article - the spaceships of the prophet ezekiel

by Josef F. Blumrichfrom EarthPortals Website

Background

A native of Steyr, Austria, engineer Blumrich is the holder of patents on numerousinventions. Until recently the author was chief of the Systems Layout Branch at NASA’s MarshallSpace Flight Center. In earlier years, he developed the structural design of the Saturn Vbooster and participated in the design of Skylab. He has left NASA in order to spend hisfull time on research concerning extraterrestrial visitors in ancient times. He wrote the book Da tat sich der Himmel auf (The Spaceships of Eziekel)

References in some holy scripture to strange machines have prompted, throughout history,speculation and conjecture in order to lend acceptable, if not rational, explanations of thephenomenon reported. Modern technical knowledge and test procedures have been used to reconstruct a modelof what was seen and experienced by one of the four great Jewish prophets two and a halfmillennia ago.

Any thoughts of visits to our planet by extraterrestrial beings is immediately stopped by therealization that existing scientific knowledge precludes that possibility. If such visits couldbe made at all, they would have to originate outside our solar system, and interstellarjourneys would require unimaginable lengths of time. Yet this established knowledge is confronted with the wealth of mankind’s myths andlegends which claim the exact opposite, that "gods" came from the skies. Theirappearances were frequently accompanied by fire, smoke and thunderous noise; theirinfluence on man was, mostly, beneficial. If the source of this information is the ’ primitive’peoples’ we call it a fable; if the origin lies in religious scriptures of the more developedcivilizations, we interpret the tales in a more spiritual or even holy manner.

That this attitude is unfair and wrong is manifest in at least two respects: it disregards thesincere and honest belief of the peoples who handed down the accounts, and degradesthe tales to fictional stories. At its worst, the information is dismissed as the result ofhallucination, the effects of drugs, or plain invention.

The Spaceships of the Prophet Ezekiel http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sitchin/spaceships_ezekiel.htm

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But this attitude is also wrong and unfair with regard to man’s future development becauseit denies even the possibility of progress in the corresponding fields of science.

Thus we seem to be at an impasse because of an apparent conflict between science andlegend. Yet the way is not totally blocked: we can make progress in this very important fieldof knowledge once we realize that science and engineering are two separate (although notindependent) activities, each with its own area of significance. We must acknowledge thepresent inability of science to help formulate answers to the question of extraterrestrialvisitors, while realizing that engineering and industrial technology have not beenintroduced to the controversy. The participation of engineers becomes an unconditional requirement in the evaluation ofconfigurations and phenomena implying visits from other worlds. Here it is only natural thatour fledgling knowledge concerning space flight emerges as a contributor of primesignificance.

My interest is aroused.

My own involvement in the subject of extraterrestrial visitors began with a vehementlynegative attitude. Having worked as an aeronautical engineer since 1934-first in the designand analysis of aircraft, then for the past fifteen years in the design and development ofboth launching vehicles and spacecraft-I was firmly entrenched in the camp of those whodeclare visits from outer space to be an impossibility.

It was in this frame of mind that I began to read Erich von Daniken’s "Chariots of theGods? His claim that the prophet Ezekiel had encounters with spaceships prompted meto read the biblical book of Ezekiel carefully with the intention of proving von Danikenwrong. By the time I had got to verse 7 of the very first chapter, however, I found myselfinterpreting a description of the landings legs of some kind of flying vehicle:

"Their legs were straight. and the soles of their feet were round; and theysparkled like burnished bronze."

Having designed and tested such structures myself, I could not deny that it was possible toread in this a direct, yet simple, technical description.

The contrast of that evidently clear passage with the quite hazy pictures sketched by therest of the chapter made me realize that the prophet could not have known what it was hehad seen, or could not have understood it. I realize the necessary consequences of this:the prophet could only describe his encounters with space vehicles and their crews in theterms available to him-with words and comparisons familiar to him and his contemporaries.So I began taking Ezekiel seriously, in an engineering sense.

Because I had to rely on translations, I used six different bibles, ranging in time from earlyin the last century to 1972, edited by Jewish, Roman Catholic, and protestant translators.Besides these, I used two highly detailed biblical commentaries.

