Ezekiel’s vision of wheels within wheels was part of a larger revelation of God’s glory and mobility. It symbolized the omnipresence, omniscience, and sovereign rule of God, particularly in the midst of exile and judgment. This vision assured the exiles that God was not confined to the temple in Jerusalem but was fully present and active even in Babylon.
Ezekiel describes the vision:
“The appearance of the wheels and their workings was like the color of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. The appearance of their workings was, as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel.”
(Ezekiel 1:16)
These wheels accompanied four living creatures, later identified as cherubim (Ezekiel 10:15). The wheels had several unique features:
Omnidirectional movement:
“When they moved, they went toward any one of four directions; they did not turn aside when they went.”
(Ezekiel 1:17)
Full of eyes:
“And their rims were so high they were awesome; and their rims were full of eyes, all around the four of them.”
(Ezekiel 1:18)
Directed by the Spirit:
“For the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.”
(Ezekiel 1:20)
In Ezekiel 1:15–21, the prophet describes wheels within wheels beside four living creatures. These creatures have four faces and wings, and they move in unison with the wheels. The spirit of the living creatures is in the wheels, and they do not turn as they move.
Later, in Ezekiel 10, the vision becomes clearer. Ezekiel identifies these beings as cherubim:
“And the cherubim were lifted up. This was the living creature I saw by the River Chebar.” (Ezekiel 10:15)
And again:
“This is the living creature I saw under the God of Israel by the River Chebar, and I knew they were cherubim.” (Ezekiel 10:20)
The wheels are part of the mobile throne of God, with the cherubim bearing and accompanying the divine presence. The intricate, supernatural structure of the wheels and the cherubim’s movement highlight the majesty and mystery of God’s glory.
Ezekiel’s wheels are not just abstract imagery. They are intimately linked to the cherubim and serve as part of God’s mobile throne-chariot in heavenly vision.