Merkavim

Merkavim refers to the Hebrew plural of the word "Merkavah," which translates to "chariots" or "vehicles." In Jewish mysticism, particularly Kabbalah, Merkavim often refers to the mystical vision of the Divine Throne-Chariot described in the Book of Ezekiel in the Hebrew Bible. This vision is highly symbolic and complex, involving angels, wheels, and other celestial beings arranged in a specific hierarchy.

The concept of Merkavim gained significant importance in early Jewish mysticism, forming the basis of Merkavah mysticism. Practitioners sought to ascend through the celestial spheres to attain a visionary experience of the Divine, often through rigorous ascetic practices, meditation, and the recitation of hymns and prayers. These practices aimed to recreate the visionary experience of Ezekiel.

The term "Merkavah literature" designates a body of texts that emerged in Late Antiquity and the early Middle Ages, focusing on descriptions of the Divine Throne-Chariot and the mystical journey to it. These texts include detailed accounts of the celestial realms, the angels inhabiting them, and the pathways to divine ascent. Key themes explored in Merkavah literature include the nature of God, the structure of the cosmos, and the relationship between the human and the divine.

The study and practice of Merkavah mysticism was often restricted to a select few due to its potentially dangerous and transformative nature. Improper preparation or understanding could lead to spiritual or mental instability. As a result, the knowledge and traditions of Merkavah mysticism were carefully guarded and transmitted through specific lineages of teachers and students.