Ezekiel 1:28

“As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, &c.] The rainbow, which is no other than the reflection of the rays of the sun in a thin watery cloud on a rainy day: so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about it; so Christ is represented as clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow about his head, (<661001>Revelation 10:1); which is a token of the covenant of grace, in which Christ is concerned; it is round about him; he is the head mediator, surety, and messenger of it; all the blessings and promises of it are in him; and he is that itself, which is only a reverberation him, the sun of righteousness; and it is also about the throne on which he sits, which is…”

“the bow . . . in . . . rain--the symbol of the sure covenant of mercy to God's children remembered amidst judgments on the wicked; as in the flood in Noah's days (Rev 4:3). "Like hanging out from the throne of the Eternal a fing of peace, assuring all that the purpose of Heaven was to preserve rather than to destroy. Even if the divine work should require a deluge of wrath, still the faithfulness of God would only shine forth the more brightly at last to the children of promise, in consequence of the tribulations needed to prepare for the ultimate good" [FAIRBAIRN]. (Isa 54:8-10). I fell upon . . . face--the right attitude, spiritually, before we enter on any active work for God (Eze 2:2;…”

“The rainbow is not simply a token of glory and splendor. The “cloud” and the “day of rain” point to its original message of forgiveness and mercy, and this is especially suited to Ezekiel’s commission, which was first to denounce judgment, and then promise restoration. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Ezekiel 1". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/ezekiel-1.html. 1870. StudyLight.org &copy;&#160;2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”

“The bow - A like appearance of Christ in a surrounding brightness, as of the rainbow you have, Rev 4:3. Mercy, and truth, and both according to covenant are about the throne of Christ. Glory - It was not the full glory of God, but such as the prophet might bear. I fell - With deep humility and reverence. Next: Ezekiel Chapter 2”

“1:28 rainbow shining in the clouds: This image combines the prospect of judgment with a note of mercy. The storm clouds were going to drop a full load of judgment on God’s sinful people, but a rainbow, the sign of hope that God established after the flood (Gen 9:12-17), would appear also. Although the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people to Babylon would be a severe catastrophe in which many would die, God would not forget his promise to keep a remnant alive. Judgment would not be God’s final word. • When Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord, he fell face down on the ground as though dead—a common human response to God’s glory (cp. Lev 9:23-24; Num 22:31; 1 Kgs 18:38-39; 1 Chr…”

“at the appearance of the bow: Gen 9:13-16; Isa 54:8-10; Rev 4:3, Rev 10:1 This: Eze 8:4, Eze 10:19, Eze 10:20, Eze 43:3; Exo 16:7, Exo 16:10, Exo 24:16, Exo 33:18-23; Num 12:6-8; Kg1 8:10, Kg1 8:11; Co1 13:12 I fell: Eze 3:23; Gen 17:3; Lev 9:24; Dan 8:17, Dan 10:7-9, Dan 10:16, Dan 10:17; Mat 17:5, Mat 17:6; Act 9:4; Rev 1:17, Rev 1:18 Next: Ezekiel Chapter 2”