Living creatures
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Living creatures (Bible)
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The living creatures or living beings (Hebrew חַיּוֹת khayyot) are a class of heavenly being described in Ezekiel's vision of the heavenly chariot in the first chapter of the Book of Ezekiel. References to the creatures reoccur in texts of Second Temple Judaism, in rabbinical merkabah ("chariot") literature, and in the Book of Revelation 4:6. In later sources the creatures are equated as angels.
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Contents
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Ezekiel
Ezekiel describes the "living beings" as having the shape of a man, with four faces (man, lion, bull and eagle) and four wings; "They glowed like burning coals, had calf's feet that sparkled like brass, and traveled like lightning." (Geneva Bible). The "wheels", Hebrew ophanim, are also translated as angelic beings in later literature.
Revelation
Revelation 4:6 shows a vision of "four living beings" (Greek τέσσαρα ζῷα) based on Ezekiel's vision.[1]
In Rabbinical commentary
In Judaism, the living beings are considered angels of fire, who hold up the throne of God and the earth itself.[2] They are ranked first in Maimonides' Jewish angelic hierarchy.
References
- ^ April D. De Conick Paradise now: essays on early Jewish and Christian mysticism Page 203 - 2006 "A second feature of importance involves the τέσσαρα ζῷα of 4:6, living beings. Ezekiel's hayyot are identified with ... is perhaps not original with John, as it is found albeit in a very indirect manner in another merkabah-related text.
- ^ Gustav Davidson (1967), A Dictionary of Angels, Including The Fallen Angels, Entry: Galizur, p. 120, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 66-19757
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