Ezekiel 1:22-28 · Bible study
Ezekiel 1:22-28 Commentary: The Crystal Expanse and God's Throne
Hebrew · 11 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Explore the meaning of the crystal-like expanse, the sapphire throne, and the rainbow of mercy in Ezekiel's vision of the glory of God.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The vision climaxes with the appearance of Yahweh’s glory, separated from earth by a crystal expanse, enthroned on sapphire, surrounded by fire and a rainbow of mercy, prompting Ezekiel’s worship and his commission as a prophet.
- Key words: Expanse (firmament), likeness, appearance, glory; the repeated “likeness” underscores that what Ezekiel sees is a symbol, not God in his essence.
- Main debate: Whether the figure on the throne is specifically the pre-incarnate Christ (most early and Reformation commentators) or a more general symbolic representation of divine sovereignty (some modern readings).
- Theological theme: God’s transcendence and immanence: he dwells above the expanse, yet he reveals himself in a form accessible to a human prophet, and he wraps his glory in covenant mercy (the rainbow).
- Best use: This passage is ideal for teaching the nature of biblical theophany, the hope of God’s presence in exile, and the connection between Old Testament visions and Christ as the ultimate revelation of God.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
22Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of an awesome expanse, gleaming like crystal.
23And under the expanse, their wings stretched out toward one another. Each one also had two wings covering its body.
24When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the roar of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings.
25And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood still with their wings lowered.
26Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man.
27From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him.
28The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.
WEB World English Bible 2000
22Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like an awesome crystal to look at, stretched out over their heads above.
23Under the expanse, their wings were straight, one toward the other. Each one had two which covered on this side, and each one had two which covered their bodies on that side.
24When they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of an army. When they stood, they let down their wings.
25There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads. When they stood, they let down their wings.
26Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.
27I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it all around, from the appearance of his waist and upward; and from the appearance of his waist and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.
28As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.
KJV King James Version 1769
22And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
23And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies.
24And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
25And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
26And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
22And over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of a firmament, like the terrible crystal to look upon, stretched forth over their heads above.
23And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two which covered on this side, and every one had two which covered on that side, their bodies.
24And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of a host: when they stood, they let down their wings.
25And there was a voice above the firmament that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings.
26And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man upon it above.
27And I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of his loins and upward; and from the appearance of his loins and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness round about him.
28As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
22And a likeness is over the heads of the living creatures of an expanse, as the colour of the fearful ice, stretched out over their heads from above.
23And under the expanse their wings are straight, one toward the other, to each are two covering on this side, and to each are two covering on that side--their bodies.
24And I hear the noise of their wings, as the noise of many waters, as the noise of the Mighty One, in their going--the noise of tumult, as the noise of a camp, in their standing they let fall their wings.
25And there is a voice from above the expanse, that is above their head: in their standing they let fall their wings.
26And above the expanse that is over their head, as an appearance of a sapphire stone, is the likeness of a throne, and on the likeness of the throne a likeness, as the appearance of man upon it from above.
27And I see as the colour of copper, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of his loins and upward, and from the appearance of his loins and downward, I have seen as the appearance of fire, and brightness is to it round about.
28As the appearance of the bow that is in a cloud in a day of rain, so is the appearance of the brightness round about.
Darby Darby Bible 1890
22And there was the likeness of an expanse over the heads of the living creature, as the look of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
23And under the expanse were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two which covered on this side, and every one had two which covered on that side their bodies.
24And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, a tumultuous noise, as the noise of a host: when they stood, they let down their wings;
25and there was a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads. When they stood, they let down their wings.
26And above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
27And I saw as the look of glowing brass, as the appearance of fire, within it round about; from the appearance of his loins and upward, and from the appearance of his loins and downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about.
28As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
22And over the heads of the living creatures was the likeness of the firmament, the appearance of crystal terrible to behold, and stretched out over their heads above.
23And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other, every one with two wings covered his body, and the other was covered in like manner.
24And I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, as it were the voice of the most high God: when they walked, it was like the voice of a multitude, like the noise of an army, and when they stood, their wings were let down.
25For when a voice came from above the firmament, that was over their heads, they stood, and let down their wings.
26And above the firmament that was over their heads, was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of the sapphire stone, and upon the likeness of the throne, was the likeness of the appearance of a man above upon it.
