יחזקאל, פרק א׳, פסוק כ״ד

The prophetic vision shifts from the visual realm into an intense, overwhelming auditory experience. As the holy creatures move, they generate a profound sound that serves as a bridge between the celestial spheres and the physical world. The primary approach among commentators describes this as a tangible, awe-inspiring roar of beating wings [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ, צאינה וראינה]. Conversely, another perspective suggests this is not a physical friction of wings at all, but rather a moment of profound intellectual and spiritual comprehension. In this light, the sound is actually a divine command that drives the entire heavenly system [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].

The sheer intensity of this noise is compared to mighty, rushing currents of water, symbolizing a sweeping and unstoppable force [מצודת דוד]. Beyond the rushing waters, the noise carries a divine weight. While some understand this simply as a description of immense power [רד״ק], most commentators identify it as the voice of God Himself. It echoes the majestic revelation at Mount Sinai, a massive sound perceived only by those meant to hear it [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. On a deeper spiritual level, these sounds reflect divine providence. The rushing waters recall God's decrees during the Creation of the world or the great Flood, while the divine voice represents His miraculous interventions that override the laws of nature [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל]. Allegorically, the flowing waters symbolize the immersive study of Torah, and the divine voice represents the fulfillment of commandments that subdue adversaries [חומת אנך].

The creatures do not move in silence, nor do they act as a single, static entity. Instead, their motion produces a massive, vibrating din resembling a bustling city or a multitude of people speaking at once [ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. This tumult is understood by some as the collective song of angels, praising their Creator like a vast celestial army [רש״י, אברבנאל]. Others view this harmonious roar as the sound of the laws of nature operating in perfect, military-like order [מלבי״ם]. Additionally, this heavenly hum is said to swell in direct response to the Israelites studying Torah on earth [חומת אנך].

Yet, this overwhelming symphony eventually comes to a halt. When the creatures stop moving, their wings drop to their sides and the great noise ceases [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת ציון, צאינה וראינה]. This sudden silence occurs for several reasons. It is an act of deep reverence, as the angels quiet themselves to allow prophets to hear God's voice descending from above, or to grant the righteous in the physical world the privilege of singing their praises first [רש״י, אברבנאל]. From the perspective of celestial mechanics, the pause happens when the creatures temporarily stop receiving energy from the firmament above them [מלבי״ם]. A deeper interpretation suggests that this stillness reflects their spiritual state; the dropping of their wings symbolizes the concealment of their divine essence from human understanding [אברבנאל]. Symbolically, this silence is also tied to human action: if the Israelites neglect their Torah study, the creatures' wings weaken and their song fades, even though they continue to advocate for the people [חומת אנך].

Alongside these mystical and physical interpretations, a tragic, historical perspective casts the entire scene as an allegory for the destruction of the Temple. In this view, the sound of the wings is the sorrowful noise of the Divine Presence departing from the Holy of Holies. The rushing waters and the divine voice represent the harsh decree of destruction, while the tumultuous roar is the sound of the invading Babylonian army entering the sanctuary. Finally, the creatures standing still with drooping wings symbolizes the tragic helplessness of the Cherubim. Because of the people's sins, the heavenly protectors simply stood by, lowering their wings and allowing the sanctuary to be destroyed [אברבנאל].