Ezekiel 2:5In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month of the fifth day,… I saw visions of God. In appearance their form was that of a man, but each of them had four faces.. Gleamed like burnished bronze. Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox: each also had the face of an eagle. …Each had two wings. As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground .. Sparkled like chrysolite..
There’s a tracking system on my blog. It identifies the search words that are frequently used in finding my site. Which brings me to the subject. Are you ready? The keywords that are used a minimum two or more times a week finding my blog are ‘painting of Ezekiel’s Vision’.
Interesting huh? I’ll leave that for you to figure out.
I had originally written Ezekiel's Vision as one of my first blogs. I had just read the Bible from cover to cover. (Yes, I had read it many times before, but never from page one right through to the end.) Like many artist before me, I found one of the most bizarre chapters of the bible contributed by Ezekiel. He was a visionary and spoke of the end of the world. I assure you that I absolutely mean no disrespect, but I fathom Ezekiel was smoking something out in the desert. (Although, it certainly doesn’t undermine his warning or impact as a prophet)
At the beginning of Ezekiel, he describes seeing 4 winged creatures that moved with a chrysolite wheel. Now please understand: Ezekiel states each individual creature had 4 heads (a lion, man, eagle and ox) and one body of a winged man. He even tells us where the animal heads are located on the body. This is where the controversy arises.
Later in Ezekiel, he describes the ‘living creatures’ as 4 creatures each bearing only one unique head (of a lion, ox, man and eagle). Attempting to understand this discrepancy, I went to the Internet to research. I was dumbfounded with the myriad of diverse interpretations. Many famous and non-famous artist and writers have portrayed Ezekiel Vision both ways, -many ways.
Raphael’s famous painting of Ezekiel’s Vision (shown at the right) shows the 4 living creatures. He doesn’t even begin to portray the vision as Ezekiel describes it. To start with, they don’t have ‘human bodies’ and Raphael’s shows them as passive, benign earthly animals, (as we know animals to look) short of the fact a lion and ox have wings.Ezekiel’s words say that the ‘living creatures’ were huge, furious and surrounded by fire. He said they sounded like the ‘tumult of an army’ as they moved. Ezekiel so feared the creatures that he fell face down to the ground.
After much thought on the matter, I realized I wouldn’t find the answer that easily. I decided to do the literal interpretation described in the first 8 paragraphs of Ezekiel. My painting is a depiction of just one of these ‘living creatures.’
As to the chrysolite wheel: chrysolite is a green glass like jewel or stone. Ezekiel said each creature had one and it lay on the ground beside the creature and would rise and move with the creature. Yet he also says, ‘the wheels does not turn about.’ I was a little confused as to how to depict this, so I just included it as a peripheral element.
I think William Blake most aptly defined the best explanation for Ezekiel’s Vision:
"The writer's words profess to translate some otherworldly reality into human terms, to penetrate a mystery, which cannot be known to the ordinary, common sense mind. "
I’m going to do Ezekiel Vision again but with all four living creatures depicted literally as described in the Bible. I’m definitely going to need a MUCH bigger canvas.
If you have five minute read Ezekiel and give me your input. Why do we pretend to not like religious art yet always gravitate towards it? How does it affect you? And what should I include in the new painting?
Vikki
Ezekiel’s Vision is 12”x16” acrylic on unstretched canvas. It’s on sale for $115 until Dec. 1, 2008. (Sales pricing can only be found through this blog ) To contact me go HERE. Prints are available on request. Details HERE.
Please visit The Red Chair Gallery to see the rest of my work.
20 comments:
Vikki ~ You did a beautiful job with the painting. It was enough to have me researching it, though to be honest, that part of the Bible freaks me out a little.
One thing that I read was how each of the animals represents a realm - wild, wind, man, domestic and are the mightiest of each and that because of this, they must come together to work in unison. That not one of the forces is stronger than the other, but it is the space between them and shared within that creates the spiritual realm. Didn't Ezekiel write about wheels covered with eyes, with a wheel within a wheel? Nature is ever changing, with the seasons for instance, constantly having to battle with the forces, never at rest, and if it's a wheel, it has to be in balance to work. And this is where the spirit is found. And the fire that you wrote about, it is within the creature, right? I'm not sure if I'm helping or not... But it's just rambling thoughts. I loved your artistic vision of it!
