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Ophanim

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One traditional depiction of the chariot vision, based on the description in Ezekiel.

An Ophan (plural Ophanin, Ophannin, Ophanim) is one of a class of celestial beings described in the Book of Enoch[1] with the Cherubim and Seraphim as never sleeping, but watching (or guarding) the throne of God.

The word ophan means "wheel" in Hebrew so the Ophanim have been associated with the description in Ezekiel 1:15–21 and possibly again in the Daniel 7:9 (mentioned as gagal, traditionally "the wheels of gagallin", in "fiery flame" and "burning fire") of the four, eye-covered wheels (each composed of two intersecting wheels), that move next to the winged Cherubim, beneath the throne of God. The four wheels move with the Cherubim because the spirit of the Cherubim is in them. These are also referred to as the "many-eyed ones" in the Second Book of Enoch[2].

The Ophanim are also equated as the "Thrones", associated with the "Wheels", in the vision of Daniel 7:9 (Old Testament). They are the carriers of the throne of God, hence the name. However, they appear not to be the same Thrones (Gr. thronos) mentioned by Paul of Tarsus in Colossians 1:16 (New Testament).

Function and philosophy

These Angelic Princes are often also called "Ophanim, Wheels or Galgallin." It is said that they were the actual wheels of the Lord's Heavenly Chariot (Merkabah). "The four wheels had rims and they had spokes, and their rims were full of eyes round about." They are also frequently referred to as "many-eyed ones."

Gulley (1996: p.37) states that:

The 'thrones'; also known as 'ophanim' (offanim) and 'galgallin', are creatures that function as the actual chariots of God driven by the cherubs. They are characterized by peace and submission; God rests upon them. Thrones are depicted as great wheels containing many eyes, and reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take shape. They chant glorias to God and remain forever in his presence. They mete out divine justice and maintain the cosmic harmony of all universal laws.

Characteristics

Having the most bizarre physical appearance of the celestial host, they are described as great wheels, covered with a great many eyes and glowing with light. One explanation given for this (besides them acting as God's chariot), is that they mark the end of the first Choir, where the emanations of God begin to take on more material forms and as such exist in a state of transition.

Ophanim in specific spiritual traditions

Ophanim in Judaism

Maimonides lists Ophanim as occupying the second of ten ranks of angels in his exposition of the Jewish Angelarchy.

Ophanim are mentioned in the kal adon prayer, often sung by the congregation, as part of the traditional Shabbat morning service.

In the Jewish angelic hierarchy thrones and wheels are different.

Thrones in the Catholic Church

De Coelesti Hierarchia refers the Thrones (from the Old Testament description) as the third Order of the first sphere; the other two superior orders being the Cherubim and Seraphim. It is mentioned that "The name of the most glorious and exalted Thrones denotes that which is exempt from and untainted by any base and earthly thing, and the super mundane ascent up the steep. For these have no part in that which is lowest, but dwell in fullest power, immovably and perfectly established in the Most High, and receive the Divine Immanence above all passion and matter, and manifest God, being attentively open to divine participations."

Lords of the Flame in the Western Wisdom Teachings

The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception refers that the "Lords of the Flame", the Hierarchy of Elohim astrologicaly assigned to Leo, are the Thrones (from the Old Testament description, "because of the brilliant luminosity of their bodies and their great spiritual powers."); the other two superior hierarchies being also the Cherubim and Seraphim. According to this teachings, these three Hierarchies have already reached liberation, thus no longer active in the work of evolution.

"You've all been asleep, You would not believe me Them voices telling me, You will soon receive me We're standing on the beach, The sea will part before me (Fire wheel burning in the air) And you will follow me, And we will ride to glory (Way up [in the] the middle of the air)."

Names attributed to this Angelic Order

References

  1. ^ Enoch 61:10, 71:7
  2. ^ Second Book of Enoch 20:1, 21:1
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