And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.
Here the Prophet explains more clearly what would otherwise be obscure. He says that the living creatures ran, and returned like lightning: by which words he doubtless signifies their amazing swiftness. For lightning (as Christ uses that comparison when he speaks of his own Advent — Matthew 24:27) goes forth from one part of the world and penetrates instantly to the opposite.
These visions filled Ezekiel with exalted thoughts of the God he served, securing him for his work and arming him with power to speak what God would do. They struck terror into the secure sinners of Zion who mocked the prophets, showing them our God is a consuming fire; and they comforted the godly captives in Babylon, assuring them their God dwelt among them still.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 1:4-14
And the living creatures ran,.... Did their work with great readiness and swiftness; so, especially in the latter day, ministers of the Gospel shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased, Dan 12:4; and returned; for though before it is said, "they turned not when they went", they kept straight on till they had done their work; but when they have done it...