Ezekiel 1:21

And this whole vision is: a Spirit lifting up, and a great cloud, and four living creatures, and wheels following the same creatures, and the spirit, which deserve to be under the firmament of God. And after they were lifted up, and heard a voice like many waters, and like the sublime word of God, and the voice of camps and armies, they let down their wings, and showed astonishment in silence.

(Vers. 19 seqq.) When the animals walked, the wheels walked alongside them. And when the animals were lifted up from the ground, the wheels were also lifted up. Wherever the spirit went, the wheels went there too, for the spirit of life was in the wheels. As the animals went, the wheels went, and as they stood, the wheels stood. And when the animals were lifted up from the ground, the wheels were lifted up as well, following them, for the spirit of life was in the wheels. Four animals followed the spirit, and the cloud that was in the spirit. And again, the wheels lifted themselves off the ground, not the animals, but the spirit followed, to show its own will: because the spirit of life was in the wheels. Three, however, are indicated both in the animals and in the wheels, when they stood, when they walked, when they were lifted up, which both the animals and the wheels did in common. For neither could animals that were standing walk on wheels, nor could animals walking on the ground lift themselves on wheels, but of those actions, one was rest, one was motion, and elevation. And secondly it is said, because the spirit of life was in the wheels: so that we should in no way consider the wheels as vessels, which we see in the carts of wagons and chariots, but as living beings, indeed above living beings. For the animal man does not perceive those things that are spirits. Therefore, these wheels, in which the spirit of life was, do all things in order and measure, and they have harmony with animals, following them, and through them, the Holy Spirit; indeed, having skipped the middle, they enjoy the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. All of which, according to the earlier understanding, a wise reader can fit into various interpretations.

Concerning these wheels the same prophet repeats and adds: "When they went, they went, and when they stood, they stood; and when they were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were likewise lifted up following them, because the spirit of life was in the wheels." As you know, dearest brothers, these things have already been said for the most part, but they are narrated through repeated description. Therefore let it not weary us to repeat briefly in exposition what the Spirit deigned to narrate repeatedly through the prophet. For this alone is added as new in these words, namely what was said: "When they stood still, they stood still." Now there are certain people who advance to the point that they know how to dispense well the earthly goods they have received, who devote themselves to works of mercy, who come to the aid of the oppressed. These indeed go forward, in that they extend themselves for the benefit of their neighbor. With these, therefore, the wheels move, because the sacred words arrange the steps of their sayings in their journey. And there are others who are so strong in holding to the faith they have received that they are able to resist any adversities, and not only are they not in the least drawn toward the perversity of faithlessness, but they even fight against those who speak perversely and draw them back to rectitude. With these who stand still, the wheels also stand still, because the words of sacred Scripture confirm their rectitude, when they hear in them: "Stand firm and hold to the traditions you have learned." And again: "Your adversary the devil, like a roaring lion, goes about seeking whom he may devour; resist him, strong in faith." And there are others who despise all earthly things, who deign to possess nothing that passes away, and suspend themselves in the contemplation of God, as was said before. […]

For - The same wisdom, power, and holiness of God, the same will and counsel of his, that guides and governs the angels, does by them order and dispose all the motions of the creatures in this lower world.

When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood,.... When ministers are active and lively, then the churches are; but when they are indolent, dull, and inactive, then the churches are so likewise: and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them; See Gill on Eze 1:19; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels; or, "the spirit of life", as in Eze 1:20; see Rev 11:11.