Hi Aleta,
This is terrific input! And you’re right. Ezekiel is probably the most frightening of all chapters. (Sci Fi fancier’s move over!)
I remember the eyes on the wheels but wondered if that was symbolic. But, it a very good point. I’m going to include the eyes. It would just add another interesting detail. I’ll make it subtle but apparent.
I love the ‘wild, wind, man, domestic’. I’d not heard that. I definitely want to incorporate that. Again, very cool Aleta.
With the fire- again is that literal? Most artist depictions actually show a firestorm around the living creatures. I guess it’s up to our interpretation. If I create them in motion (which is more fun) I could have a firestorm trailing behind them.
You’re terrific, Aleta. Thanks.
Vikki
Vikki that is a striking portrait. I can't wait to see what you do with the larger canvas. I bet it will take some serious time.
It's neat that you can check to see what search bring people to your site. I know Google will do that, but I don't know about any others.
I am going to have to go read Ezekiel in the bible now, to be honest it's been a very long time.
Hi Eric,
Reading the bible from cover to cover was on my list of 'To Do's before I Kick the Bucket". I'm so glad I did. It's really one of the most spiritually enriching things any of us can do for ourselves.
My tracker is the last thing on the right side of the blog (Feedjit). It's very cool.
Vikki
Okay Vikki, I'll have to do some research of my own!!..this is a part of the Bible I don't know very well,.... but I think Blake hit the nail on the head!
I know that Ezekiel prophesies often in symbolism, parable and allegory. There are many commentaries that go into detail about the meaning of the vision.
If you read to the end of the chapter you will see that the Prophet falls face down before the glory of the Almighty, who appears...like glowing metal...and a brilliant light surrounded Him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around Him.....That's what I would paint!
I think that is the whole idea behind the vision ,..to show the sovereignty and omnipotence and omnipresence of God........Okay so I gave three cents!!....=]....thanks for keeping in touch and respecting my opinions...RW
Striking painting Vikki!!! can't wait to see it in a bigger canvas!
As for the vision of Ezekiel I agree they are quite... freaky. Certainly comes to think historically speaking on those times many needed the inspiration from a root, mushroom or any other infusion to "see" the prophecies so it shouldn't be a surprise to read they don't make sense or are quite confusing. Add to that the fact that the bible was not written in English and half of the content is lost in translation through out the centuries and top that with the amount of editing the bible must have had and these kind of things make no sense.
The bible is one of the most incredible books ever written. As with any book especially that old things shouldn't be taken in textual content without taking in consideration the time in history where they were written and the social and cultural parameters. Still a wonderful book to read if your mind is wide open.
Vikki:
Just read your piece on Ezekiel. This should generate some very interesting responses. I'm looking forward to it. Some of the most heavily trafficed discussion groups on the Net focus on religious issues. I'd also be curious whether there are other depictions of Ezekiel by other artists out of the Renaissance.
Hi Robin,
I absolutely respect your opinions and value your input. But correction by favorite God fearing artist: Ezekiel falls face down immediately after he sees the living creature and it starts to speak to him. It’s the last sentence in Part 1of his Chapter.
Don’t you love that? Throughout the bible the prophets are falling face down. It’s such a wonderful representation of the total shock they felt at a religious experience.
As much as I would love to show the Omnipresence of God, I think that’s a little more than I can undertake. I just prey that I can show a small trace of it in every work I do.
But I put you to the challenge. I’d love to see you come up with a symbolic representation. You’re such an amazing artist Robin.
Vikki
Hi Manuela,
I’m in full agreement with you about the bible. It’s the most extraordinary masterpiece and precious relic of humanity. In my blog on ‘The Monkey’ I wrote: With all due respect, the bible is a book of parables and allegory. It’s meaning is by definition of the reader or religion.
And that’s where the problems arise.
One thing that is forever overlooked is that the stories of the Bible have been edited more than any book for over two thousand years. The very last lines of the bible state that if anyone changes the words of the bible prophecy- plagues and doom will be fall them.
