The Chariot-throne (the merkabah)

The ancient Hebrews thought of the throne Ezekiel beheld as a "chariot-throne " and various other scriptures allude to this . ( The Cherubim in Solomon's temple were identified as -" the golden chariot of the cherubim "- ( 1 Chron. 28 ). In Ezekiel chapter one , the living cherubim are under the throne and have wheels .
In the Apocryphal writings is a quotation " It was Ezekiel who saw the vision of glory ,which God showed him above the chariot of the cherubim ." (Sirach 49.8 NRSV ) This was though to to be the "vehicle "on which God rode in the heavens;(Psm. 18.10 ) Gods messengers also were thoughtt of as riding in chariots . (Psm. 68 )(Is. 66)(Hab. 3)

From the Dead Sea Scrolls.
-----------------------
"... The ministers of the Glorious Face in the abode of the gods of knowledge fall down before him, and the cherubim utter blessings. And as they rise up , there is a divine small voice and loud praise ; there is a divine small voice as they fold their wings.

The cherubim bless the image of the Throne-Chariot above the firmament, and they praise the majesty of the fiery firmament beneath the seat of his glory.
And between the turning wheels, angels of holiness come and go, as it were a fiery vision of most holy spirits ; and about them flow seeming rivulets of fire, like gleaming bronze, a radiance of many gorgeous colors, of marvelous pigments magnificently mingled.

The Spirits of the Living God move perpetually with the glory of the wonderful Chariot. The small voice of blessing accompanies the tumult as they depart, and on the path of their return they worship the Holy One, Ascending they rise marvelously ; settling, they stay still. The sound of joyful praise is silenced and there is a small voice of blessing in all the camp of God.
And a voice of praise resounds from the midsts of all their divisions in worship. And each one in his place, all their numbered ones sing hymns of praise. "

---------------

Blessings ,
Tom