And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature [was] as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above.
Ver. 22. And the likeness of the firmament.] The glory of God in Christ is revealed to the prophet in this ensuing vision, even that great "mystery of godliness, God manifested in the flesh," 1Ti 3:16 whereof this was a kind of prelude. To like purpose also was that vision. Isaiah 6:1,13 ; Joh 12:39-41
Upon the heads of the living creature.] Between them and the Lord Christ as a screen, and supplied likely the office of that other pair of wings. Isaiah 6:2 Exo 24:10
Was as the colour of the terrible crystal.] Heb., Of the formidable frost, that is, of the most vehement frost, a periphrasis of crystal. a All things above are dreadfully glorious, as all things below are pellucid, pervious, and clear to God's eye, like a diaphanous body. Heb 4:13 Mountains of brass are as transparent to him as the clearest crystal. The firmament is so clear that Christ seeth through it. It is "a molten looking glass"; Job 37:18 and those atheists are utterly out who ask, "How doth God know? can he judge through the dark clouds" Job 22:13
a Vide Plin., lib. xxxvii, cap. 2. Chrysiallus est gelu concretum.