Ezekiel 1: Group Study Handout

Overview

Ezekiel introduces his vision in the thirtieth year, during the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity (vv. 1-2). The word of Yahweh comes to Ezekiel, the priest, as he is in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar, with Yahweh’s hand upon him (vv.

Key verse

“Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.”

Ezekiel 1:26 (WEB)

Outline

1. Ezekiel 1:1–2 Introduction to Ezekiel's Vision
2. Ezekiel 1:3–4 The Divine Encounter Begins
3. Ezekiel 1:5–11 The Four Living Creatures
4. Ezekiel 1:12–14 Movement of the Creatures
5. Ezekiel 1:15–21 The Wheels Within Wheels
6. Ezekiel 1:22–24 The Expanse Overhead
7. Ezekiel 1:25–28 The Vision of God's Glory

Discussion questions

1. In v1, where is Ezekiel when he sees 'visions of God'?
2. What do the four living creatures in v5 resemble?
3. The description of the wheels, vv. 16-18: what might the 'eyes all around' symbolize?
4. In v28, why does Ezekiel fall on his face upon seeing the 'likeness of Yahweh’s glory'?
5. When have you felt a sense of awe or fear in a moment of clarity, as Ezekiel does in v28?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 1: Ezekiel 10, Revelation 4, Daniel 10.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 2.