The essence of the Chariot consists of these names of AV, whereby the four Partzufim gain strength from Arich Anpin, which is beyond the reach of the damage. And here the Throne carries its bearers. It was therefore necessary for 288 sparks to descend from here to hold and sustain the vessels as they were descending so that the destruction would not be complete but only such that it could be repaired again. The affairs of this world were thus rooted in such a way that one power should endure so as not to allow the world to be destroyed, God forbid. Rather, through this remaining power, what was damaged will be repaired.
The Chariot of Ezekiel in Kabbalistic Thought
Kalach Pitchei Chokhmah 57:2