How much money would you bet that never happened?
But it goes without debate that the bible is our basic core of values. The thing that I found extraordinary is that every facet of our legal and judicial system is directly based on the Biblical dictates- almost matter per matter. And this written centuries ago by our ancient predecessors! If that isn’t food for thought, I don’t know what is.
Vikki
Hi Logisitician,
Yes – I think it’s really interesting that online traffic flow is showing a resurgence of religious discussion and exploration.
Religion imagery was a popular theme by the early masters, but like the Internet findings, there’s also a rebirth of it today. Most of the Internet images I found on Ezekiel were contemporary artist. That's something to ponder.
Vikki
When I go home tonight I'm going to read Ezekiel - but I would also like to see if there are, perhaps, more recent translations of the original text - one that takes into account more recent knowledge of the meaning of words used in the ancient writings.
Hi Lou,
I'd love to hear your take on Ezekiel. There are a multitude of definition on the Internet.
My issue with contemporary translations: Even if it’s written by a renowned theologian or great mind - it's still just 'opinion’. They’re swayed by their religious association or predefined beliefs.
But, I have to say it’s really great fun to research! Ezekiel is an extraordinary chapter. I would go back and read the actual text repeatedly doing this little painting. I always left with ‘What?”
Vikki
Hi Vikki,
Another challenging post! What don't you tackle? I too read the bible all the way through. I have to admit, it had the opposite affect on me. I couldn't take reading "David killed every third man, woman and child" and then the explanation at the bottom of the study bible that said, "Well at least he didn't kill EVERYONE."
I did come to love James though, my favorite section. Especially the verses about gossip.
I think sometimes people don't like religious paintings because they are often so literal. Your Ezekiel has much more interpretation and symbolism to it, which makes it more interesting.
Hi Peggi,
Hey- I know exactly what you mean. I was screaming! If I had read an explanation like "Well at least he didn't kill EVERYONE," I probably would have closed the book at that point.
I went slamming through those chapters trying to find the logic for ‘David’. When David lusts after Bathsheba and then decides to kill her husband to have her- I was going “Wait a Minute! And your God’s favorite Ace?”
My take-Obviously, David couldn’t handle the prosperity or power. (Hummm? Ever known anyone like that?) The more he conquered, the more he gained and the more he became full of himself and slipped away from God. His ferocity, butchery, vindictiveness increased until he became a cruel, harsh conqueror. YET (and here’s the biggy!) - It wasn’t his ‘loss of salvation!!’ David realizes he’s loosing it and begs for God’s forgiveness.
I think the tale of David is about forgiveness- the most difficult thing we all need to do to live well in this world and be happy. But what do I know?
Vikki
Hi Vikki,
Just stopped by to say hello. I see that I have a lot of catching up on here. I'll come back another time to read and comment. Sleep is calling for me.
Good night,
Tasha
Hi Tasha,
Sleep tight. Talk to you later.
Vikki
That the bible has been translated and interpreted numerous times is key. Scholars of all stripes are finding variations of meaning within the translations when they go back to the old Hebraic and Aramaic scrolls.
Something I learned during my religious studies: Many of the stories of the bible are taken from local myths as the Arian tribes conquered the people. For instance, if you read The Love Song of Tamuzzi, it's almost stanza for stanza the Song of Solomon. That the Song of Tamuzzi predates Solomon by many centuries is another of those curiousities where translations and interpretations intervene.
Every time I read Ezekiel, I am struck by this thought: It is 300 - 400 BCE and I am a simple and devout man in my worship of Yahweh, the Lord; If I'm faced with something so alien and unexplainable, a machine so fantastic and mind-boggling, how would I interpret it or wrap my mind around it?
I would have nothing to base what I see and experience on, so I would have to interpret it through what I know and concieve of as my reality.
At the time I read Ezekiel, I was taking a course on magic and religion. The story brought up in class about that time was an account of the South American natives Magellan encountered.