My application of aircraft (specifically, helicopter) and spacecraft engineering principles tothe reports of the prophet resulted in the penetration of Ezekiel’s visual descriptions, andthe replacement of these by known structural configurations. The final result is shown bythe drawing at the beginning of this paper. There we see a quasi-conical main body, supported by four helicopter units, which carries


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the command capsule atop its rounded upper portion. We should consider that Ezekiel firstsaw this vehicle at a distance of about 1,000 meters; at the moment the nuclear enginefired, probably with some white clouds of condensation (because of the engine’s "chilldown" phase) shooting past the craft’s main body.

In these fiery, dynamic surroundings Ezekiel notices the moving rotors, see the landinglegs and mechanical arms attached to the helicopter units. His first reaction is to comparethe helicopters with man-like figures, but he then finds in the term ’living creatures’ anexpression of admirable vagueness to reflect his uncertainty. During final decent andlanding, Ezekiel observes the protective covers of the helicopter’s gear mechanisms,which he able to describe best by comparing them with human faces. He notices the red-hot radiator -glowing coals- (Chapter 1, verse 13)

13. "As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was likeburning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and downamong the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire wentforth lightning."

covering part of the lower central body; the prophet is fascinated by the wheels which, intheir basic form, are the only element he recognizes and thus describes in great detail.

The visual description of the wheel has been misinterpreted in numerous paintings andtexts. Yet no one has ever taken seriously the functional description which indicates thatthe wheels could move, in any direction, without being turned or steered. The latter has ledme to develop a precise engineering interpretation, and for which a patent was granted bythe United States Patent Office no. 3,789,947, Feb. 5, 1974. A particularly gratifying application of this interpretation, incidentally, would be to facilitateconsiderably the mobility of wheelchairs for the physically handicapped.

Prototype, analytical research

Ezekiel ends his technical description with comments on the command capsule and on thecommander himself. The amount of detail he includes is astounding. It is significant thatthe prophet describes features which are of little engineering importance but which, to theeye, carry the same weight as true structural elements. The quasi-conical shape of the spacecraft’s central body-ideally suited to permit itscombination with the helicopters, and thus a most important feature of the vehicle-is anexisting engineering product. It was developed at the Langley Research Center of NASA,and has been studied analytically and in a series of wind-tunnel tests.

After establishing the general configuration of the spaceship, I made an analyticalinvestigation; although the configuration appeared to be structurally and functionally sound,its feasibility could be proved only if weights, dimensions, performance and other basiccharacteristics turned out to be within reasonable limits. The analysis was performedparametrically, that means dimensions, weights and performance were varied in steps overa wide range of possibilities. From the first crude calculation to the final detailed analysis, the results left no doubt of thevehicles feasibility: they reveal a general technology of spacecraft construction not farbeyond our current, most advanced capabilities.


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The only element we are incapable of building is the nuclear reactor within the propulsionsystem. Although this would be a fission reactor, it would require a specific impulse, of atleast 2,000 seconds against the about 900 seconds of today’s nuclear engines. It is reasonable to assume, however, that we could have this capability within a fewdecades if we were to invest enough effort in its development.

The over-all result, then, is a space vehicle technically feasible beyond doubt and very welldesigned to suit function and purpose; its technology is in no way fantastic but, even in itsextreme aspects, lies almost within our own capabilities of today. The results indicate, moreover, that Ezekiel’s spacecraft operated in conjunction with amother vessel orbiting the earth. We have no point of firm reference for an exactdetermination of the dimensions of the landing craft, but we can approximate these withinthe range I investigated analytically. The illustration above shows the shape andproportions. The diameter of the central body would be about 18 m, that of the rotor of a helicopter unitwould be 11 m, total weight from the time of lift-off from the earth for the return flight to themother ship would be 100,000 kg, the engine’s specific impulse would be 2,080 seconds,and the craft would carry two or three passengers.

With these conclusions, I had to declare defeat; I wrote to Eric von Daniken, explainingthat my attempt to refute his theory had resulted in a structural and analytical conformationof a major part of his hypothesis. Determining the form, dimensions and functionalcapabilities of what Ezekiel saw makes understandable a number of passages in his textthat are otherwise meaningless; it also aids considerably in separating the prophetic orvisionary parts of Ezekiel’s book from those concerning encounters with spaceships. (Iconfined my study to the latter.) Being an engineer, I am not qualified to investigate the non-engineering portions.

from UfoWhipNet Website

A friend passed on a book written by NASA engineer Josef F. Blumrich entitled The


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Spaceships of Ezekiel. This book concludes that the passage shown above wasn’t the whole story. Blumrichagrees that the "wheel within a wheel" was extraterrestrial, but he goes one step furtherand claims that it only describes a small part of the craft. According to Blumrich, the whole chapter was a detailed description of an encounter withan UFO.

