Eze 1:4, 8:2, Dan 7:9, Rev 1:14, 10:1 | JFB | e4.org | 4. whirlwind —emblematic of God's judgments ( ). out of the north —that is, from Chaldea, whose hostile forces would invade Judea from a northerly direction. The prophet conceives himself in the temple. fire infolding itself —laying hold on whatever surrounds it, drawing it to itself, and devouring it. Literally, "catching itself," that is, kindling itself [FAIRBAIRN ]. The same Hebrew occurs in , as to the "fire mingled with the hail." brightness . . . about it —that is, about the "cloud." out of the midst thereof —that is, out of the midst of the "fire." colour of amber —rather, "the glancing brightness (literally, 'the eye', and so the glancing appearance ) of polished brass. The Hebrew, chasmal, is from two roots, "smooth" and "brass" (compare ) [GESENIUS ]. The Septuagint and Vulgate translate it, " electrum "; a brilliant metal compounded of gold and silver.

‏ Ezekiel 1:4

4. whirlwind—emblematic of God's judgments (Jer 23:19; 25:32).

out of the north—that is, from Chaldea, whose hostile forces would invade Judea from a northerly direction. The prophet conceives himself in the temple.

fire infolding itself—laying hold on whatever surrounds it, drawing it to itself, and devouring it. Literally, "catching itself," that is, kindling itself [FAIRBAIRN]. The same Hebrew occurs in Ex 9:24, as to the "fire mingled with the hail."

brightness . . . about it—that is, about the "cloud."

out of the midst thereof—that is, out of the midst of the "fire."

colour of amber—rather, "the glancing brightness (literally, 'the eye', and so the glancing appearance) of polished brass. The Hebrew, chasmal, is from two roots, "smooth" and "brass" (compare Eze 1:7; Re 1:15) [GESENIUS]. The Septuagint and Vulgate translate it, "electrum"; a brilliant metal compounded of gold and silver.

‏ Ezekiel 8:2

2. likeness—understand, "of a man," that is, of Messiah, the Angel of the covenant, in the person of whom alone God manifests Himself (Eze 1:26; Joh 1:18). The "fire," from "His loins downward," betokens the vengeance of God kindled against the wicked Jews, while searching and purifying the remnant to be spared. The "brightness . . . upward" betokens His unapproachable majesty (1Ti 6:16). For Hebrew, eesh, "fire," the Septuagint, &c., read ish, "a man."

colour of amber—the glitter of chasmal [FAIRBAIRN], (see on Eze 1:4, "polished brass").

‏ Daniel 7:9

9. I beheld till—I continued looking till.

thrones . . . cast down—rather, "thrones were placed" [Vulgate and LUTHER], namely, for the saints and elect angels to whom "judgment is given" (Da 7:22), as assessors with the Judge. Compare Da 7:10, "thousand thousands ministered unto Him" (Mt 19:28; Lu 22:30; 1Co 6:2, 3; 1Ti 5:21; Re 2:26; 4:4). In English Version the thrones cast down are those of the previously mentioned kings who give place to Messiah.

Ancient of days—"The everlasting Father" (Isa 9:6). HE is the Judge here, as THE SON does not judge in His own cause, and it is His cause which is the one at issue with Antichrist.

sit—the attitude of a judge about to pass sentence.

white—The judicial purity of the Judge, and of all things round Him, is hereby expressed (Re 1:14).

wheels—as Oriental thrones move on wheels. Like the rapid flame, God's judgments are most swift in falling where He wills them (Eze 1:15, 16). The judgment here is not the last judgment, for then there will be no beast, and heaven and earth shall have passed away; but it is that on Antichrist (the last development of the fourth kingdom), typical of the last judgment: Christ coming to substitute the millennial kingdom of glory for that of the cross (Re 17:12-14; 19:15-21; 11:15).

‏ Revelation of John 1:14

14.—Greek, "But," or "And."

like wool—Greek, "like white wool." The color is the point of comparison; signifying purity and glory. (So in Isa 1:18). Not age, for hoary hairs are the sign of decay.

eyes . . . as . . . flame—all-searching and penetrating like fire: at the same time, also, implying consuming indignation against sin, especially at His coming "in flaming fire, taking vengeance" on all the ungodly, which is confirmed as the meaning here, by Re 19:11, 12.

‏ Revelation of John 10:1

1. another mighty angel—as distinguished from the mighty angel who asked as to the former and more comprehensive book (Re 5:2), "Who is worthy to open the book?"

clothed with a cloud—the emblem of God coming in judgment.

a—A, B, C, and Aleph read "the"; referring to (Re 4:3) the rainbow already mentioned.

rainbow upon his head—the emblem of covenant mercy to God's people, amidst judgments on God's foes. Resumed from Re 4:3 (see on Re 4:3).

face as . . . the sun— (Re 1:16; 18:1).

feet as pillars of fire— (Re 1:15; Eze 1:7). The angel, as representative of Christ, reflects His glory and bears the insignia attributed in Re 1:15, 16; 4:3, to Christ Himself. The pillar of fire by night led Israel through the wilderness, and was the symbol of God's presence.