Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 1:13

13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire , and like the appearance of lamps : it went up and down among the living creatures, and the fire was bright , and out of the fire went forth lightning .

In which they were seen by the Prophet.

Their aspect was of a fiery colour to afright and alarm secure sinners. That God who had hitherto appeared most patient and long-suffering now makes discoveries of himself in dreadful displeasure, which would burn, as Num. 11.1, 2, 3. Or Isa. 10.17. Or Ier. 4.4. That would consume their Glory, and there be none to quench it, Ier. 7.20, and 21.12.

God doth by his Prophet here forewarn them of very great miseries coming on them Wrath as Fire, as Coales, and burning, every word adding weight to the phrase. It notes also the zeal and fervent affection of these living creatures, doing the Will of God.

It was not a furious and unbounded Fire, it was as that which burneth in the lamp, limited, it should not devour but the wicked. Or it may note the care and wisdom wherewith these executions should be made, as if all were done in the light of Lamps, as in dark places we take Candles to light us in our work; or it may intimate the hope for the good among the Jews as Lamps doth, Isaiah 62.1. and destruction of Enemies, as Zech. 12.6. Or if it may be interpreted by Dan. 10, 6. where the Lamp that burneth expresseth the Divine Wisdom and Love, and possibly the Knowledge and Love of Christ, as Revel. 1.15. 'Twill well suit with the whole Vision, and with what next follows.

This Fire, or the burning Lamp, or both went up and down, stood not still, nor was carried, but as the Heb. Made it self walk up and down. It moved it self, which is too much to ascribe to Creatures; God only is an unmoved mover, so 'twill lead our thoughts to God, who moved all these living Creatures.

It was not the dark and sooty Fire of malice and hell. It shined as always Gods zeal for his own Glory, and as Angels zeal for the Glory of their God doth. Or 'twas so bright as to discover it self in more then ordinary glory.

With this God gave the Law, Exod. 19.16. Contends with Enemies, 2 Sam. 22.15. Zech. 9.14. These Lightnings as they are terrible to sinners, and strike an aw upon Saints; so they tell both, that there is more then ordinary of God to be lookt to in them. His Judgements as Lightning call upon us to fear, seek, and shelter our selves with God.

He farther describeth what he had more briefly spoken of verse 6th. There you had their shape and make, here you have their colour.