Ezekiel 1:16 (NIV)This was the appearance and structure of the wheels:They sparkled like chrysolite, and all four looked alike.

Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel.

Even the story behind the book is very interesting. Blumrich notes that he began researching the topic in response to Erich von Daniken’sbook Chariots of the Gods. In the forward to his book, Blumrich states that he,

"began to read von Daniken with the condescending attitude of someone whoknows beforehand that the conclusions presented can by no means becorrect."

In other words, he thought von Daniken was full of it and was going to set out to prove itscientifically.

What he found, after an extensive amount of research from an engineering point of view,was just the opposite. He went from an extreme skeptic to becoming convinced that thebook of Ezekiel was a real accurate and detailed account of an encounter withextraterrestrial visitors. Very interesting coming from a person who is not a religious zealotby any means and is about as far as you can get from a gullible person who might beprone to jump to conclusions.

Blumrich passage by passage analysis of Ezekiel chapter one that is based his work. The text shown below isn’t directly from Blumrich’s book (which contains much, much moredetail than I could ever present here) but is instead a capsulization of Blumrich’sconclusions as presented in another very interesting book entitled Extraterrestrials inBiblical Prophesy by G. Cope Schellhorn, pages 106-108:

Ezekiel 1:4 (NIV)


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I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north--an immense cloudwith flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the firelooked like glowing metal

Blumrich summary:The spacecraft begins at some distance from the prophet in its initial descent.Vapour cloud is from cooling preliminary to firing of rocket engine. Rocketengine is then fired.

Ezekiel 1:5 (NIV)and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance theirform was that of a man

Blumrich summary:Looking upward, the prophet sees four shapes surrounded by fire and vapourthat look alive. These are helicopter-like bodies deployed before landing.

Ezekiel 1:6 (NIV)but each of them had four faces and four wings.

Blumrich summary:The prophet is now able to see more detail because the craft is at low altitude.He sees the four blades of the rotors and the fairing housings above the rotorsthat give the appearance of faces.

Ezekiel 1:7 (NIV)Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed likeburnished bronze.

Blumrich summary:This is a description of the landing legs. The legs have shock absorbers andround footpads.

Ezekiel 1:8 (NIV)Under their wings on their four sides they had the hands of a man. All four ofthem had faces and wings.

Blumrich summary:This refers to remote-controlled mechanical arms hanging along side thecylindrical helicopter bodies.

Ezekiel 1:9 (NIV)and their wings touched one another. Each one went straight ahead; they didnot turn as they moved.

Blumrich summary:A reference to the helicopter blades protruding outward is made.

Ezekiel 1:10 (NIV)Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a man, and on the


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right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; eachalso had the face of an eagle.

Blumrich summary:The fairing surfaces, which protect the gears and other control devices abovethe rotors, look to the prophet like faces. The fairings are irregular in shapewith some raised and some cut out areas, all of which lends itself to anawe-struck interpretation on the prophet’s part. By way of example, Blumrichshows photos of Gemini and Apollo capsules that at certain angles look likemonsters. Because like faces face in like directions, we see that the rotors aresynchronized at rest position.

Ezekiel 1:11 (NIV)Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out upward; each had twowings, one touching the wing of another creature on either side, and two wingscovering its body.

Blumrich summary:The first part refers to the rotor blades being divided. The suggestion is thatthere is a kind of gap in the control mechanism or fairing. The last part of theverse refers to the rotor blades folded in an up and down position.

Ezekiel 1:12 (NIV)Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go,without turning as they went.

Blumrich summary:This refers to the landing leg assembly and the retractable wheels as part ofeach leg assembly. Ezekiel doesn’t see the wheels until they are actuallydeployed in verse fifteen. Verses nine, twelve and fifteen are interrelated.

Ezekiel 1:13 (NIV)The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or liketorches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, andlightning flashed out of it.