27And I saw as it were the resemblance of amber as the appearance of fire within it round about: from his loins and upward, and from his loins downward, I saw as it were the resemblance of fire shining round about.
28As the appearance of the rainbow when it is in a cloud on a rainy day: this was the appearance of the brightness round about.
Verse in Context
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators across traditions agree that Ezekiel 1:22-28 describes the climax of a carefully structured theophany. The “expanse” (WEB) or “firmament” (KJV), like dazzling crystal, separates the cherubim and wheels from the throne above. As Barnes notes, it is “a clear bright expanse between the throne and the living creatures, separating heaven from earth.” Calvin emphasizes that the prophet describes the firmament because “human minds cannot penetrate to so great a height, unless by degrees.” Above this expanse sits a sapphire throne, and upon it “a likeness as the appearance of a man” (v.26). Keil and Delitzsch observe that the word demuth (likeness) appears repeatedly, stressing that what Ezekiel saw was not God in himself but a symbolic representation. Many interpreters, including Wesley, Matthew Henry, and Jamieson-Fausset-Brown, see this human figure as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ. The surrounding fire and brightness culminate in a rainbow (v.28), which Clarke describes as having “all its colors vivid, distinct, and in perfection.” For Barnes, the rainbow is suited to Ezekiel’s commission: “to denounce judgment, and then promise restoration.” The passage ends with the prophet falling on his face, overwhelmed by “the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory.”
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Christophany (pre-incarnate Christ): The figure described as 'the appearance of a man' on the sapphire throne, combined with echoes in Daniel 7:13-14 and Revelation 1:12-16, points to the Word who later became flesh.
- Symbolic divine presence: The repeated use of 'likeness' and 'appearance' suggests that any concrete identification is secondary; the primary function is to convey God’s transcendent sovereignty and his accessible mercy.
- Merkabah mystical framework: Jewish tradition focuses on the chariot-throne as a vehicle for divine presence, with the human figure representing a manifestation of God’s glory (Kavod) rather than a specific person of the Godhead.
What is clear: God is enthroned above the expanse, surrounded by fire and brightness, and his glory appears in a form that both overwhelms (Ezekiel falls on his face) and reassures (the rainbow of covenant mercy).
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| The nature of the expanse (firmament) | All traditions agree it symbolizes a separation between earth and the immediate presence of God; it is a clear, crystalline platform. | Some understand it as a literal heavenly vault (following the cosmology of Genesis 1:6-8), while others see it as purely symbolic of God's transcendence. |
| The identity of the human figure on the throne | The figure represents God himself appearing in a form accommodated to human sight, a theophany. | Most Protestant and Catholic commentators identify it as the pre-incarnate Son (Christ), citing cross-references like Daniel 7:13-14 and Revelation 1:12-16. Some traditions hesitate to specify, describing it simply as a 'divine manifestation' without naming the second Person. |
| Significance of the rainbow | The rainbow symbolizes mercy, covenant, and the glory that surrounds God's judgment. | Some emphasize the Noahic covenant as its primary reference (mercy after judgment), while others treat it as a general symbol of divine beauty and holiness, noting its reappearance in Revelation 4:3. |
| Relation to the chariot vision (Merkabah) | The entire passage describes God’s chariot-throne, with the living creatures as the bearers and the wheels as the vehicle. | Jewish mystical tradition (Merkabah) elaborates on the details as a blueprint for heavenly ascent, whereas Christian interpretation focuses on the Christological and covenantal meanings. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Ezekiel received this vision by the Chebar Canal in Babylonia, around 593 BC, five years after King Jehoiachin and the Judean elite had been exiled (Ezekiel 1:1-2). The prophet lived among a people stripped of temple, land, and national identity. This context makes the vision extraordinary: God’s glory appears not in Jerusalem but in a foreign, humiliating setting.
The vision’s structure follows the pattern of ancient Near Eastern “chariot-throne” (merkabah) imagery common in Mesopotamian and Canaanite art, where a deity sits enthroned above winged creatures. But Ezekiel transforms the motif. The “expanse” (raqia in Hebrew, the term used for the firmament in Genesis 1) is not a literal sky but a platform that evokes the created order, now serving as the pavement for God’s throne. The sapphire stone recalls Exodus 24:10, where the elders of Israel “saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness.” Ezekiel, however, sees only the throne and the figure, a more veiled appearance than Moses received, fitting for an exiled people who must learn to trust God’s presence when they cannot see his face.
