The Shape-Shifting Cherubim and the Flaming Sword

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 34:8

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Another interpretation. "East of the Garden of Eden" the angels were created, as it is written, "this is the living creature that I saw, and I knew that they were cherubim" (Ezekiel 10:20). "And the flaming sword": after the manner of, "His ministers a flaming fire" (Psalms 104:4). "That turns itself": for they turn themselves - sometimes men, sometimes women, sometimes spirits, sometimes angels.

Themes

AngelsEdenCreation

Continue Reading

2 EnochHow Light And Darkness Were Created2 Enoch turns to How Light And Darkness Were Created. Before anything we can see existed, there were only invisible things. Then God, in His infinite wisdom, de4 EzraThe Spirit Of The FirmamentIt offers a rather…unique take on the second day of Creation. The familiar story is this: God creates the rakia, the firmament, on the second day. He separates 2 EnochThe Fall of Helel ben ShacharOne figure looms large in this discussion: Satanael. In the ancient text of 2 Enoch, this was the name of the highest angel, and the story surrounding him is… cLife of Adam and EveSatanael Refuses to Bow Before AdamSatanael refused to bow. The Life of Adam and Eve imagines the scene on the sixth day of creation. God has formed Adam, breathed life into him, and placed him b3 EnochAnafiel, The Creator Of The BeginningAnafiel isn't exactly a household name, even in circles that discuss angels. But, according to some ancient texts, this angel is a big deal. Tree of Souls tells2 EnochAdam The AngelAdam is often remembered as simply the first man, made of dust. But some ancient traditions paint a far more…celestial picture. A picture of Adam as an angel. B