Friday 10 February 2023

Background

Today we read about Ezekiel's vision, which continues from the troubling scenes in chapter 9, but does not become less confusing.There is a return of the man in linen clothing from chapter 9, and the living creatures and wheels that were encountered in chapter 1. Though there are many similarities, there are also differences. The living creatures are now identified as cherubim. However, these cherubim aren’t the cute, chubby figures we see in popular culture, but fearsome beings. Their name means intercessor, defender, or pleader. In the holiest place in the Temple was the Ark of the Covenant, on top of which were figures of cherubim. This symbolised the throne of God. 1 Chronicles 28:18 even gives plans for a chariot of the cherubim carrying the throne of God, which may give rise to the image of the wheels alongside them.

As in chapter 1, the vision Ezekiel experiences speaks of the awesomeness of God. Ezekiel notices the cloud that filled the Temple, the brightness, the sound of the cherubim’s wings being like the voice of God Almighty. If we struggle with details of the vision, it is good to remember that there are no words or images adequate to communicate this spectacular scene. We also remember that it was a dream, which may explain why some elements of the vision seem at odds with the vision in chapter 1 – even a familiar dream isn’t always identical.

This chapter speaks of the glory of the Lord (for example v. 4). This phrase is used elsewhere in the Hebrew Scriptures to speak of the visible presence of God. At the dedication of the Temple by King Solomon the author of 1 Kings speaks of the Temple being filled with cloud as the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord (1 Kings 8:10-11). Worryingly now, the glory of the Lord is on the move from deep within the Temple towards its doors.

To Ponder:

• · How do you feel if someone tells you about encountering an angel? Have you ever experienced one before?
• · How might these images and visions of God’s glory inspire our lives of prayer and worship?
• · Some people find any mention of angelic beings too far-fetched. How much does our faith have to make sense in human terms?

Prayer

God beyond our reason and understanding, may we never stop using your gift of reason to wrestle with the things of you, but give us faith which is not constrained purely by our human intellect. Amen.