The whole book of Ezekiel is structured in an increasingly complex hierarchy of symbolism, progressing from metaphor to metaphoric narratives, sign actions and finally the most detailed symbolism in his visions. Among these, the Chariot Vision could be considered the most complex and mystical in the whole Bible.
Why does symbolism pervade Ezekiel? The Old Testament scholar J. Goldingay asks: “How does God, who is infinite beyond human experience and comprehension, explain Himself to people in ways they can understand?” Symbolism is one answer. The philosopher Ernst Cassirer argued that humans are more accurately described as symbolic animals than rational ones. The brain preferentially uses symbolic reasoning because it enables an intuitive appreciation of reality that links cognition and emotion: a symbol encapsulates the reality it represents. It also allows our minds to reason with incomplete or imprecise information.
