Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 1:28

28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about: This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD: and when I saw it I fell on my face and I heard the voice of one that spake.

Here more particularly is described the brightness before mentioned.

A Rainbow the Fire being resplendent and clear cast its rays on the thick Cloud below. And this is mentioned no doubt to assure the Prophet and those among the Jews that did tremble and wait for God, that God would not forget his Covenant though he came to execute severest judgments, Gen. 9.13. A like appearance of Christ in a surrounding brightness as of the Rainbow you have, Rev. 4.3. Mercy, and Truth, and both according to Covenant and Promise are about the Throne of Christ. This a brightness of Mercy and Grace that enlightens, that comforts.

This the conclusion of the Vision.

It was not the full glory of God, it was not the splendor of unveiled Majesty, it was the likeness of his Glory, such as the Prophet might bear, and tell to us, the fulness of his Glory, is inaccessible light, the Prophet could not see it, and unspeakable Majesty and the Prophet could not tell it to us.

1. Astonished at such a sight, as Genesis 17.3. Daniel 7.15, 2[illegible: 1 letter]. With 2. Deep Humility and Reverence he cast himself down. 3. 'Tis a posture of Prayer, and possibly the Prophet might sue to know the meaning of all this.

Such was the voice and such the things spoken, that the Prophet seems to con[illegible: 1 letter]ess he could not say whose voice 'twas, but 'twas Divine, Powerful, Astonishing, as being such as is described, ver. 25. such the voice he hears.

Marginal references: Chap. 3.23.