Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen G. White makes several statements that coincide with the themes and imagery of Ezekiel 1:1, particularly regarding Ezekiel's vision by the river Chebar. Here are some key points from her writings that align with Ezekiel 1:1 and its context: 1. Vision by the River Chebar: Ellen White describes Ezekiel, the "mourning exile prophet," receiving a vision while by the river Chebar. She recounts the whirlwind, the great cloud, the fire infolding itself, the four living creatures, the wheels within wheels, and the throne above, just as Ezekiel 1 details. She emphasizes the apparent confusion of the wheels, which, upon movement, reveal perfect harmony, symbolizing God's overruling power and order (see 5T 751.2-3; SpTEd 19.1). 2. Overruling Power of God: White highlights that the vision was given to Ezekiel during a time of distress and national desolation, to reveal that above all earthly turmoil, "the God of mercy and truth was enthroned." The vision was meant to comfort and assure Ezekiel (and readers) of God's sovereignty over human affairs (5T 752.1; PK 535.2). 3. Divine Power and Human Agency: She notes the appearance of a hand beneath the wings of the cherubim in Ezekiel's vision, teaching that "it is divine power that gives success" to God's servants, and that the work of God is not dependent on human strength alone (PK 176.1; 5T 754.1). 4. The Book of Ezekiel as Instructive: White calls the book of Ezekiel "deeply instructive," referencing the vivid description of the vision and its spiritual lessons (SpTEd 19.1). In summary, Ellen G. White's statements coincide with Ezekiel 1:1 by affirming the reality and significance of Ezekiel's vision by the river Chebar, emphasizing God's sovereignty, the assurance of divine guidance, and the instructive nature of the vision for God's people. References: - White, E. G. (1889). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, pp. 751-754. - White, E. G. (1917). Prophets and Kings, pp. 531-536. - White, E. G. (1897). Special Testimonies on Education, p. 19.

Ellen White’s writings provide a deep and symbolic explanation of the visions given to Ezekiel, particularly while he was among the captives in Babylon. She portrays Ezekiel as the "mourning exile prophet" who received divine revelations to both warn and comfort the people of Israel during their time of national distress (5T 751.3). In his vision by the river Chebar, Ezekiel witnessed a magnificent and complex scene. He saw a whirlwind coming from the north, accompanied by a "great cloud, and a fire infolding itself" (5T 751.3). Within this scene were four living creatures moving a series of wheels that intersected one another. Ellen White notes that there were "wheels within wheels in an arrangement so complicated that at first sight they appeared to Ezekiel to be all in confusion" (5T 751.3). However, she explains that when these wheels moved, they did so with "beautiful exactness and in perfect harmony," guided by heavenly beings (5T 751.3). This imagery serves to illustrate that while human affairs may appear chaotic, God’s hand is at work to bring {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"perfect method and harmonious working into all the operations of his prepared instrumentalities" (1888){{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}. Above this intricate arrangement of wheels was a glorious sapphire throne, and upon it was the "likeness as the appearance of a man" (TA 137). A significant detail Ellen White highlights is that "there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man's hand under their wings" (5T 751.2). This symbolizes that divine power is the source of success for God's servants and that He is actively involved in the affairs of the world. The visions also carried a heavy burden of responsibility and warning. Ezekiel was raised up to "warn and to comfort the exiles" and to counter the "folly of trusting to the false predictions" of those who promised an early return to Jerusalem (PK 448.1). He was shown the "abominations in the temple" and instructed to foretell the "siege and utter destruction of Jerusalem" through various symbols and solemn messages (SS 233). In the vision recorded in Ezekiel 24, he saw the representation of the "punishment that would come upon all who would refuse the word of the Lord" (1SAT 384.3). For practical application, these visions remind us of the certainty of God's word and our responsibility to one another. Ellen White emphasizes the role of the watchman found in Ezekiel 3, noting that these "solemn words speak to you and me" regarding our duty to warn others of the danger of sin (17MR 99.2). Furthermore, the visions offer comfort by affirming that God’s promises are not indefinitely delayed. She quotes the assurance given to Ezekiel: "The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. ... I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged" (HF 243.2). Ultimately, Ezekiel’s visions reveal that above the turmoil of earthly events, the "Eternal One" sits upon the throne, encircled by a rainbow that serves as an "emblem of grace and love" (5T 751.3). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the significance of the "wheels within wheels" in our work today? • How does the vision of Ezekiel 9 apply to the closing work of the church? • What lessons can we learn from Ezekiel's role as a "watchman" for our own spiritual responsibilities? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=%22Ezekiel%27)