The Ophanim, also known as Thrones Angels, are often described as “wheels within wheels” or the “Many-Eyed Ones.”
In ancient texts, they are depicted as part of a celestial chariot, moving in harmony with other divine creatures such as the Cherubim.
Their intricate design, filled with eyes, symbolizes divine omniscience, while their perpetual motion reflects the unending cycles of creation and transformation.
From Ezekiel’s vivid portrayal in the Hebrew Bible to their mention in the Book of Enoch as Thrones, their role as guardians of divine secrets and instruments of divine will is a subject of fascination.
The Celestial Hierarchy: 9 Choirs of Angels
The Ezekiel Vision and Its Impact on Modern Spirituality
The Ophanim in Ancient Texts: Wheels Within Wheels
Ezekiel’s Vision: The Divine Chariot
In the Hebrew Bible, the Ophanim Angels are most famously described in the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel’s vision provides a vivid portrayal, intertwined with the appearance of the Cherubim:
“As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: They sparkled like topaz, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel.
As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures were faced; the wheels did not change direction as the creatures went. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around.”
Ezekiel 1:15-18
The vision portrays the Ophanim as part of a celestial chariot, moving in harmony with the living creatures accompanying them.
These living creatures are identified as the Cherubim, each having four faces and four wings, symbolizing various aspects of creation.
The Four Faces of the Cherubim: Man, Lion, Ox, Eagle
The Book of Enoch: Thrones
The Book of Enoch delves further into the celestial hierarchy, referring to the Ophanim as Thrones.
“I saw there a very great light, and fiery troops of great archangels, incorporeal forces, and dominions, orders and governments, Cherubim and seraphim, thrones and many-eyed ones, nine regiments, the Ioanit stations of light, and I became afraid and began to tremble with great terror, and those men took me, and led me after them, and said to me: Have courage, Enoch, do not fear, and showed me the Lord from afar, sitting on His very high throne.”
2 Enoch 20:1-2
The mention of “thrones and many-eyed ones” resonates with the description of the Ophanim as the Many-Eyed Ones, reinforcing their role as guardians of divine secrets and instruments of divine will.
The second book of Enoch continues to tell us of the Many-Eyed Ones:
“And the Cherubim and Seraphim standing about the throne, the six-winged and many-eyed ones do not depart, standing before the Lord’s face doing his will, and cover his whole throne, singing with gentle voice before the Lord’s face: Holy, holy, holy, Lord Ruler of Sabaoth, heavens and earth are full of your glory.”
2 Enoch 21:1
This passage further illustrates the Ophanim’s role in the celestial hierarchy, depicting them as eternal guardians of divine glory. Their unceasing praise and proximity to the heavenly throne underscore their significance as bearers of divine wisdom and authority.
Daniel 7:9: Visions of the Divine
Though not explicitly named as Ophanim, the imagery in Daniel 7:9 resonates with their traditional depiction.
“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.”
Daniel 7:9 (ESV)
This vision reflects themes of judgment, authority, and cosmic order, reinforcing the Throne’s role as instruments of divine will.
The Appearance & Symbolism of the Ophanim (Thrones)
Ezekiel’s Vision: Wheels Within Wheels
The Ophanim’s most detailed and vivid description comes from Ezekiel’s vision in the Hebrew Bible.
They are portrayed as wheels intersecting each other, creating a complex and mesmerizing pattern.
Their movement is in perfect harmony with the living creatures (cherubim), and their rims are filled with eyes, symbolizing divine omniscience.
Many-Eyed Ones: Symbolizing God’s Omniscience
The numerous eyes encompassing the Ophanim’s rims are a central aspect of their appearance.
This imagery evokes notions of divine omniscience, representing the boundless knowledge and awareness associated with the heavenly realm.
Wheels of Fire: Connection to the Divine
In some texts, including the Book of Daniel, the Thrones are described as having wheels of fire.
This fiery appearance symbolizes their role as conduits of divine energy, transmitting cosmic forces and divine will to the material realm.
Interpretations and Symbolism
The Ophanim’s unique appearance has led to various interpretations and symbolisms:
Interconnectedness: The wheels within wheels reflect the intricate interconnectedness of existence, symbolizing the unity of all creation.
Perpetual Motion: Their cyclical motion represents the endless cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth.
