Jewish angelic hierarchy

The hierarchy of angels according to Maimonides.1 He counted ten ranks of angels. They are, from the highest to the lowest: Chayot, Ophanim, Erelim, Hashmallim, Seraphim, Malakhim, Elohim, b'nei Elohim, Cherubim, and Ishim.

Lists of angels are also found in other works. In the Zohar they are, from highest to lowest: Malakhim, Erelim, Seraphim, Chayot, Ophanim, Hashmallim, Erelim, Elohim, Bene Elohim, and Ishim.

In the Maseket Atzilu: Seraphim, Ophanim, Cherubim, Shinanim, Tarshishim, Ishim, Hashmallim, Malakhim, Bene Elohim, and Erelim.

In the Berit Menuchah: Erelim, Ishim, Bene Elohim, Malakhim, Hashmallim, Tarshishim, Shinanim, Cherubim, Ophanim, and Seraphim.

And in the Reshit Chochmah: Chayot Ha Kodesh, Ophanim, Seraphim, Cherubim, Erelim, Tarshishim, Hashmallim, Elim, Malakim, and Ishim.

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References

Notes

  1. Yad ha-Chazakah: Yesode ha-Torah, ii.

Source

  • Singer, Isidore; Adler, Cyrus; et al. 1901-1906. Jewish Encyclopedia. 12 Vols. New York: Funk and Wagnalls Company.