Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Ezekiel was himself of a "gigantic nature, and thereby suited to counteract the Babylonish 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, Revelation 4:6, not as English Version, "beasts"; for one of the "four" is a man, and man cannot be termed "beast." Ezekiel 10:20 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 (Ezekiel 1:10; Ezekiel 10:14). 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 (Ezekiel 10:21).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Ezekiel 1:5:
Isaiah 6:2
Ezekiel 10:1
Zechariah 5:6
Revelation 1:4
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