What Is the Merkava?
Begin with the biblical throne-chariot and the historical development of Merkabah mysticism.
Explore →A–Z Reference Guide
My Merkava Encyclopedia
Browse biblical visions, sacred symbols, Hekhalot literature, Kabbalistic concepts, temple imagery, and the wider history of Jewish mystical tradition.
Browse by Letter
Search the siteEncyclopedia Index
A
Altar
Offering, covenant, purification, remembrance, and sacred encounter.
Read entry →C
Cherubim
Guardians of sacred space and living bearers of the divine throne.
Read entry →D
Divine Glory
Radiant presence, holiness, revelation, and the biblical concept of kavod.
Read entry →E
Eagle
Vision, swiftness, renewal, and one face of Ezekiel's living creatures.
Read entry →Ezekiel's Vision
The throne-chariot vision of fire, wheels, living creatures, firmament, and glory.
Read entry →F
Firmament
The crystal-like expanse between the living creatures and the divine throne.
Read entry →G
Golden Lampstand
The seven-branched menorah as a symbol of sacred light and temple service.
Read entry →H
Heavenly Palaces
The Hekhalot tradition of guarded celestial realms and visionary ascent.
Read entry →Human Face
Consciousness, moral agency, relationship, and sacred human vocation.
Read entry →L
Lion
Strength, kingship, courage, and one face of Ezekiel's living creatures.
Read entry →M
Merkava
The divine chariot tradition rooted in Ezekiel's throne vision.
Read entry →Metatron
A major figure in later Hekhalot literature and Jewish mystical tradition.
Read entry →O
Ophanim
The many-eyed wheels within wheels that move with the living creatures.
Read entry →Ox
Strength, service, endurance, and one face of Ezekiel's living creatures.
Read entry →S
Sacred Fire
Holiness, purification, revelation, judgment, and divine presence.
Read entry →Sacred Scroll
Revelation, covenant, memory, transmission, and sacred study.
Read entry →Shofar
Awakening, worship, remembrance, repentance, and covenantal proclamation.
Read entry →T
The Divine Throne
Sovereignty, judgment, transcendence, and the center of the chariot vision.
Read entry →Tree of Life
A later Kabbalistic map of the sefirot, emanation, balance, and sacred order.
Read entry →Editorial Approach
How This Encyclopedia Is Organized
My Merkava distinguishes between biblical texts, ancient Near Eastern context, late antique Hekhalot literature, rabbinic traditions, medieval Kabbalah, and modern interpretations.
These traditions are historically related, but they are not interchangeable. Each entry identifies its textual and historical setting so readers can follow how an image or teaching developed over time.
Reading Note
This encyclopedia is educational in purpose. Symbolic and contemplative readings are identified as interpretation rather than presented as direct historical fact.
Begin the Journey
Explore the Merkava Tradition
Start with Ezekiel's vision, browse the symbol library, or move directly into the heavenly palaces and later mystical traditions.