The Wheels of God's Throne ( Copyright 2009 G. Thomas Windsor )
( Unfolding the Mystery in the Visions of Daniel and Ezekiel )
Introduction
There are descriptions recorded by the prophets that provide rare
glimpses into heaven itself. Ezekiel, Daniel, the apostle John, and
others saw these visions. These often came in the form of prophetic
dreams and spiritual revelations. Hereby what is usually unseen becomes
visible, even describable in human language. They offer a lens,
as it were, to "look" into the celestial unknown. These heavenly
spiritual concepts are typically described in metaphors. This imagery
uses earthly things as types and shadows whereby the Lord communicates
to us of heavenly things, and specifically, in this case, God's throne.
God uses his Word to describe a reality foreign to us---a place of
strange angelic beings surrounding the Lord: the cherubim and seraphim
enveloped by thunder, lightning, blazing lamps, and a glorious
"likeness of a human form" seated upon a fiery throne, sometimes seen
with wheels.
The words used in the imagery eventually fall short and stretch us to
the limits of our imagination, invoking many questions.
This leads us through one of the most mysterious areas of scripture.
Why is the Lord enthroned between the cherubim as the Scripture states
on a number of occasions? What do the wheels signify beside the
cherubim in Ezekiel's vision and beside the throne in Daniel's
dream? For ages God's throne, the cherubim, and the wheels beside
them have posed a mystery. The ancient Hebrews prohibited its
discussion in public and its teaching was restricted to a very few
initiates. The early and medieval Church seem to have gone in the other
direction and produced fanciful embellishments and excessive
allegorizing on the subject.
An added difficulty regarding this topic is that there have been many
outright erroneous views of the heavenly realm propagated. For
instance, the word "cherub" has come to mean in people's minds
adorable, harmless baby-like angels. The truth is, the Bible portrays
it very differently as we shall see. Upon reading the title of this
book, many may react in puzzlement. Many in our day have never
heard of these concepts or what they mean. (Aside from perhaps those
who pursue angelology, or Kabbalah mysticism; and that's not what
this writing is about.) The subject is usually delegated as one of
those subjects in the Bible that many believers think is not important
because it does not seem relevant to the New Testament. However,
consider this: When Christ proclaimed his final claim of Deity to an
unbelieving generation, He said: " I am,... and you will see the
Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and
coming on the clouds of heaven" (Mark 14:62). He was
referencing Daniel's vision and that throne was a throne with fiery
wheels (Dan. 7:9,13)
There is much discussion and fictional propaganda in our time related
to Bible codes, mysteries, etc. The subject of this writing comprises,
I believe, one of the genuine biblical mysteries, but it will not be
treated in a reckless or sensationalistic manner. Regarding the wheels,
there has been much curiosity and oft-repeated interpretations
(i.e. UFOs/aliens, the planetary orbits, God's providence, sovereignty,
etc.) However, rarely is solid evidence from the Scripture offered as
proof or a method shown as to how the conclusions were formed.
Many commentators are simply quoting past speculators or theologians.
This writing may not necessarily be easy reading as it references some
of the more difficult passages in Scripture. However, these are some of
the very ones that speak of His mysterious, visible throne. The
greatest challenge is the attempt to make all of this consistently
sensible, because the visions of the throne by the prophets occurred at
various times, in varied contexts, and were noted by various
authors.
This writing is limited in its scope. For example, I do not seek
to pontificate upon issues of eschatology in Daniel 7 or historical
background from Ezekiel. (There is already much written on these
subjects). This writing is focused on possible meanings in the
metaphoric descriptions of the wheels. I am using other references in
the Bible to assist in the interpretation, and there's far less written
on this subject. I believe it is important to gain a macro-view (the
whole counsel of the Word) involving dozens of passages that relate,
rather than the typical micro-view involving only Ezekiel. The
micro-view has limited what can be gleaned about the "wheels." I
don't believe that we should spend our time in idle speculation. This
only serves to muddy the waters in our quest for truth.
I trust that the arguments set forth here will begin to show the way
through which we can gain an assured understanding. The finest
interpretation always includes comparing Scripture with Scripture.
Though this book specifically addresses the wheels in detail, I am
seeking to present a broader message. I don't claim it is the complete
or last word by any means, but it reveals what I believe are some sure
foundations of understanding regarding the "wheels." The theological
model presented here, I believe, is somewhat unique. (This author
has tried to find other similar writings and is not aware of any
parallel conclusions either presently or historically.) I also
realize a higher burden of proof is expected from one who sets forth a
unique interpretation or perspective. Others have found some individual
pieces to the puzzle, but I believe this study provides a larger
picture and seeks to bring together various ideas and to integrate
them.
This writing may sound redundant at times, but that is necessary to
show the weight of the foundational points leading to the final
conclusion. Please bear with me. Hopefully this presentation will
make the understanding from the passages self-evident. I've
endeavored to approach this subject with humility, recognizing that we
must take into account what many devout believers have found over the
centuries. As the apostle, Peter, said “some things are
difficult to understand.” I pray I'm not somehow missing the
mark. If I have truly discovered any truths that others may have
overlooked, let's not make the messenger the issue. Ultimately,
what do we all have or understand that we haven't received from
God?
So, what do the wheels beside the cherubim in Ezekiel's vision and the
throne in Daniel's dream really mean? That is the focus of this
book. Let’s begin our journey of discovery. If we pursue
the knowledge of God and His Word wholeheartedly, it isn't unreasonable
to expect that God can reveal even mysterious truths. I hope I can
translate it all into relevant words. It is my prayer that this
will help us to fix our eyes on things above, where Christ is seated,
for we will all one day appear before the throne of God.
Thank you,
G.Thomas Windsor
Chapter 1
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