The Question

What did the four living creatures in Ezekiel signify? How come they each had a face representing the ox, eagle, lion and man? What’s up with the wheel in the middle of a wheel?

V. from Nevada

Mysterious Creatures (Part 1)

The four living creatures are beings created by God who reside around his throne. When Ezekiel saw them he was glimpsing into the third heaven and seeing what takes place in heavenly eternal places. He is not the only one who saw them.

John the Apostle also saw “around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind.” Here is what they continuously proclaim: “‘Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God, The Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.'”(Revelation 4:8)

Can you imagine trying to describe something that has no equal on earth and that you have never seen or suspected existed before? Both Ezekiel and John gave it their best shot but human language falls far short of describing “things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Because these creatures reside in heaven, there is much mystery surrounding them and their meaning. We are not privy to understand their total significance so we also have to give it our best shot and know that we simply don’t yet know all the answers.

What do the living creatures signify? Generally it is believed they represent the four greater divisions of animate creation: wild beasts for the lion; domesticated beasts for the calf; humanity for the man and birds/flying creatures for the eagle. Because they proclaim praise, worship and thanksgiving; all of creation is represented giving God the adoration he deserves.

Some see the various faces symbolizing God’s rule over all of creation. The fact that the creatures are full of eyes symbolizes God’s all-seeing nature and the omnipresence of God. Another aspect of the numerous eyes may be a sense of constant watchfulness.

The wheel inside the wheel? The fact that one of the wheels touched the earth and could move in any direction probably indicates God’s rule and control over the affairs of the earth. He can go where he wants whenever he wants. The wheels followed the spirit which may represent the Holy Spirit.

When we lift up praise to the King of Kings we can add our praise to theirs. We can say: “I join all of heaven in proclaiming your greatness O Mighty God.” In that we are as close to the four living creatures as a prayer’s breath away.