The storm cloud from the north (Ezekiel 1:4) likely alludes to the threat of judgment from Babylon, but the vision transcends it: God is not trapped in Jerusalem but is enthroned above all earthly powers. The rainbow (v.28) invokes the Noahic covenant (Genesis 9:12-17), a promise of mercy after judgment, giving hope to a community facing destruction. Ezekiel’s falling on his face echoes the posture of worship and submission before the Holy One of Israel.
Textual Notes
The supplied sources note no significant textual variants for Ezekiel 1:22-28. The differences between translations (e.g., “firmament” vs. “expanse,” “terrible” vs. “awesome” crystal) reflect choices in English rendering of the Hebrew raqia and yare, not variations in the underlying Masoretic text. The passage is well preserved across manuscripts.
Reception History
Ezekiel’s throne vision has deeply influenced both Jewish and Christian imagination. Jewish Merkabah mysticism (from the early centuries of the Common Era) used this passage as a blueprint for heavenly ascent, focusing on the structure of the chariot and the dangers of approaching God’s glory. The Talmud records that study of the Merkabah was reserved for mature sages. In Christian tradition, the vision was read as a foretaste of Christ’s glory. The apostle John’s vision in Revelation 4 echoes it directly: the throne, the rainbow, the sea of glass like crystal, and the four living creatures. Early church fathers like Irenaeus and Justin Martyr saw the human figure as the pre-incarnate Son. Through the centuries, the rainbow has been a favorite image in hymnody and art for God’s mercy reigning over judgment. Ezekiel’s response, falling on his face, has been a model of reverent worship in many traditions.
Preaching This Verse
Three-Point Outline
- The Crystal Expanse: Canopy of Separation and Revelation. The firmament divides the lower realm of the living creatures and wheels from the throne of God. It is “terrible crystal” (v.22), dazzling, pure, majestic. This expanse shows that God is not remote; he creates a space where his glory can be manifest in a way that does not destroy the viewer. It also reminds us that there is a boundary between Creator and creation that no human can cross unaided.
- The Sapphire Throne and the Man Upon It: Sovereignty in Human Form. Above the expanse is a throne like sapphire (v.26), symbol of heavenly authority and deep blue clarity. On the throne sits a figure “as the appearance of a man.” This is the heart of the vision: the God who is beyond all images chooses to reveal himself through the image of a man, pointing forward to the incarnation. Wesley comments that “Christ, God-man, here appears as king and judge.”
- The Rainbow: Mercy Wrapped Around Judgment. The surrounding brightness takes the shape of a rainbow (v.28). Fire and splendor signify God’s holy judgment, but the rainbow, the sign of God’s covenant with Noah, declares that mercy is the final word. For pastors, this is a powerful image: judgment is real, but the throne of judgment is also the throne of covenant grace.
Five-Point Outline
- Preparation: The Living Creatures and the Wheels (vv.22-23). The cherubim support the expanse with straight wings, covering themselves in humility.
- Symphony of Sound: The Noise of Wings and the Voice of the Almighty (vv.24-25). The rushing of wings is like many waters and thunder, a living worship that resonates with God’s power.
- Throne and Theophany: The Sapphire Seat and the Man Above It (vv.26-27). The human figure on the throne reveals God’s intention to connect with humanity.
- Covenant of Color: The Rainbow of Glory (v.28a). The brightness forms a perfect bow, echoing Noah’s sign of hope.
- Response: Falling and Hearing (v.28b). Ezekiel’s posture of worship leads to speech: “I heard a voice of one that spoke.” True vision leads to listening.
Illustration Hooks
- Looking through a diamond. Clarke captures the “terrible crystal” as a cut gem refracting light. Like a perfectly faceted diamond, the expanse does not obscure God but bends his glory into something the human eye can bear.
- Rain after a storm. The rainbow appears “in the cloud in the day of rain” (v.28). In the middle of life’s dark clouds, God sets a sign that he remembers mercy. This resonates with anyone who has seen a rainbow after a violent storm.
- A throne room in exile. Imagine worshiping in a refugee camp, and suddenly the sky opens to show a majestic throne. Ezekiel saw this; the vision assured him that no exile, no captivity, can limit God’s throne.
Questions Your Congregation Is Asking
- Can God’s glory still be seen when we feel far from church, home, or safety?
