SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES TO THE MERKEVAH
ISLAMIC TEXT

Koran Verses

Maqdisi, discussing the relationship between the terms "Arsh" and "Kursi" (2 Koranic terms for "throne") cites the opinion of the "traditionalists" (ashab Al-Hadith) that the Kursi is G-Ds footstool, the "Arsh" presumably being the Throne proper.

Those who bear the throne, and all who round about it, hymn the praises of their Lord and believe in Him and also forgiveness for those who believe ... (Surah 40 vs. 7)

And the angels will be on the sides thereof (of heaven) and eight will uphold the "Throne of the Lord that day, above them." (Surah 69 vs 17)

G-D instructions to the throne bearers. He tells them that He created them to carry the throne, and He offers them whatever they will of strength. One asked for the strength of water, since the throne has hitherto rested on water, Second asks for strength of Heavens, Third for the strength of the Earth, Forth for the strength of winds.

"The heavens and earth and all the creatures therein are contained in the "kursi". 4 Angels bear it by G-D's leave.”

1st angel is human image, the most noble before G-D. He invokes G-D continuously, intercedes for human beings, praying for thezir sustenance.

2nd angel is the image of a bull, invokes G-D continuously for all the domestic animals.

3rd is the eagle image, lord of the birds, and 4th, the lion, intercedes for the sustenance of the wild beasts.