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--- kerobim [2025/05/05 13:56] – [Kerobim in Ezekiel] ken
+++ kerobim [2025/05/05 14:01] (current) – [The Merekeb] ken
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 ===Six Wings===
 The figure above is said to be four sided, since it contains four surfaces. However, it could also be described as having six edges. The Hebrew word ‘panim’ is not exactly clear. It might mean ‘surface’ or ‘edge’. The ruach of the Elohim may just as well have been hovering over the edge of the deep. This ambiguity is particularly interesting when we consider another UFO encounter. That of the prophet Isaiah. His description is very similar to certain aspects described by Ezekiel but differs in one regard: Whereas Ezekiel counts four “wings”, Isaiah counts six. In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings […] and the doorposts shook at his voice, and the house was filled with smoke. Granted, Isaiah also gives these objects a different name, which is not terribly surprising, given the proclivity of names for such objects already. The שְׂרָפִ֨ים (seraphim) described by Isaiah may or may not be equivalent to the cherubim. Suffice it to say that these objects, whether the same or not, are both seen to fly in close proximity with the “throne of Yahweh” and differ primarily in the number of edges or surfaces. This might be entirely due to the counting of geometric edges versus surfaces. Why does it matter? This brings us back to the book
-===The Merkabah===
-A tetrahedron has been mentioned briefly, however, it requires further analysis. Consider the arrangement of the cherubim. There are to be two cherubim, and they are to face each other. In other words, they are facing opposite directions. Consider what geometrical wonders occur when two tetrahedrons are superimposed, facing opposite directions.
-These two superimposed tetrahedrons now form a unique shape, and arguably the most important symbol in Hebrew history and culture. A couple hundred years after Ezekiel penned his book, Jewish scholars became increasingly interested in analyzing his account, eventually creating a large body of works focusing on the vehicle he described, which they began to refer to as the ‘merkabah’ (meaning ‘chariot’). They recognized the object for what it is, a flying vehicle. The same vehicle that David describes in his psalms, with [[Ihoh]] travelling upon it. The Hebrew scholars developed a whole set of commentary and theology based around this object, as well as a rich symbology. Their primary symbol continued to be this superposition of two tetrahedrons, shown sometimes from slightly differing angles, indicating a three-dimensional object that can be seen to rotate. The rotation of the object was recognized as a critical feature. As already discussed in an earlier chapter, Ezekiel described the cherubim as “wheels within wheels” with flashes of lightning and fire. Combining this imagery with the three-dimensional, geometrical tetrahedral qualities of the merkabah traditions, we get a clearer picture that strongly resembles a gyroscope. This similarity is further enforced by Ezekiel’s observation that they “do not turn as they move” but only “move straight ahead” in any direction they choose. This is in fact the key feature of a gyroscope. A gyroscope is a device used for measuring or maintaining orientation and angular velocity, exactly as Ezekiel indicates. It is a critical piece of the navigation systems of modern helicopters, submarines, and space satellites. Could this explain the presence of such a device in Ezekiel’s UFO encounter? Unfortunately, there is just not enough information to truly know the purpose of this device, which leaves the reader to speculate. Spinning components are used in all kinds of modern technology including electromagnetic generators and motors and they give rise to centrifugal and vortex forces. Could these or other as yet unknown forces and technologies be the real purpose of the wheels within wheels? At any rate, there is no question that the merkabah symbology encapsulates great power. Unlike the majority of obscure ancient esoteric cults which have eventually waned and been lost to the faded memories of history, the merkabah lives on as a powerful symbol. Although it may be tempting to dismiss it as a fringe obsession, perhaps caution would be advised against such a cavalier attitude. After all, only a very obvious graphical simplification is required to achieve the most obvious and intrinsic symbol of all of Judaism: one that will be immediately recognizable to every reader—the well-known Star of David, that today adorns the flag of Israel.
-One must ask then, how is it that this graphical representation of a UFO came to be the enduring symbol of an entire nation? One that symbolizes unimaginable repression and suffering as well as an unquenchable hope.