Aside from Archangels there is an "All knowing" Angel closest to God

 

Exploring the Ophanim: Angelic Beings

in the Bible and their Significance

Ezekiel 1:15–21 15 

15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them. 16 As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like bthe gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were a wheel within a wheel. 17 When they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went. 18 And their rims were tall and awesome, gand the rims of all four were full of eyes all around. 19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose. 20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, and the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Introduction

The Bible is a sacred text that holds significant meaning for millions of people around the world. Within its pages, there are various references to heavenly beings, including angels. One such angelic being mentioned in the Bible is the Ophanim. In this article, we will explore the concept of the Ophanim and its significance within biblical texts.

What are the Ophanim?

The Ophanim, also known as the "wheels" or "the living creatures," are a type of angelic being mentioned in the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament of the Bible. In Hebrew, the word "Ophanim" means "wheels" or "whirling wheels." These celestial beings are described as having a unique appearance, unlike any other angels mentioned in the Bible.

Description and Characteristics

According to the book of Ezekiel, the Ophanim are depicted as having a complex and awe-inspiring form. They are described as having four faces, each facing in a different direction. These faces are that of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. Additionally, each Ophanim has four wings, with two wings stretched upward and two wings covering their bodies. The Ophanim are also described as having a wheel within a wheel, giving them a sense of perpetual motion. These wheels are said to be covered in eyes, symbolizing their all-seeing nature. The Ophanim are described as being full of eyes, both on their bodies and on their wings. This imagery emphasizes their divine knowledge and wisdom.

Role and Significance

The Ophanim are often associated with the divine throne of God. In the book of Ezekiel, they are described as being close to the throne, serving as a sort of heavenly chariot for God. They are depicted as moving swiftly and with great coordination, symbolizing their readiness to carry out God's will. The Ophanim are also described as being accompanied by a sound like thunder, further emphasizing their power and authority. Their presence is often associated with visions of divine glory and heavenly manifestations. Their role is to guard and protect the divine throne and to carry out God's commands.

Interpretations and Symbolism

The symbolism of the Ophanim has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Some scholars believe that the four faces of the Ophanim represent different aspects of creation. The human face symbolizes humanity, the lion represents wild animals, the ox represents domesticated animals, and the eagle symbolizes birds. Others interpret the Ophanim as representing different attributes of God. The human face represents God's wisdom and understanding, the lion represents His strength and power, the ox represents His patience and endurance, and the eagle represents His sovereignty and transcendence. The wheels within wheels and the multitude of eyes have been seen as symbols of God's omniscience and omnipresence. The Ophanim's constant motion represents the ever-active nature of God's providence and His involvement in the world.

Conclusion

The Ophanim are a unique and enigmatic angelic beings mentioned in the Bible. Their description and symbolism in the book of Ezekiel have captivated the imagination of readers for centuries. While the exact nature and purpose of the Ophanim remain open to interpretation, their presence in biblical texts serves to remind believers of the divine glory and power that transcends human understanding.