Here's one account:
Magellan sailed around South America and landed there. He had three huge masted ships anchored out a distance in the sea. The natives couldn't see those ships because they were so far beyond anything they could ever imagine, and they had no reference point for sailing vessels of this magnitude. The natives could see the small boats that Magellan's crew used to row up to shore. The traders that the Spanish used to come ashore were similar to the natives' own canoes. However, the natives absolutely could not see the big ships. When they looked upon the waters, they saw a clear horizon with nothing upon it and insisted that they could not see them.
One of the chiefs stood on the shoreline watching the horizon. He finally saw a red flag floating above the water and pointed it out to the Spaniards. When they explained that the ship was a huge canoe, the chief was finally able to see the 3 vessels. He was sensing a possibility and concept for something for which they had no previous framework or reference point for.
Back to my interpretation of Ezekiel's vision. I think Ezekiel had a close encounter of the third kind. I know that sounds bizarre, but there are similar accounts from every major civilization from ancient times on, including some paintings and petroglyphs showing them.
Now. If you humor my thinking here, the wheel within a wheel with eyes sounds awfully like a rotating space station with window ports of light. The roll with writing on it that he was comeled to swallow sounds a lot like a computer chip tracking device (remember that he could not 'read' that language and the roll that he was to fill himself with would allow him to speak the language of the Israelites and understand god).
The joined wings of the four sided creatures sound like personal rotors similar to a helocopter or helioporter. They went upright when they were still and spread out when they moved. The green wheels of beryl moved with each of them or hovered next to them when they were still. Some type of levitation device? Think of the first time you saw a jet pack.
The dude in linen that the cherubim handed some of the fire to (laser gun?) when he went into the house - a space suit?
The fire that surrounded them and their chariot was every color of the rainbow. Neon, jet propulsion, and the lightning that flew from them static electricity such as that put off by Tesla tube.
I thought that the 4 faces were astrological - man = Aquarius, lion = Leo, Ox = Taurus, eagle - Scorpio that were symbolically portrayed on the four sides of these individuals.
You asked for interpretations, these are from my notes years ago. I stepped outside the box in interpreting the words as symbolic. This is what I came up with then and it's what I see now when I re-read it.
When Ezekiel was told to shave his beard and head, weigh the hair and divvy it up into thirds to represent the house of Israelites, a third were ritually burned in a fire to symbolize dying by sword, a third by pestilence and famine and the remaining third, thrown to the wind from Ezekiel's skirts were those remaining Israelites who were scattered everywhere in every nation around it.
A very different interpretation for the interstellar invasion of Ezekiel. He may HAVE been doing peyote or magic mushrooms when he saw the mother ship. I think I would like to have been stoned if I had experienced what Ezekiel did.
D
Hi Dina,
Excellent. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this out. (You’re so well read!) I enjoyed walking through it with you and you’re absolutely right. The possibilities are endless and completely up to the interpretation of the reader. That’s one of my main difficulties with many organized religions today.
The Bible is interpreted by the founders design and belief system. It’s meaning differs endlessly from religion to religion
Wasn’t it in the movie ‘Chariots of the Gods (?)’ where a coke bottle falls out of an airplane and bonks the African native on the head? The coke bottle is nothing within the native’s knowledge or understanding. He and his tribe are sure it’s been dropped by the Gods from the heaven.
It is innately human for us to ‘see what we want to see’ and define it within our scope of understanding.
The Bible is an ancient document. There’s no way of actually knowing it’s exact meanings. But all that said- the Bible is also the basis for most of the world’s ethical standards over all the ages.
What ever it’s origins; it’s been a darn good manual on right and wrong.
Vikki
Wow! You've read the Bible from begining to end? I tried many times, but I could only get to the first few pages and then I fall asleep. I liked The Book of Revelation.
I like your interpretation of Ezekiel 2:5. Excellent painting. I think you're right when you said that Ezekiel must have been smoking dope when he saw those images. That's funny.
Tasha
Hi Tasha
Thank you. I know exactly what you mean. I used always fall to sleep and have to admit get a lttle bored with the difficulty in reading it.
When I started it last spring, I was determined and took it a little bit at a time. I made it an ongoing and scheduled project. Before I knew I'd gone cover to cover.
Vikki
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