Published: 2023-03-13

Elements of Merkābāh Mysticism in the Targum Jonathan to the Book of Ezekiel

Marek Parchem
Collectanea Theologica
Section: Articles
https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.2023.93.1.03

Abstract

The chariot-shaped throne of God in the heavens (merkābāh) from Ezekiel’s visions (Ezek 1; 10) was the subject of the earliest Jewish mystical speculation. Hence, it is not surprising that there are numerous allusions and references to merkābāh mysticism in the Targum Jonathan to the Book of Ezekiel. This article analyzes Targum texts containing elements of merkābāh mysticism, namely the image of God sitting on the throne-chariot, the appearance and function of the four living beings, God’s glorification by celestial beings, the motif of the mystic ascending/rising to the heavens, the description of God’s glory filling the new Temple, and the motif of the new Jerusalem as a representation of the heavenly city.

Keywords:

God’s throne-chariot, Targum Jonathan to the Book of Ezekiel, merkābāh, mysticism, literature on heavenly palaces (hêkālôt)

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Parchem, M. (2023). Elements of Merkābāh Mysticism in the Targum Jonathan to the Book of Ezekiel. Collectanea Theologica, 93(1), 59–84. https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.2023.93.1.03

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