Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.
Out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. Ezekiel was himself of a 'gigantic nature, and thereby suited to counteract the Babylonian 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 the 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).