The equating of God\u2019s Chariot with a Throne began early on. Let\u2019s start off with the discussion of the Tabernacle in the desert, first cited in Exodus 25. We\u2019re told there that it contained an \u201cark\u201d (v. 16), \u201ctwo golden cherubim\u201d (v. 18) which were to \u201chave their wings spread upwards, shielding the ark cover with their wings\u201d (v. 20), and that \u201cinto the ark you are to place the testimony, which I will give you\u201d (v. 21) — all so as to \u201cmake Me a sanctuary (where) I will dwell in their midst\u201d (v. 8).\u00a0Notice that neither the term Chariot or Throne is cited there: only an Ark.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s later on, in Tanach, though, where the Tabernacle is said to be God\u2019s Throne. \u201cThe ark of the covenant of God Almighty, who is enthroned<\/i> (there) between the cherubim\u201d (1 Samuel 4:4), \u201cGod Almighty is enthroned<\/i> between the cherubim on the ark\u201d (2 Samuel 6:2), \u201cThe ark of God the Lord, who is enthroned<\/i> between the cherubim\u201d (1 Chronicles 13:6).<\/p>\n
And then the Throne is termed God\u2019s Chariot: \u201cAnd for the incense altar, refined gold in weight, and for the pattern of the chariot<\/i>, the cherubim of gold, which spread out (their wings) and covered the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord\u201d (1 Chronicles 28:18) [1].<\/p>\n
Note:<\/p>\n
[1] \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Also see Moreh<\/i> Nevuchim<\/i> 1:70 again for the equating of Chariot and Throne.<\/p>\n
(c) 2013 Rabbi Yaakov Feldman<\/p>\n
Feel free to contact me at feldman@torah.org<\/a><\/p>\n ———————————————————-<\/p>\n AT LONG LAST! Rabbi Feldman’s translation of Maimonides’ “Eight Chapters” is available here<\/a> at a discount.<\/p>\n You can still purchase a copy of Rabbi Feldman’s translation of “The Gates of Repentance” here<\/a> at a discount as well.<\/p>\n Rabbi Yaakov Feldman has also translated and commented upon “The Path of the Just” and “The Duties of the Heart” (Jason Aronson Publishers).<\/p>\n Rabbi Feldman also offers two free e-mail classes on www.torah.org entitled “Spiritual Excellence<\/a>\u201d and \u201cRamchal<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The equating of God\u2019s Chariot with a Throne began early on. Let\u2019s start off with the discussion of the Tabernacle in the desert, first cited in Exodus 25. We\u2019re told there that it contained an \u201cark\u201d (v. 16), \u201ctwo golden … Continue reading