Even the most powerful beings in the heavenly realms experience a similar ebb and flow, at least according to the ancient text, Heikhalot Rabbati.
This text, part of the Heikhalot literature – mystical Jewish writings describing ascents to the divine throne – gives us a glimpse into the inner workings of the celestial court. It speaks of beings who hold immense power: beings who "cancel decrees, who annul vows, who avert wrath, who quiet jealousy, who cause love to be remembered, who set forth friendship." Pretty impressive, right?
But even these mighty figures, who stand "before the loftiness of the majesty of the fearful palace," aren't immune to emotional shifts. The text asks them directly: "What aileth ye that ye be fearful and there be times when ye rejoice? What aileth ye that ye do sing for exultation, and there be times when ye are terrified?" What causes such dramatic swings in feeling?
Their answer is fascinating. "When the ophanim of the power of God darken the Merkabha we rejoice with great joy."
Okay, let's unpack that a bit. The ophanim (sometimes translated as "wheels") are a class of angels, often associated with God's throne-chariot, the Merkabha. This Merkabha, a central image in Jewish mysticism, is described in vivid detail in the Book of Ezekiel.
So, when these powerful angels "darken" the Merkabha – when they somehow obscure or intensify the divine presence – that's when these beings experience intense joy. Why?
The text doesn't explicitly say, but we can infer a few things. Perhaps it's the sheer overwhelming power of God that evokes both terror and elation. Think about standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or witnessing a powerful storm. There's a sense of awe, of being confronted with something far greater than yourself, that can be both exhilarating and a little frightening.
The text then references the famous verse, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts." This declaration of God's absolute holiness and power likely accompanies the darkening of the Merkabha, further intensifying the experience.
It's a reminder that even in the highest realms, the presence of the divine is not always comfortable or predictable. It can be overwhelming, challenging, even terrifying. But it is also a source of profound joy and exultation.
What does this mean for us? Perhaps it's an invitation to embrace the full spectrum of our own emotions, even the difficult ones. To recognize that fear and joy can coexist, and that both can be gateways to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. To remember that even in moments of darkness, there is the potential for profound light. Just like those beings in the heavenly palace, maybe we too can find joy in the face of the overwhelming.