Ezekiel 1:16

“The appearance of the wheels, and their work, [was] like unto the colour of a beryl, &c.] Which is a precious stone; (see <022820>Exodus 28:20 <662120> Revelation 21:20); the Syriac version renders it a chrysolite; the Arabic, a jasper; and so may denote the preciousness, glory, and excellency of the churches, and the true members of them, which are as jewels and pearls of great price in the esteem of Christ; and the colour of this stone being a sea green, from whence it has here the name of “tarshish”, a word sometimes used for the sea, may signify the fluctuating and uncertain state of the churches in this world, and in their present circumstances: and they four had one likeness: this…”

“appearance . . . work--their form and the material of their work. beryl--rather, "the glancing appearance of the Tarshish stone"; the chrysolite or topaz, brought from Tarshish or Tartessus in Spain. It was one of the gems in the breastplate of the high priest (Exo 28:20; Sol 5:14; Dan 10:6). four had one likeness--The similarity of the wheels to one another implies that there is no inequality in all God's works, that all have a beautiful analogy and proportion.”

“Work - All that was wrought, whether engraved or otherwise was of one colour. Beryl - A sea green. One likeness - The same for dimensions, colour, frame, and motion. In the middle - It is probable, the wheels were framed so as to be an exact sphere, which is easily rolled to any side. Ezekiel 1:17”

“1:16-17 It would be impossible to build a physical chariot in which each wheel had a second wheel turning crosswise within it. This picture depicts a chariot that could travel equally well in any direction, symbolizing God’s freedom of movement in judgment.”

“the colour: Eze 10:9; Exo 39:13; Dan 10:6 a wheel: Eze 10:10; Job 9:10; Psa 36:6, Psa 40:5; Rom 11:33; Eph 3:10 Ezekiel 1:17”