Ophan
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An ophan (plural Ophanin, Ophannin or Ophanim) is one of a class of celestial beings described in the Book of Enoch[1] with the Cherubim and Seraphim as never sleeping, but watching (or guarding) the throne of God.
The word ophan means "wheel" in Hebrew so the Ophanin have been associated with the description in Ezekiel 1:15-21 and possibly again in the Daniel 7:9 of the four, eye-covered wheels (each composed of two intersecting wheels), that move next to the winged Cherubim, beneath the throne of God. The four wheels move with the Cherubim because the spirit of the Cherubim is in them. These are also referred to as the "many-eyed ones" in the Second Book of Enoch[2].
It has been suggested that the Ophanin are the same classification of angel known as Thrones.
[edit] Ophanim in Judaism
Maimonides lists Ophanim as occupying the second of ten ranks of angels in his exposition of the Jewish Angelarchy.
Ophanim are mentioned in the kal adon prayer, often sung by the congregation, as part of the traditional Shabbat morning service.
[edit] Ophanim in popular culture
Ophanim are also given a place in the anime Digimon Frontier through One of the three Celestial Digimon named Ophanimon. The others are Cherubimon and Seraphimon.
[edit] Notes
- ^ Enoch 61:10, 71:7
- ^ Second Book of Enoch 20:1, 21:1
