This verse conveys a powerful reminder that all creation is subject to God’s mighty voice.
“And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.” (v.25). These words describe a moment in Ezekiel’s vision where the awesome creatures, often understood to be angelic beings, stand still and lower their wings as a voice from the divine realm speaks. The prophet Ezekiel, who ministered during the Babylonian Exile around 593-571 BC, stood among the Israelite captives along the Chebar River in Babylon (present-day Iraq). Even though this verse does not name a geographical location, the broader context reveals a vivid setting in a foreign land, where Ezekiel was called to declare God’s word to the exiles. In this scene, the dropping of wings conveys reverence and submission to what is coming from above.
“And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads…” (v.25). This phrase emphasizes that the source of authority and power resides above these living beings. In ancient cultures, the concept of something coming from “above” depicts heavenly origin, linking it to God’s sovereignty and glory. In the New Testament, we see a similar motif when a voice comes from heaven at Jesus’ baptism, affirming Him as God’s beloved Son (Matthew 3:17). Ezekiel’s vision here underscores that everything, even majestic heavenly creatures, is subject to the true Ruler of the universe.
“…whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.” (v.25). The Hebrew word for “stood still” implies a posture of attentive waiting, showing that these creatures pause in movement to acknowledge the divine voice. Their dropping of wings further symbolizes humility, readiness to receive God’s direction, and awe of His presence. Throughout Scripture, moments of divine revelation often involve both quiet submission and a readiness to listen (Psalm 46:10). This verse shows how even the most striking beings in Ezekiel’s vision submit to the supreme authority of the Lord.
Set to dark mode
Ezekiel 1:25 meaning
“And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads; whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.” (v.25). These words describe a moment in Ezekiel’s vision where the awesome creatures, often understood to be angelic beings, stand still and lower their wings as a voice from the divine realm speaks. The prophet Ezekiel, who ministered during the Babylonian Exile around 593-571 BC, stood among the Israelite captives along the Chebar River in Babylon (present-day Iraq). Even though this verse does not name a geographical location, the broader context reveals a vivid setting in a foreign land, where Ezekiel was called to declare God’s word to the exiles. In this scene, the dropping of wings conveys reverence and submission to what is coming from above.
“And there came a voice from above the expanse that was over their heads…” (v.25). This phrase emphasizes that the source of authority and power resides above these living beings. In ancient cultures, the concept of something coming from “above” depicts heavenly origin, linking it to God’s sovereignty and glory. In the New Testament, we see a similar motif when a voice comes from heaven at Jesus’ baptism, affirming Him as God’s beloved Son (Matthew 3:17). Ezekiel’s vision here underscores that everything, even majestic heavenly creatures, is subject to the true Ruler of the universe.
“…whenever they stood still, they dropped their wings.” (v.25). The Hebrew word for “stood still” implies a posture of attentive waiting, showing that these creatures pause in movement to acknowledge the divine voice. Their dropping of wings further symbolizes humility, readiness to receive God’s direction, and awe of His presence. Throughout Scripture, moments of divine revelation often involve both quiet submission and a readiness to listen (Psalm 46:10). This verse shows how even the most striking beings in Ezekiel’s vision submit to the supreme authority of the Lord.