Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 1:28

"As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Jehovah. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake." — Ezekiel 1:28 (ASV)

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud (Revelation 10:1). The addition, in the day of rain, is not merely a reference to the ordinary natural phenomenon, but distinctly connects this vision with the gracious promise in Genesis. It shows that God, who has in this vision presented His attributes of terrible majesty, will also add to them those of mercy and loving-kindness. It was in both alike that He was to be made known to His people through the prophet who is now receiving his commission. This was the merciful appearance of the brightness round about.

I fell upon my face. The immediate manifestation of the Divine has always proved overpowering to man (Isaiah 6:5; Daniel 8:17; Acts 9:4; Revelation 1:17. Compare also Luke 5:8; Luke 8:37).

In considering the general significance of this vision, it is to be remembered that Ezekiel saw it four times in various connections in his life's work:

1. At this time, when he was called to the exercise of the prophetic office.
2. A second time, when shortly afterwards he was sent to denounce judgments upon the sinful people and to foretell the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (Ezekiel 3:23 and following).
3. Again, a year and a half later (Ezekiel 8:4; Ezekiel 10:15), when he saw the same vision and was made to understand the evils and abominations committed in the Temple (which was still standing), until the glory of the Lord forsook His house and departed from the city (Ezekiel 11:23), as a sign that God had given them over to punishment.
4. Finally, in the prophecy of future restoration and blessing, when he again saw the presence of the Lord, by means of the same vision, re-enter and fill the house (Ezekiel 43:3–5).

Its meaning, therefore, clearly relates to all the prophecies of Ezekiel, whether of judgment or mercy. Without attempting an explanation of the symbolism in detail, we cannot be wrong in assuming that it represents the irresistible Divine activity, controlling alike the agencies of judgment and of mercy, directed to every corner of the earth, and requiring from all most profound homage and veneration. The perfect unity of purpose in all God’s works is made especially prominent, as is the consistency of His wrath with His love and of His judgments with His mercy; and over all seems to be written, as on the plate of the mitre which He long ago commanded the high priest to wear in His temple, Holiness unto the Lord.