Ezekiel’s Inaugural Vision

1 In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles^(A) by the Kebar River,^(B) the heavens were opened^(C) and I saw visions^(D) of God.

²⁴ When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar of rushing^(A) waters, like the voice^(B) of the Almighty,^[a] like the tumult of an army.^(C) When they stood still, they lowered their wings.

²⁵ Then there came a voice from above the vault over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. ²⁶ Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne^(D) of lapis lazuli,^(E) and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.^{(F) 27} I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.^{(G) 28} Like the appearance of a rainbow^(H) in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.^(I)

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory^(J) of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown,^(K) and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Ezekiel’s Call to Be a Prophet

2 He said to me, “Son of man,^[a](A) stand^(B) up on your feet and I will speak to you.^(C)”

Doom for the Mountains of Israel

6 The word of the Lord came to me: