Expert: Paul Walker - 5/20/2004

Question
Hi, i am currently reading the book of Ezekial.  A passage in the beginning of this book has been causing some confusion for me.  It is from Ezekial 1:15-28, starting with "as i looked at the living creatures," and ending with "there was a splendor all around."
I just do not understand the symbolism behind this passage. Who is the fire what are the wheels the wings whats the significance of number four, etc.
I am aware that this passage is apocalyptic writing, but i am also wondering who it was written for and why.  If i am not mistaken, was it to give hope to the jews while being held captive by the babylonians?

Answer
Dear Tyler,

Difficult question for sure. I am not sure that anyone can claim absolute mastery of the significance of the imagery. One aspect that I think is correct is the application of the four living creatures to the four gospels. This, as I said, is only a part of the understanding.

Rather than me writing a long post I will send you to a page where an excellent description of this is rendered.

http://mikevinson.home.mindspring.com/4views_intro.html

I would recommend the whole article on the gospels, although, I do not hold to some other of Andrew Jukes' conclusions on doctrine.

Hope this helps, please contact me at anytime.

Paul Walker
www.aficj.org