Ezekiel 1:28 – “Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezekiel 1:28 concludes Ezekiel’s powerful vision by describing the radiance of God’s glory as resembling a rainbow. The rainbow, appearing after rain, is a symbol of hope, promise, and God’s covenant with His people. The brilliance of the vision reflects the overwhelming majesty and beauty of God’s presence.
When Ezekiel sees this display of God’s glory, he responds by falling facedown in reverence and awe. This reaction shows the natural response of humility and submission when confronted with God’s holiness. The verse ends with Ezekiel hearing the voice of God, emphasizing that this vision is not just about appearance but about God’s communication and relationship with His people.
Historical Context
Ezekiel experienced this vision during the Babylonian exile, a time of deep despair and uncertainty for the Israelites. The rainbow would have reminded them of God’s covenant with Noah, symbolizing His faithfulness and mercy even in judgment. This vision reassured the exiles that God’s promises remained true and that His glory extended beyond the temple in Jerusalem.
The vision of God’s glory was meant to comfort and encourage the Israelites, reminding them that their circumstances did not limit God’s presence or His ability to act. His glory, as seen by Ezekiel, was a powerful declaration of His sovereignty over all creation.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals God’s glory as both awe-inspiring and merciful. The rainbow, a symbol of His covenant and faithfulness, reminds us that God’s holiness is paired with His love and commitment to His people.
Ezekiel’s response—falling facedown—emphasizes the need for humility and reverence when encountering God’s presence. The voice that follows shows that God’s glory is not distant or detached but actively speaks to His people, guiding and reassuring them in their circumstances.
Literary Analysis
Ezekiel 1:28 uses rich imagery and symbolism to evoke awe and wonder. The comparison to a rainbow links the vision to God’s promises, grounding His overwhelming glory in His faithfulness and mercy.
The phrase “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” highlights the limitations of human language in fully describing God’s presence. The repetition of “appearance” and “likeness” underscores the idea that what Ezekiel saw was a representation of God’s glory, not its full reality.
The narrative structure moves from visual description to Ezekiel’s personal response and then to God’s voice, creating a sense of progression and anticipation.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 9:13–16: The rainbow as a sign of God’s covenant with Noah, symbolizing His promise and mercy.
- Exodus 33:18–20: Moses asks to see God’s glory, but God reveals only a partial glimpse, similar to Ezekiel’s vision.
- Revelation 4:3: John’s vision of God’s throne, surrounded by a rainbow, reflecting His majesty and covenant faithfulness.
- Psalm 29:2: A call to worship God in the splendor of His holiness, reflecting Ezekiel’s reaction to God’s glory.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Ezekiel 1:28 is a reminder of God’s overwhelming glory and His covenant faithfulness. The rainbow symbolizes His unchanging promises, reassuring believers that God remains steadfast even in difficult circumstances.
This verse also challenges us to approach God with humility and reverence. Ezekiel’s response of falling facedown reminds us that encountering God’s presence is not casual but calls for worship and submission.
The voice of God in this verse encourages us to listen for His guidance and to trust that He speaks into our lives, revealing His will and drawing us closer to Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
The rainbow surrounding God’s glory reflects His love and faithfulness. It reminds us that God’s glory is not only about His power and holiness but also about His commitment to His promises and His care for His people.
God’s willingness to reveal His glory to Ezekiel, and to speak to him, shows His desire for relationship and communication. This verse highlights that God’s love is personal, reaching out to His people even in their darkest moments.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The rainbow and radiance of God’s glory point to Jesus, who is the ultimate revelation of God’s glory and faithfulness. Jesus is described as “the radiance of God’s glory” and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1:3).
Through Jesus, God’s covenant promises are fulfilled, offering salvation and hope to all who believe (2 Corinthians 1:20). The humility shown by Ezekiel in response to God’s glory mirrors the way we are called to respond to Jesus, recognizing Him as Lord and submitting to His authority.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the image of a rainbow in this verse remind you of God’s promises and faithfulness?
- What does Ezekiel’s response to God’s glory teach you about approaching Him in worship and humility?
- How can you create space in your life to hear God’s voice, as Ezekiel did in this vision?
- In what ways does the radiance of God’s glory encourage you to trust Him, even in difficult times?
- How does Jesus, as the radiance of God’s glory, deepen your understanding of this verse and its significance?