Ophanim

The Ophanim, also known as "wheels," play a distinctive role in religious texts, particularly in the context of Ezekiel's vision of the heavenly chariot, also known as the Merkabah.The term "Ophanim" refers to celestial beings often associated with wheels in the context of religious and mystical texts, particularly in Ezekiel's vision of the divine chariot (Merkabah). However, the nature and appearance of Ophanim are less explicitly described compared to other angelic beings like Cherubim and Seraphim. In some interpretations, Ophanim are considered a class of angels or spiritual entities.

Characteristics and Interpretations:

1. Wheels in Ezekiel's Vision: The primary reference to Ophanim comes from the Book of Ezekiel in the Bible. They are described as wheels within the divine chariot, intricately detailed with rims full of eyes (Ezekiel 1:15–21).

2. Association with Thrones: In some Christian traditions and angelologies, Ophanim are equated with Thrones, one of the choirs or classes of angels. The association with wheels suggests a dynamic and mobile aspect of their celestial existence.

3. "Many-Eyed Ones": The Ophanim are sometimes referred to as the "many-eyed ones." This description emphasizes their watchfulness, awareness, and spiritual insight.

Depictions in Art: While there are numerous artistic representations of angelic beings in various religious traditions, depictions specifically focusing on Ophanim may be less common. Artists often draw inspiration from biblical descriptions, symbolism, and the broader angelic hierarchy. In general, artistic representations of angels, including Ophanim, can vary widely based on cultural, religious, and individual interpretations.

Challenges in Depiction: The challenge with visualizing Ophanim lies in the limited and symbolic descriptions provided in the biblical text. Unlike Cherubim, Seraphim, or other angels with more detailed attributes, Ophanim are associated with wheels filled with eyes, leaving room for artistic interpretation.

Biblical Reference:

• Ezekiel's Vision: The Ophanim are described in Ezekiel 1:15–21 as wheels within the divine chariot (Merkabah). These wheels are intricately detailed, with rims full of eyes, signifying a celestial and mysterious nature.
• Association with Cherubim: In Christian angelology, the Ophanim are associated with the Cherubim. They are depicted as eye-covered wheels that move alongside the Cherubim, beneath the throne of God. The wheels move in unison with the Cherubim, indicating a close connection.

Book of Enoch:

• Celestial Beings: Late sections of the Book of Enoch portray the Ophanim as a class of celestial beings. Alongside the Cherubim and Seraphim, they are described as guardians who never sleep and protect the throne of God.
• Many-Eyed Ones: The Ophanim are sometimes referred to as the "many-eyed ones," emphasizing their watchfulness and spiritual insight.

Function:

• Heavenly Chariot Wheels: The Ophanim are considered the actual wheels of the Lord's Heavenly Chariot (Merkabah). Their intricate description, including rims with eyes, symbolizes their divine and mystical nature.
• Spirit of the Cherubim: The wheels move in tandem with the Cherubim because the spirit of the Cherubim is said to reside in them.

Spiritual Traditions:

Judaism:

• Angel Hierarchy: Maimonides lists Ophanim as the second-closest angels to God in the Jewish angelic hierarchy.
• In Prayer: Ophanim are mentioned in Jewish prayers, particularly in the kedusha section of the morning prayer and the El Adon prayer during the Shabbat morning service.

Orthodox Christianity:

• Thrones in the Hierarchy: In Orthodox Christianity, the Thrones, equated with Ophanim, are considered the third order of the first sphere in the celestial hierarchy. They are mentioned in De Coelesti Hierarchia, following the Cherubim and Seraphim.
• Exemption from Earthly Things: The name "Thrones" signifies their exemption from earthly impurities, dwelling in the Most High, and manifesting divine immanence.

Western Wisdom Teachings:

• Lord of the Flame: In the Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception, the Ophanim are associated with the "Lord of the Flame," astrologically assigned to Leo. Their luminosity and spiritual powers align them with the hierarchical order, along with Cherubim and Seraphim.