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Ezekiel's Merkavah Vision (Part 1)

By Seth Dralle | Comments (1) | Posted on June 21, 2007

On this day, 5 Tammuz (1), around the year 593 B.C.E, the prophet Ezekiel received his fantastic vision of the God's throne-chariot (merkavah). This chariot of angelic cheruvim (near-ones), ofanim (wheels), and chayot (living-ones) transported the Divine Glory of God in a storm. The opening chapter of Ezekiel goes into great detail describing these beings and how they related to one another.

This highly mystical text has been the source of endless elaboration and speculation through the centuries, particularly in early Jewish mystical texts. Even the Dead Sea Sect utilized this text extensively. Whole communes were formed with the sole purpose of seeking after experiences and visions like these. The sages, knowing how unhealthy mystical obsession can be to those not rooted in Torah, discouraged the study of this section of Scripture for those not qualified. The sages were on to something, as even today this passage of Scripture is a favorite among New Agers.

Judah had strayed from their devotion to God. The reforms of King Josiah were too little, too late. Judah continued to worship the God of Israel while still worshiping the gods of Canaan. The Temple in Jerusalem had become polluted with idols and many abominable practices. For this, the Chariot of God abandoned the Temple; the glory departed. Just as Judah was to be exiled from Jerusalem, so too was the Shechinah (God's glory).

The irony is, the primary reason this event took place was due to practices similar to those of the New Age Movement, that is, syncretism. Even though this vision is deep in mystical overtones, it still served a very practical purpose, to call Judah and Jerusalem back to Torah. Though can be exciting to speculate on matters of a spiritual nature, we must never sight of the foundation of Torah.

We may not live in an age dominated by idolatry, but we are still people who struggle to devote ourselves to God. This is really the root of idolatry, devotion to anything outside of God's will. God seeks those who will enthrone him as the sole King of their lives. Will you be the chariot that moves wherever it is commanded to go?

(1) It is possible, however, to understand "the fourth month" as referring to the Babylonian counting of the months, which began with Tishrei. Thus, this could be the month of Tevet.

About the Author: Seth Dralle is the fulfillment and shipping department manager and a research and teaching assistant for FFOZ. He is also a contributor to messiah magazine, the Monthly eRosh and the Torah Club Online Dictionary.

Visitor Comments

First may I say as a leader in a newly emergent Messianic community of believers your website and information is a blessing!

Your comment "we man not live in an age dominated by idolatry" I must take exception. We in the USA are completed dominated by societal idolatry! Our entertainment blazons it "American IDOL" across the screen. We make "idols" of celluloid performers, raising them up to the level of heaven by calling them "stars." This title of being a "star" rightly belongs to Abraham's inheritance children of the Seed of Promise.

Fashion models, sports icons, rap singers, even many of our politicians are no more than superficial shadows of reality, drug dependent, immoral flesh infused lost beings. And our children desire to emulate them, since we hold them in esteem as adults.

If people are not our idols, then the prosperity ridden pseudo-gospel that adorns screen and radio waves is the next in line for those who comfort themselves with the trappings of religion. Drive Jaguars, BMW's and live in 10,000 square foot houses as the accoutrement of a "saved, victorious so-called Christian" of this false doctrine.

Once again, ministries are not lifting up Yeshua, but themselves as each one is named after a man or woman, who sports three piece suits, diamonds and gold and commands to be sent a "Love Offering" or a "partnership pledge."

I can say with certainty, we are a nation of idolaters struggling with religion, ignorant of loving, submitted relationship - which is what our Creator desires above all else.

Only through the knowledge of Yeshua can we be set free from the Dark Ages that prevails upon the souls of humanity.

Shalom

***Seth's response: Paula, what I meant by my statement is that we don't have the type of idolatry that the ancient world had in the form of wood and stone. Certainly I agree that many other idolatrous things have taken their place in our culture.***

Posted by: Paula Sizemore | June 27, 2007 5:35 PM

Three new 5" x 7" pocket guides: Guidelines for keeping Shabbat, Prayers for opening Shabbat and for closing Shabbat at havdalah.

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Ezekiel's Merkavah Vision (Part 1)

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