Ezekiel 1:17

17 When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they did not return when they went.

Ezekiel 1:17 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 1:17

When they went, they went upon their four sides
On either of their crossing rings, as they were directed by the living creatures, at whose side they stood: [and] they returned not when they went;
they had no need to turn about when they were to go east, west, north, or south, as wheels usually do; but they turned upon the crossing ring, which was towards either of the four points. This denotes the perseverance of the churches, and the true members thereof, in faith and practice; they do not turn back, nor look back, but go right on, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in all his, ways and ordinances.

Ezekiel 1:17 In-Context

15 Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold a wheel upon the earth with its four rims by the living creatures.
16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a stone of Tarsis or beryl; and they four had one likeness; and their appearance and their workmanship was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.
17 When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they did not return when they went.
18 And their ribs were high and dreadful, and full of eyes round about them in all four.
19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went with them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.
The Jubilee Bible (from the Scriptures of the Reformation), edited by Russell M. Stendal, Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2010