Ezekiel 1:26
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it.
Above the firmament that was over their heads, above the cherubim and living creatures and wheels, was what appeared to be a throne like a sapphire stone, and upon the likeness of the throne was what appeared to be a man seated upon it. The vision was given while Ezekiel was in exile amid tyranny and the desolation of his homeland. The throne and the humanlike figure upon it are the Eternal God himself.
The vision reveals a power greater than earthly rulers, enthroned above the rulers of Assyria and Babylon, whose authority overrules and guides and governs the affairs of earthly rulers and nations and events. The throne above the firmament shows that heaven is closely connected with earth, with the Lord directing coming events, governing the destiny of nations, and watching over His church and those loyal to Him. This revelation of God's governing power gives reason for faith in Him.
The vision in Ezekiel 1-2 holds a deep and important lesson for every one of God's workmen about dependence on God, and so is to be studied carefully with humility and earnest prayer. The wheels within wheels and the humanlike appearances connected with them were intricate and inexplainable and looked to the finite eye like a mass of confusion, but a hand of infinite wisdom is seen at work amid the machinery, bringing perfect order out of confusion so that every wheel works in its true order and right place in perfect harmony with the grand center and with every other part. The verse means that God Himself controls and instructs every part of His work through the Holy Spirit, so human workers must stand at their post of duty, act with living interest for this time, trust God as instructor, and not wait for human dictation or give glory to human agencies.
The description in Ezekiel 1:26-28 of a humanlike figure above the throne in a heavenly vision is recalled by the man seen at the camp, towering above the tent with visible body and limbs and an appearance like transparent amber.