Divine Movement: The Ophanim embody the idea of divine movement and transformative change, illustrating the perpetual motion of celestial energies that shape reality.
Roles and Responsibilities
As described by early Christian theologians like Pseudo-Dionysius theThrone Angels are typically placed in the third rank of the first sphere in the Christian angelic hierarchy. The first sphere, closest to God, also includes the Seraphim and Cherubim.
This close proximity to the divine presence endows the Ophanim with a unique blend of responsibilities that are both majestic and profound.
Administering Divine Justice
One of the central roles of the Ophanim is the administration of divine justice. They are tasked with ensuring that the divine laws are upheld throughout the cosmos.
This involves not only delivering justice but also balancing the scales of moral righteousness.
The Ophanim are believed to observe all actions and intentions, ensuring that justice is rendered impartially, and that divine retribution or reward is meted out appropriately.
Supporting the Divine Throne
The Ophanim are intrinsically linked to the divine throne, symbolizing their direct connection to God’s authority.
Their name, “Thrones,” reflects this intimate relationship.
They are depicted as the literal and metaphorical support of God’s seat of power, upholding divine sovereignty and maintaining the structural integrity of the heavenly realm.
Guiding Lower Orders of Angels
In their high-ranking position, the Ophanim are responsible for guiding and directing the lower orders of angels.
This hierarchical oversight ensures that divine commands are executed flawlessly across all levels of the celestial hierarchy.
The Ophanim act as intermediaries, transmitting divine will from the highest echelons to the lower angelic orders, thereby facilitating a cohesive and harmonious execution of divine plans.
Spiritual Guardianship
The Ophanim also serve as spiritual guardians, watching over both the spiritual and material realms.
Their many eyes symbolize their omniscient vigilance, providing protection and guidance to souls.
They are seen as protectors of divine wisdom and truth, guiding humans and angels alike towards enlightenment and spiritual growth.
This guardianship ensures that the divine light permeates all aspects of creation, safeguarding the sanctity and purity of the universe.
Embodiments of Wisdom
As embodiments of divine wisdom, the Ophanim are revered for their profound insight and knowledge.
Their role includes revealing divine truths to those who seek spiritual enlightenment.
The Ophanim’s wisdom is considered a guiding light for both the angelic orders and humanity, helping to illuminate the path to understanding the divine mysteries.
Agents of Transformation
The Ophanim are also seen as agents of transformation and renewal.
Their dynamic, wheel-like form signifies the continuous movement and evolution of the cosmos.
They play a crucial role in the cyclical process of creation, destruction, and rebirth, ensuring that the universe remains in a state of perpetual renewal in accordance with divine will.
Ophanim and the Cherubim Connection
Ezekiel’s vision in the Hebrew Bible intertwines the Ophanim with the Cherubim, celestial beings often associated with divine protection and guidance.
The Ophanim move in perfect harmony with the Cherubim’s movements.
This relationship prompts intriguing speculation and raises questions about the nature of their connection.
Do the Cherubim control the Ophanim, or are they symbolic representations of a deeper spiritual connection? This connection highlights their dynamic nature, reflecting their role as carriers of divine intention and instruments of God’s will.
American spirituality writer Rosemary Ellen Guiley succinctly captures the notion of the Thrones and the Ophanim being the same, stating:
“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.”
Rosemary Ellen Guiley
This description emphasizes the role as Thrones, guardians of divine justice, and maintainers of cosmic harmony. Their association with the Cherubim further underscores their significance in the celestial hierarchy.
Final Thoughts: Divine Mechanics or Angelic Essence?
The Ophanim’s essence remains mysterious, leading to various interpretations and symbolisms.
Are they angelic beings existing in realms beyond human comprehension, or are they symbolic constructs representing divine mechanics?
The wheels’ enigmatic appearance and association with God’s chariot blur the line between celestial beings and sacred instruments.
Some interpretations liken the Ophanim to divine machinery, carrying the divine will across the heavens, while others see them as profound symbols of interconnectedness and transformative change. Their visual portrayal as wheels filled with eyes is a rich metaphor for the cosmic forces that govern the universe and the divine wisdom that permeates all existence.
One thing is sure. Their unique appearance and multifaceted symbolism make the Ophanim Angels a compelling subject of study, reflecting the complexity and beauty of the divine order.