Ezekiel 1:23

23 And under the firmament their wings were stretched out straight, one toward another; and each creature had two wings covering its body.

Ezekiel 1:23 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 1:23

And under the firmament [were] their wings straight, the one
toward the other
A further account is here given of the wings of the living creatures, which were under the firmament: two of their wings were stretched straight upwards towards the firmament, and joined each other; (See Gill on Ezekiel 1:9); everyone had two, which covered on this side;
besides the two that were carried straight upright towards heaven, they had other two, which covered their back and belly: and everyone had two, which covered on that side, their bodies;
that is, on each side of their bodies; so that there were in all six wings, as in Isaiah's vision, and in that of the Revelation of John: as their wings in general denote the swiftness and readiness of Gospel ministers to do the work of Christ, for which they exact help and assistance from above, signified by two being stretched straight upwards; see ( Ezekiel 1:11 ) ; so covering the several parts of their bodies with the rest shows their modesty and humility, as being ashamed of themselves and their services, when performed in the best manor; it being altogether owing to the grace of God they are what they are, have and do; they themselves being the chief of sinners, and the least of saints, in their own account.

Ezekiel 1:23 In-Context

21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them; for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

22 Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of a firmament, shining like crystal, spread out above their heads.

23 And under the firmament their wings were stretched out straight, one toward another; and each creature had two wings covering its body.

24 And when they went, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the thunder of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of a host; when they stood still, they let down their wings.

25 And there came a voice from above the firmament over their heads; when they stood still, they let down their wings.