Biblical Archaeology

[Wick Stick]

Ezekiel is telling about a vision. Visions are not literal, they are symbolic.

Ezekiel specifically names them as cherubim in chapters 9-10

 

[Rockerduck]

Ezekiel specifically names them as cherubim in chapters 9-10

Ezekiel 1:1 says specifically these are visions of God.

 

[Wick Stick]

Ezekiel 1:1 says specifically these are visions of God.

That doesn't negate that they are named as cherubim later. The vision includes cherubim

 

[marks]

That doesn't negate that they are named as cherubim later. The vision includes cherubim

There is no reason why a vision cannot show you something real:

Acts 9:10-16 KJV
10) And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11) And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12) And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14) And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16) For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Much love!

 

[Rockerduck]

That doesn't negate that they are named as cherubim later. The vision includes cherubim

The cherubim were in the vision, of course.

 

[Rockerduck]

There is no reason why a vision cannot show you something real:

Acts 9:10-16 KJV
10) And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11) And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12) And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13) Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14) And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16) For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Much love!

That's a different kind of vision from the Lord. In the old testament the Lord came upon the prophet and caused a scene to be seen while in a trance like state. I've seen visions but not like Ezekiel. I know what Ananias's vision was like.

 

[marks]

That's a different kind of vision from the Lord. In the old testament the Lord came upon the prophet and caused a scene to be seen while in a trance like state. I've seen visions but not like Ezekiel. I know what Ananias's vision was like.

And you are certain that what God showed Ezekiel in a vision wasn't real? I've just shown that visions can indeed be exactly literally real, why are you certain that what Ezekiel saw was not real?

Much love!

 

[Rockerduck]

And you are certain that what God showed Ezekiel in a vision wasn't real? I've just shown that visions can indeed be exactly literally real, why are you certain that what Ezekiel saw was not real?

Much love!

The visions of Ezekiel's and John's Revelation are symbolic with imagery. Actually, Ezekiel's vision can be figured out more because of out of vision statements.

 

[marks]

The visions of Ezekiel's and John's Revelation are symbolic with imagery.

If you say so . . .

Is this symbolic imagery?

Revelation 19:11-13 LITV
11) And I saw Heaven being opened. And, behold! A white horse, and He sitting on it having been called Faithful and True. And He judges and wars in righteousness.
12) And His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head many diadems, having a name that had been written, which no one knows except Himself;
13) and having been clothed in a garment which had been dipped in blood. And His name is called The Word of God.

Much love!

 

[Wick Stick]

The visions of Ezekiel's and John's Revelation are symbolic with imagery. Actually, Ezekiel's vision can be figured out more because of out of vision statements.

The books of Daniel and Revelation work that way, with Revelation modeling itself on Daniel.

I'm not sure Ezekiel 1 requires interpretation. The chapter aims to introduce God speaking to Ezekiel, in majesty and glory, being borne upon the cherubim and above all the creation. If it's literal, it does that. If it's not literal, what more does it aim to tell us? It doesn't seem to me that Ezekiel is trying to hide an extra layer of meaning.

There may be an issue, perhaps, of 'this is the best that Ezekiel's brain can process seeing God.'

 

[Wick Stick]

If you say so . . .

Is this symbolic imagery?

Revelation 19:11-13 LITV
11) And I saw Heaven being opened. And, behold! A white horse, and He sitting on it having been called Faithful and True. And He judges and wars in righteousness.
12) And His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head many diadems, having a name that had been written, which no one knows except Himself;
13) and having been clothed in a garment which had been dipped in blood. And His name is called The Word of God.

Definitely maybe?

The Rider on the White Horse first appears in Rev 6, which seems to contain some symbolism. The other 3 horsemen are War, Famine, and Death. If there's symbolism here, it's pretty thin IMO. The Rider on the White Horse is clearly the Lord Jesus Christ.