Who is Metatron? The Origins of the Angel from the 3rd Book of Enoch - Sefer Hekhalot Mysticism

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Apocalyptic Judaism saw the rise of angelic beings, with Metatron being the most mysterious and powerful figure detailed in the Third Book of Enoch, showcasing his transformation from Enoch into a fiery angelic being with a semi-divine status as the "lesser Yahweh." The text delves into complex cosmological ideas, diverse influences from Gnostic and early Christian texts, and Metatron's various roles as the angel of the Lord, scribe of heaven, advocate of Israel, and heavenly high priest in the divine tabernacle, all while exploring the discomfort and punishment in rabbinical literature regarding his concept as a second god in heaven.

Insights

  • Metatron, the most mysterious and powerful angel, undergoes a transformation from Enoch into a fiery angelic being, elevating him to a semi-divine status as the "lesser Yahweh," with various roles like the angel of the Lord and scribe of heaven.
  • The Third Book of Enoch, a complex angiological text, reveals Metatron's origins and cosmological similarities to Gnostic and early Christian mystical ideas, surviving in Hebrew despite rabbinic discomfort, showcasing a rich history of diverse influences and intricate composition.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Metatron?

    A powerful and mysterious angelic being.

  • What is the Third Book of Enoch?

    A complex angiological text in Jewish history.

  • What are the roles of Metatron?

    Angel of the Lord, scribe of heaven, advocate of Israel.

  • What is Metatron's relationship with Moses?

    A special relationship as a heavenly high priest.

  • What is the significance of Metatron in Jewish mysticism?

    A powerful and enigmatic figure with diverse roles.

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Summary

00:00

Mysterious Metatron: Angelic Transformation and Origins

  • Apocalyptic Judaism saw the rise of angelic beings, sparking interest from theologians to magical practitioners.
  • Angels, from messengers to warriors, have inspired speculation and fear throughout their development in Abrahamic religions.
  • Notable angels like Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael are well-known, but Metatron remains the most mysterious and powerful.
  • Metatron's origins are explored in the text known as the Third Book of Enoch, revealing the transformation of Enoch into a fiery angelic being.
  • The Third Book of Enoch is a complex angiological text in Jewish history, delving into vast cosmic tours and Metatron's origins.
  • The text's composition history is intricate, with sections likely produced in Roman Palestine and later in a Sasanian context.
  • Third Enoch survives in Hebrew, continuously copied and printed despite some rabbinic discomfort with its content.
  • The text shows cosmological similarities to Gnostic texts and early Christian mystical ideas, hinting at diverse influences.
  • Metatron's name and nature remain enigmatic, with various theories on its origin and possible fusion with other angels like Michael.
  • Metatron's transformation from Enoch into a fiery angelic being is detailed, showcasing his elevation to a semi-divine status as the "lesser Yahweh."

17:29

Metatron: Lesser Yahweh and Heavenly High Priest

  • Metatron in Third Enoch is depicted as the lesser Yahweh, with various roles like the angel of the Lord, scribe of heaven, and advocate of Israel, similar to Archangel Michael.
  • Metatron is unique in being able to approach the divine curtain separating realms and officiates as a heavenly high priest in the divine tabernacle, with origins as Enoch and a special relationship with Moses.
  • In rabbinical literature, discomfort exists with Metatron's concept as the lesser Yahweh, leading to his punishment in the Talmud for being perceived as a second god in heaven.
  • Rabbi Ishmael's tour of the heavenly household reveals a complex angelology with multiple angelic systems detailing numerous beings in various roles and ranks.
  • Metatron guides Rabbi Ishmael through the heavens, showcasing the cosmos from the river of fire to the divine throne, where the history of the cosmos is embroidered on a curtain.
  • Metatron reveals the divine right hand behind God's back, symbolizing the final redemption and apocalyptic conclusion of the universe.
  • The Third Book of Enoch, a significant work of apocalyptic lore and chariot mysticism, details angelic mechanisms, Metatron's origins, and the eschatological fervor, with the 1928 Otterberg edition being a notable critical edition.
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