Albert Barnes Commentary Ezekiel 1:18

"As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and they four had their rims full of eyes round about." — Ezekiel 1:18 (ASV)

Rings – The rims (circumference) of the wheels: they were both high and terrible. The “eyes” may have been no more than dazzling spots adding to their brilliance. But it seems more likely that they had a symbolic meaning, expressing either the universal fulfillment of God’s will through His creation (2 Chronicles 16:9), or the constant and unceasing praise which His works are continually rendering to Him (Revelation 4:8).

The power of nature is no blind force. It is employed in the service of God’s Providence, and the stamp of reason is impressed upon it. It is this very thing that makes the power of nature terrible to him who is at enmity with God.