Let’s talk about Anafiel.
Now, Anafiel 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 tells us that Anafiel rules over all the other angels and stands guard at the entrances to the highest heaven, Aravot. Imagine the sheer presence this angel must have, because, as 3 Enoch 6:1 describes, when other angels behold him, they remove their crowns of glory and fall on their faces. That’s some serious celestial respect!
The Zohar 1:108b hints at Anafiel's immense glory, stating that his radiance covers the chambers of the upper heaven. It’s like the verse from Habakkuk 3:3 made manifest: "His majesty covers the skies, His splendor fills the earth." Is Anafiel just a powerful figure, or something more?
Here's where it gets really interesting. Some traditions even claim that Anafiel is the "creator of the beginning" or even the "creator of the world." What does that even mean? Think about it: before time, before space, before… well, everything. Was Anafiel there, somehow instrumental in bringing it all into being? It’s mind-boggling! He also possesses the secrets of heaven, adding to his mystique and power.
Remember Enoch, the human who was taken up to heaven and transformed into the angel Metatron? According to Hekhalot Rabbati, it was Anafiel who was sent to bring Enoch into heaven for this incredible transformation. So, Anafiel is not only powerful but also plays a crucial role in elevating others.
But here's a twist, a bit of celestial drama. There's a story that when Elisha ben Abuyah, a controversial figure, ascended to heaven, Metatron didn’t rise from his throne. And who do you think was sent to deliver the punishment? Anafiel, who struck Metatron with sixty fiery lashes! (That's in 3 Enoch 18:19). Now, some might find this story problematic, but what it underscores is Anafiel's authority. To be able to discipline Metatron suggests a position of considerable power and seniority.
His official name is even more telling: Anafiel YHVH. As Tree of Souls points out, the high archangels often carry YHVH, the Tetragrammaton – the sacred four-letter name of God – as part of their names. This highlights their direct connection to the Divine.
So, why haven’t we heard more about Anafiel? Well, as the role of Metatron grew in importance within Jewish mystical traditions, Anafiel's faded somewhat. Today, the evidence for Anafiel's supreme role is mostly found in fragments of the Hekhalot and Merkavah literature – the ancient texts describing mystical ascents to heaven. It's like finding pieces of a forgotten mosaic, hinting at a grander picture.
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? How many other figures, stories, and perspectives have been lost or overshadowed throughout history? The story of Anafiel reminds us to keep digging, to keep asking questions, and to remember that even the most established narratives might have hidden depths and forgotten origins.