The Faces
The front face of each was that of a man. On the right side of each, was the face of a lion. On the left side of each was the face of an ox. On the rear, or backside of each, was the face of an eagle. Each of the four living creatures faced a different direction. One faced the north; another faced the east; another faced the south; and the other faced the west. The front face was the face of a man, looking outward. The face of a lion would be looking on the right; the face of an ox would look toward the left; and the face of an eagle would be looking toward the center. Of their sixteen faces, there was the four of them (the man, lion, ox and eagle) looking in each direction at the same time. The faces of all four would be toward the four quarters.
The Wings
Each living creature had four wings. Two were attached to the body above the shoulders; one wing on the right side and the other on the left side. The four living creatures were so arranged diagrammatically that when they lifted their two wings, the right wing of one creature would touch the left wing of the next creature. They would form a square. When they let down their wings (verse 25) they would form the diagram of a diamond. There are four points to a diamond: one point north, one east, one south and one west. There was a creature at each point of the diamond. Each creature would be looking towards its respective direction. Each would be at right angles to another one. Their wings in motion were very noisy.
Their other two wings covered their bodies. One wing would be from the waist downward on the front right side, side. It seems that only the front part of each creature would need covering. These two wings would not be used in flight.
The Legs
Their legs were straight legs, which seems to mean that they did not bend at the knee. The soles of their feet were like the soles, or hoofs of a calf’s foot. Each creature had two legs. They were not designed for walking as the human foot, but for treading down. Their feet sparkled or glittered like polished brass. They were designed for movement in any direction.
One Direction
The living creatures did not change directions when they moved. They went straight forward without turning their bodies since each had a face looking in any of the four directions. The four creatures moved as a unit. In chapter ten, and verses 15 and 20 Ezekiel refers to the four as a singular living creature. This means that the four creatures did not move away, or separate themselves from each other. There was one common spirit that directed, or animated all four of them. One did not act independently of the others. Their whole bodies, which included their backs, and their hands, and their wings were covered with eyes. They possessed universal eyesight.
The four living creatures had the appearance of burning coals of fire, or were like torches. This means that flames of fire darted forth from between them like streaks of lightning. There was fire inside the geometric figure formed by the four living creatures. Ezek. 10:7. The fire was intensely bright, and from this fire went forth streaks of lightning. The four living creatures ran to and fro like thunderbolts.
The Wheels
Each living creature had a wheel beside it. If the four living creatures, which were really one creature represented, or symbolized a chariot, then the wheels would probably resemble those of chariots. All chariots have their wheels. Wheels move the chariots to their required destination. The charioteer determines the course of the chariot which carries him to the place he wishes to go. So to complete the picture of the redeemed as God’s chariot, the living creatures have their wheels. There were four wheels. These wheels were large ones. Their rings, or rims were enormous. The color of the wheels was that of a luster of gold. The four wheels had one likeness.
The appearance of each one was as if a wheel were in the middle of a wheel. This means that each was a double wheel, that is, each wheel had another intersecting it at a right angle. This would permit the wheels to go forwards or backwards or sideways without having to be turned one way or the other. They did not turn when they went, but went on one of their four sides. The wheels acted as a unit. The rings, or rims, were full of eyes. The wheels acted in harmony, or in unison with the living creatures. wheels went, with them. When the living creatures went, the wheels went with them. When the living creatures were lifted up, the wheels were also lifted up. the wheels were also lifted up. The wheels did not act independently of the living creatures. The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels, so that wherever the spirit urged the living creatures to go, the wheels went with them. They had complete control over the wheels. The wheels seemed to be a part of the living creatures. It seems that when the living creatures were about to move, or lift up themselves from the earth, the wheels would whirl as if preparing for action. Ezek. 10:2, 13, 15, 19. The living creatures lifted up their wings when they mounted up from the earth.
The Firmament
Over and above the heads of the living creatures was stretched forth an expansion or sky; the likeness of which was as the color of crystal, clear and dazzling in its brightness. Under this expanse the wings of the living creatures were extended when in flight or motion, but were let down when they stood. Verses 23, 25. When they went, the noise of their wings was like the noise of rushing waters, or the voice of God, or the voice of speech, or as the voice of a host. When they stood and let down their wings, there was a voice from the expanse.
The Throne
Above the expanse that was over their heads, was the likeness of a throne. It had the appearance of a sapphire stone in color. This would be the intense clearness of the heavenly blue. On this throne there was one whose appearance was that of a man. From the man’s loins downwards, and from his loins upward, there was the shining of amber, or glowing metal like bronze. There was an appearance of fire all around Him and the throne upon which He sat. And there was a brightness round about the throne as the appearance of a rainbow. This was the appearance of the likeness of the “glory of the Lord.” When Ezekiel saw it he prostrated himself. He then heard a voice which told him many things which are recorded in the ensuing chapters. So Ezekiel was shown a vision of the “glory of God” above the chariot of the Cherubim.
The Cherubim
What is the meaning of the vision ? What does it represent? Let us see. It will be noted that Ezekiel does not refer to the four living creatures in the first chapter as the CHERUBIM. But in the tenth chapter when he sees the living creatures again, he recognizes and identifies the living creatures as the cherubim. Ezek. 10:20. In doing this he identifies the living creatures with the cherubim that were in the most holy place of the Mosaic tabernacle, and the temple of Solomon. In identifying the living creatures, Ezekiel opens up a whole vista, or avenue of thoughts and insights into the meaning of the vision.
But what is meant by the word “cherubim?” the etymology of the word is uncertain, but the Scriptural usage of it is not. Etymologists disagree as to the meaning or derivation of the word. Many suggested meanings for the word have been put forward; but the one that seems to harmonize most with its Scriptural usages is that given by Dr. Thomas in his book “Phanerosis” page 69. “We believe that the word is derived from the root RACHAV. He goes on to say, “The ‘cherubim’ then constitute a vehicle, in and upon which Yahweh rides as in a chariot.” This is most acceptable when we look at the Scriptural usage of the word.
Let us look at its usage. In II Sam. 22:11 “God rode upon a Cherub, and did fly; and He was seen upon the wings of the wind.” A paraphrase of this is in Psalm 104:3, “Who maketh the clouds His Chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind.” Here the word “chariot” is synonymous with the word “cherub” in Psalm 18:10. In Psalm 68:17 we read, “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels.” A cherub (singular of cherubim which is plural) then is a chariot, or vehicle upon which God rides, whether animate or inanimate, mortal or immortal. For a use of the word in a mortal sense see Ezekiel 28:14, 16.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One