This order is indeed convenient for reading the biblical text, especially when dealing with the ancient Hebrew original of Ezekiel 1:28.<\/em><\/p>\n In the case of Ezekiel 1:28, it is best to begin not with theological conclusions, but with the biblical text itself. In this way the reader can see how very carefully the prophet describes the heavenly vision. For the Adventist approach to Scripture, this is important: we seek first to hear what the text itself says, and only then draw conclusions. Therefore, if you ask, \u201cfirst let there be the text itself, below it the transliteration and the literal translation,\u201d this is an entirely proper and useful approach.<\/p>\n \u05db\u05b0\u05bc\u05de\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b5\u05d4 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e7\u05b6\u05bc\u05e9\u05b6\u05c1\u05ea \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05b6\u05c1\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05b6\u05bc\u05e2\u05b8\u05e0\u05b8\u05df \u05d1\u05b0\u05bc\u05d9\u05d5\u05b9\u05dd \u05d4\u05b7\u05d2\u05b6\u05bc\u05e9\u05b6\u05c1\u05dd \u05db\u05b5\u05bc\u05df \u05de\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b5\u05d4 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e0\u05b9\u05bc\u05d2\u05b7\u05d4\u05bc \u05e1\u05b8\u05d1\u05b4\u05d9\u05d1 \u05d4\u05d5\u05bc\u05d0 \u05de\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b5\u05d4 \u05d3\u05b0\u05bc\u05de\u05d5\u05bc\u05ea \u05db\u05b0\u05bc\u05d1\u05d5\u05b9\u05d3 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b8\u05d0\u05b6\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b8\u05d0\u05b6\u05e4\u05b9\u05bc\u05dc \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc\u05be\u05e4\u05b8\u05bc\u05e0\u05b7\u05d9 \u05d5\u05b8\u05d0\u05b6\u05e9\u05b0\u05c1\u05de\u05b7\u05e2 \u05e7\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc \u05de\u05b0\u05d3\u05b7\u05d1\u05b5\u05bc\u05e8\u05c3<\/p>\n k\u0259mar\u2019eh haqqeshet asher yihyeh be\u2018anan b\u0259yom haggeshem, ken mar\u2019eh hannogah saviv; hu mar\u2019eh demut kevod YHWH; va\u2019er\u2019eh va\u2019eppol \u2018al-panay, va\u2019eshma qol medabber.<\/p>\n \u201cLike the appearance of a rainbow that is in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And I saw it, and I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of One speaking.\u201d<\/p>\n When we first see the original, and only then the transliteration and translation, it becomes clear that Ezekiel is not trying to describe God\u2019s essence directly. He uses the words \u201cappearance,\u201d \u201clikeness,\u201d and \u201cglory.\u201d This is the language of revelation, not a full explanation of God\u2019s nature. That is why the text sounds so careful.<\/p>\n \u201cLike the appearance of a rainbow that is in the cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord! And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of One speaking.\u201d Ezek. 1:28<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n For biblical interpretation, this is very important. The prophet does not say, \u201cI fully saw God.\u201d Instead, he testifies to \u201cthe appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.\u201d There is humility here before divine majesty. Seventh-day Adventists emphasize that God reveals Himself to human beings only as much as they are able to receive.<\/p>\n Here is how the verse can be briefly divided into meaningful parts:<\/p>\n k\u0259mar\u2019eh haqqeshet \u2014 \u201clike the appearance of a rainbow\u201d This verse combines two great themes: God\u2019s glory and the human response. First, Ezekiel sees heavenly majesty, and then he falls face down and listens. True revelation always leads not to pride, but to worship and obedience.<\/p>\n The rainbow in the Bible carries deep meaning. It reminds us of God\u2019s covenant, mercy, and faithfulness. Therefore, in Ezekiel the image of the rainbow is not accidental: even in a majestic and awe-inspiring heavenly vision, there is a sign of God\u2019s mercy.<\/p>\n \u201cI set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.\u201d Gen. 9:13<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n In the New Testament, a similar image also appears near God\u2019s throne:<\/p>\n \u201cAnd He who sat there was in appearance like a jasper and a sardius stone. And there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.\u201d Rev. 4:3<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n So, Ezekiel 1:28 does not simply portray the beauty of a heavenly vision. It shows that God\u2019s glory is surrounded by signs of mercy, faithfulness, and covenant. This especially encouraged the people in a time of crisis and exile.<\/p>\n When Ezekiel saw the vision, he fell on his face. This is the biblical response of a person who has realized God\u2019s holiness. Other servants of God responded in a similar way.<\/p>\n \u201cThen I said: Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!\u201d Isaiah 6:5<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\nThe Hebrew text of Ezekiel 1:28<\/h2>\n
Transliteration<\/h2>\n
Literal translation<\/h2>\n
Why this order of presentation is correct<\/h2>\n
Step-by-step meaning of the main expressions<\/h2>\n
\nasher yihyeh be\u2018anan \u2014 \u201cthat is in the cloud\u201d
\nb\u0259yom haggeshem \u2014 \u201con a rainy day\u201d
\nken mar\u2019eh hannogah saviv \u2014 \u201cso was the appearance of the brightness all around\u201d
\nhu mar\u2019eh demut kevod YHWH \u2014 \u201cthis was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh\u201d
\nva\u2019er\u2019eh \u2014 \u201cand I saw\u201d
\nva\u2019eppol \u2018al-panay \u2014 \u201cand I fell on my face\u201d
\nva\u2019eshma qol medabber \u2014 \u201cand I heard a voice speaking\u201d<\/p>\nThe biblical symbolism of the rainbow and God\u2019s glory<\/h2>\n
The prophet\u2019s response: worship before God\u2019s presence<\/h2>\n