Blumrich summary:Ezekiel is referring to the flowing reactor radiator and the bursts from thecontrol rockets. The lightning effect comes from what would seem like leapingrandom fire but in fact is controlled bursts from the various control rockets forstabilization purposes.

Ezekiel 1:14 (NIV)The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.

Blumrich summary:The spacecraft hovers and moves in various directions until a suitable landingsite is found.

Ezekiel 1:15 (NIV)As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each


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creature with its four faces.

Blumrich summary:The wheels are deployed. They appear at the very moment they becomenecessary.

Ezekiel 1:16-21 (NIV)This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled likechrysolite, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheelintersecting a wheel. As they moved, they would go in any one of the fourdirections the creatures faced; the wheels did not turn about as the creatureswent. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes allaround. When the living creatures moved, the wheels beside them moved; andwhen the living creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose.Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise alongwith them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. Whenthe creatures moved, they also moved; when the creatures stood still, theyalso stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rosealong with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Blumrich summary:The greenish-bluish color of the wheels suggests a protective film or coating. Afurther description of advanced reversible wheels is given. Ezekiel is confused- looks to him like a wheel within a wheel. These wheels look like they areobeying orders. He has had experience with wheels but these are puzzling.Thus he gives much time to their description. The craft rolls on the ground,probably in a maneuver to find the most suitable site.

Ezekiel 1:22 (NIV)Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like anexpanse, sparkling like ice, and awesome.

Blumrich summary:Here is a description of the main body of the craft. We get its basic shape,spreading out like a "firmament." The surface of the main body is metallic,shining, bright.

Ezekiel 1:23 (NIV)Under the expanse their wings were stretched out one toward the other, andeach had two wings covering its body.

Blumrich summary:We are given additional information concerning the position of thehelicopter-like appendages relative to the main body. Rotor blades are at rest.

Ezekiel 1:24-25 (NIV)When the creatures moved, I heard the sound of their wings, like the roar ofrushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty, like the tumult of an army. Whenthey stood still, they lowered their wings. Then there came a voice from abovethe expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings.

Blumrich summary:


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Blumrich feels these verses are out of order. They describe operating rotorblade motors and the resultant sound effects.

Ezekiel 1:26 (NIV)Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire,and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.

Blumrich summary:The prophet sees the command module shaped and colored like acabachon-cut sapphire. Seated in the pilot’s seat is a man.

Ezekiel 1:27 (NIV)I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal,as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant lightsurrounded him.

Blumrich summary:The prophet describes the light effects of the commander’s flight suit which, inBlumrich’s opinion, are reminiscent of the light effects caused by the reflectingsurfaces of certain insulation materials used in the Apollo lunar module. (SeeRev 1:12-15 and Dan 10:6) It might be enlightening here to mention the lighteffects, especially the golden glow effect, described by some present-daywitnesses to UFO close encounters, people who have been in near proximityto UFO crew members. A classic example of such an effect would be theFatima incident earlier in the century. An interesting explanation of this effect isoffered by an extraterrestrial in Charles Silva’s "Date With The Gods."

Ezekiel 1:28 (NIV)Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was theradiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory ofthe LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of onespeaking.

Blumrich summary:Here are the optical light effects of the translucent cabachon-shaped commandmodule sitting atop the main body of the spacecraft. Sunlight hitting thetranslucent surface and reflecting off other surfaces inside the module causesa rainbow light effect. (See Enoch 14:9-22 and Rev 4:3) Blumrich emphasizesthat the brightness was "round about him." It did not emanate from "him." Him,we should carefully note, refers to Ezekiel’s initial mistake of identity -confusing the spacecraft with God himself.

Blumrich goes on to provide similar observations for the entire book of Ezekiel. He even concludes that Ezekiel went aboard the craft and interacted with the commanderof the vehicle a number of times. If you’d like to explore the topic further, I’d definitelyrecommend finding Blumrich’s book so you can read all his conclusions firsthand.

So was Ezekiel’s account really his way of telling a detailed story about an encounter withextraterrestrials? Were these beings sent by God to deliver a message to Ezekiel?Interesting but controversial questions. I’ll let you decide for yourself, but I sure haven’t heard any other explanations of Ezekiel’s


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experiences that sound as realistic to me.

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article - the spaceships of the prophet ezekiel

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