Ezekiel and Revelation: Comparing Visions

What Makes Ezekiel and Revelation Unique Yet Similar?

Ezekiel was a prophet and priest during Judah's captivity in Babylon, around 593–571 BC. His visions were received during one of the most tumultuous times in Jewish history, with the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem nearing. On the other hand, John the Apostle, often referred to as "John the Divine," wrote Revelation while in exile on the island of Patmos during the first century AD under Roman persecution.

Both men had their eyes opened to glimpses of God's divine throne, glory, and future promises. Each account contains intricate symbolism that bridges their historical contexts to reveal eternal messages about judgment, redemption, and God's dwelling with humanity.

Parallels in the Visions of Ezekiel and Revelation

The Throne of God

One of the most visually arresting parallels between Ezekiel and Revelation is their depiction of the throne of God.

• Ezekiel's Vision (Ezekiel 1): Ezekiel sees a magnificent throne surrounded by a platform sparkling like crystal, carried by four living creatures. Above the throne is the "glory of the Lord," appearing like glowing metal and a rainbow shining in the clouds.
• John's Vision (Revelation 4): Similarly, John describes a throne surrounded by emerald rainbows, with lightning and thunder emanating from it. Around the throne are four living creatures, covered with eyes, worshipping ceaselessly.

Both accounts underscore God's majesty, transcendence, and unapproachable glory.

Eating a Scroll

Both prophets are instructed to eat a scroll, symbolizing their role as messengers tasked with proclaiming God's word.

• Ezekiel is handed a scroll written on both sides, containing lamentation and woe (Ezekiel 3). After eating it, he finds it as sweet as honey, signifying the sweetness of God's word despite its sobering message.
• John is also given a scroll to eat in Revelation 10. Like Ezekiel, its taste is sweet as honey but leaves his stomach bitter, reflecting the joyous yet challenging nature of his prophetic mission.

Living Creatures and Symbolism

The four living creatures are a common motif in both books, emphasizing God's dominion over all creation.

• Ezekiel's Cherubim (Ezekiel 1, 10): Ezekiel describes each of the four living creatures as having four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle) and four wings. They are closely connected to God's chariot and represent the strength and mobility of divine justice.
• Revelation's Creatures (Revelation 4): John describes four living creatures, each with a single face (lion, ox, human, and eagle) and six wings. These beings are worshippers, representing all of creation glorifying God.

While the arrangement of the creatures differs slightly, their representation of divine presence and authority remains consistent.

Measuring the Temple and City

Both Ezekiel and John are instructed to use tools of measurement, symbolizing God's plan and order for His dwelling place.

• Ezekiel measures the new temple (Ezekiel 40–42), which is presented as a vision of restored worship and communion with God.
• John witnesses an angel with a measuring rod to measure the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21). The city symbolizes God's eternal dwelling place with His redeemed people.

The act of measurement in both cases reflects precision, sanctity, and God's divine plan for an everlasting relationship with His people.

The River of Life and the Tree of Life

Rivers and trees are recurring images of sustenance and eternal life in both texts.

• Ezekiel's Vision (Ezekiel 47): A river flows from under the threshold of the temple, bringing life to everything it touches. Fruit trees grow on both sides of the river, their leaves bringing healing.
• John's Vision (Revelation 22): The river of the water of life flows from God's throne, with the Tree of Life on either side, yielding twelve kinds of fruit for each month and leaves for the healing of nations.

Both visions highlight God's abundant provision and the promise of eternal life for His people.

Spiritual Insights From the Parallels

Why do these parallels exist, and what can modern believers draw from them?

1. God is Unchanging

The similarities between Ezekiel and Revelation reveal that the God who spoke to Ezekiel in Babylon is the same God who revealed Himself to John centuries later. His nature, glory, and purposes remain steadfast through time.

2. The Unified Message of Scripture

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible carries a unified message of redemption, judgment, and restoration. Ezekiel and Revelation particularly highlight how God's story encompasses all of history, pointing us toward the TRUTH.

3. Encouragement in Tribulation

Both Ezekiel and John received their visions during times of great distress. Yet their visions provided comfort and hope, reminding God's people of His sovereignty.

4. Worship and Glory

The vivid descriptions of God's throne remind us of the awe and reverence due to Him. These accounts allow us to glimpse God's transcendent glory, inspiring our worship.

What Can Believers Learn Today?

The parallels between Ezekiel and Revelation extend beyond theological curiosity. They encourage us to see Scripture as a cohesive narrative, to center our lives on God's kingdom, and to live in anticipation of His ultimate renewal of all things.

A Call to Worship

Both prophets witnessed the overwhelming glory of God, surrounded by worshippers. This calls us to make worship central in our lives, recognizing God's majesty and holiness.

A Call to Read and Reflect

The rich symbolism in Ezekiel and Revelation reminds us that Scripture invites deeper exploration. If you've read either book and felt overwhelmed, take heart. Their core message reveals God's wisdom, sovereignty, and plan for salvation. I would ask you to watch the included video on this post to gain further understanding.

A Call to Anticipate

Ezekiel's temple and John's New Jerusalem point to a future where God dwells perfectly INSIDE His people, wiping away every tear and restoring all creation. This vision invites us to live with hope and longing for that day we too can ENTER IN.

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