- What does it mean that God appears in “likeness” and not directly? Is God still hidden even when he reveals himself?
- How does the rainbow in judgment answer our fear that God is angry and distant?
Leading a Discussion
This passage invites small groups to sit with a vision that is both overwhelming and tender. Ezekiel was an exile among exiles, and God met him in a place of dislocation. The crystal expanse, the sapphire throne, the figure like a man, and the rainbow all speak of a God who is far above us yet comes near in covenant love.
Discussion Questions
- Observation: Read verses 22-28 aloud. What do you notice about the structure? How does the prophet move from the living creatures to the expanse, then to the throne, then to the figure?
- Interpretation: The word “likeness” appears many times (e.g., vv.22, 26, 28). Why do you think Ezekiel is so careful to say he saw only the “likeness” of these things, not the things themselves?
- Interpretation: The expanse is described as “terrible crystal” (v.22) and “awesome crystal” (WEB). What does the crystal-like quality add to the meaning? How does it relate to the surrounding fire and brightness?
- Interpretation: The rainbow is “as it were the appearance of the brightness round about” (v.28). Why does the vision end with a rainbow? How does this connect to God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9) and to the exiles’ need for hope?
- Application: Ezekiel fell on his face when he saw this vision. What does that posture teach us about approaching God today? Where in your life do you need to stop, listen, and let God speak?
- Application: The throne is above the expanse, and the figure is “as the appearance of a man.” For Christians, this has long been seen as a pointer to Jesus Christ. How does knowing that the one on the throne has “the appearance of a man” shape your trust in God?
- Application: In what area of your life do you feel cut off from God’s presence (like Ezekiel in exile)? What part of this vision, the crystal, the throne, the rainbow, speaks into that place?
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Exodus 24:10 | They saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness. |
| Job 37:22 | Out of the north comes golden splendor. With God is awesome majesty. |
| Ezekiel 10:1 | Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. |
| Revelation of John 4:3 | that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at. |
| Revelation of John 4:6 | Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind. |
| Revelation of John 21:11 | having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; |
| Job 4:18 | Behold, he puts no trust in his servants. He charges his angels with error. |
| Psalms 89:7 | a very awesome God in the council of the holy ones, to be feared above all those who are around him? |
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
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What the Commentators Say
8 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke interprets Ezekiel's vision as an emblem of coming judgment through Nebuchadnezzar, with the living creatures, wheels, and fire representing sword, famine, and pestilence. The rainbow spanning the canopy is the covenant token that this destruction will not be total; after captivity, God's mercy will bring restoration.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes highlights that the human form in this vision is not an angel but the glory of the Lord Himself, a prophetic announcement of the Incarnation. The rainbow, with its cloud and rain, points beyond splendor to God’s original message of forgiveness and mercy, fitting Ezekiel’s dual commission of judgment and restoration.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin stresses that the vision's purpose is to draw us upward by steps: from living creatures to firmament to throne, finally to God. He insists these were only likenesses and appearances, not physical realities, so that no one would imagine God as visible or corporeal. The vision remains formidable, not a sign of favor.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill insists the living creatures in Ezekiel's vision are not angels but ministers of the Gospel, pointing out that angels dwell above the firmament, not under it. Their six wings show both readiness in service and humility, covering their bodies because they are ashamed of their own unworthiness. The throne above belongs to Christ, whose glory shines through the human nature.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB reads this vision as a prelude to the incarnation, with God appearing on the throne in the likeness of a man, pointing to Christ as the Son of Man. The fixed throne above contrasts with the movable cherubim, while the rainbow signals covenant mercy, preserving rather than destroying
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil-Delitzsch stress that the expanse above the cherubim is not the actual firmament but a crystal-like canopy. A voice from above this canopy controls the cherubim's movement, with their wings creating a roaring sound only when they move. Above the canopy, a throne appears with a human-like figure emitting fiery radiance, revealing that the vision depicts God's enthroned glory.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange argues that Ezekiel's opening vision is not a prophetic consecration but a divine commissioning. The prophet receives no personal qualification for office; the vision itself legitimates his mission to announce judgment and the glory of the living God to the exiles.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley identifies the man on the throne as Christ appearing as king and judge against rebellious Jews. He draws a sharp contrast: the same Lord who once came clothed in salvation now wears garments of vengeance, though the rainbow around the throne still signals covenant mercy and faithfulness.