Ezekiel 1:4-6
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness round about it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming bronze. 5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures.[a] And this was their appearance: they had the form of men, 6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings.
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- 1.5 four living creatures: The description recalls the Assyrian karibu: statues of animals with human heads guarding the palace at Nineveh. Here these creatures are pressed into the service of Yahweh. They are met again in Rev 4.6-8. The point of the vision is that Yahweh is not tied to Jerusalem and could follow his people into exile.
Ezekiel 1:4-6
New International Version
4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm(A) coming out of the north(B)—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,(C) 5 and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures.(D) In appearance their form was human,(E) 6 but each of them had four faces(F) and four wings.
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