Ezekiel 1:5

Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.

Out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. Ezekiel was himself of a 'gigantic nature, and thereby suited to counteract the Babylonian spirit of the times, which loved to manifest itself in gigantic, grotesque forms' (Hengstenberg).

Living creatures - so the Greek ought to have been translated in the parallel passage (), not as the English version, "beasts;" for one of the "four" is a man, and man cannot be termed "beast." shows that it is the cherubim that are meant.

Likeness of a man. Man, the noblest of the four, is the ideal model after which they are fashioned (; ). The point of comparison between him and them is the erect posture of their bodies, though doubtless including also the general mien. Also the hands ().