatures ran and returned as a flash of lightning With inexpressible velocity: the swiftness of their motions every way resembled flashes of lightning. They ran to do their work, and execute their orders, says Henry, and then returned to give an account of what they had done, and receive new instructions. They ran into the lower world, to do what was to be done there: and when they had done, returned as a flash of lightning, to the upper world, to the vision of God. Thus we should be in the affairs of this world: though we run into them, we must not repose in them, but our souls must presently return like lightning to God, their rest and centre.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
In the center of this group of four living beings was something that looked to Ezekiel like a fire of burning coals that sent out sparks toward the creatures (cf. 2Sa 22:9; 2Sa 22:13; Psa 18:8). This fire was very bright, and what appeared to be lightning as well as sparks flashed forth from it (cf. Psa 18:12; Psa 77:17-18; Psa 97:4).