יחזקאל, פרק א׳, פסוק י״ח

A vision of heavenly wheels reveals a living, complex entity rather than a lifeless machine. The sheer size and wondrous nature of this structure evoke a deep sense of awe and insignificance. The outer rims or backs of these wheels rise to an immense height [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Some understand these structures as towering partitions that surround the four wheels, forming an enclosure for the rider within [מצודת דוד]. From a broader, cosmic perspective, these towering heights represent distant star systems and galaxies, such as the Milky Way, positioned at an infinite elevation above the orbits of the planets [מלבי״ם].

The staggering dimensions of these structures naturally strike terror and dread into anyone who looks at them, as anything so impossibly massive inspires deep awe [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, this sense of dread can also be understood as belonging to the wheels themselves, which stand in a constant state of reverence and fear [רש״י]. In the cosmic view, this fear represents the physical forces of the universe. Smaller stars are drawn toward larger ones, moving in precise, circular orbits out of an obedient reverence for the natural laws that God established [מלבי״ם].

Adding to their living nature, these structures are completely covered in eyes. This reveals that they are not ordinary vehicles, but living, seeing beings [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because they move only in straight lines without ever turning, the abundance of eyes allows them to see in every possible direction [רש״י]. Alternatively, the reference to eyes does not mean actual organs of sight, but rather a brilliant display of many shades and shifting colors that decorate the towering partitions [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. Looking at the universe as a whole, these eyes serve as a metaphor for the countless suns and stars shining from every direction. Like open eyes, they symbolize God's constant, watchful providence over His entire creation [מלבי״ם].