KETER
References from Jewish Mysticism

Hekhalot Rabbati: (After showing me the tribulations that await Israel, Hadariel) brought me into the treasures of the consolation and salvation. There I saw bands of ministering angels sitting and weaving garments of salvation making crowns of Life ('Osim Kitrey Hayyim), setting precious stones and pearls into them. (They were also) mixing all kinds of perfumes and sweetened wines for the righteous.

(Footnote: To be drunk at the Messianic Banquet: Barakhot 346. and Gilisberg legends, vol 5.)

I saw one crown different fro m all the others; it had a sun, moon, and 12 constellations fixed on it.

I said to him: "O Glorious Heavenly light! For whom are these crowns?"

He said to me, "For Israel."

"And for whom is this special crown?"

He said to me, "For David, King of Israel."

I said to him: "O Glorious Heavenly light, show me David's' Glory!"

He said: " Wait here, my beloved, until David arrives, and you will see his greatness."He took hold of me and seated me in his bosom. he said to me, "What do you see?"

I said; " I see 7 bolts of lightening running about as one."

He said: "Hide your eyes, my son, that you not be shaken by these, which have come forth to greet David."

Immediately there came forth all the Ofanim, Seraphim, "Hahot", the treasures of hail and snow, the clouds of glory, the stars and constellations, the ministering angels and fiery beings of Zebul, saying: "For the conductor, a Psalm of David. The heavens declare the Glory of G-D." (Ps 19:1-2)

I heard the sound of a great noise coming from Eden, saying, "May YHWH Rule Forever!"

I saw David, King of Israel, at their head and all the Kings of the House of David following him.

Each of them had his crown on their head, but the Crown of David was more brilliant and glorious than all the others, its radiance extending from one end of the world to the other ...

Once David had entered the Great House of Study, (Bet Ha- Midrash Ha-Gadol) in the firmament, a fiery throne was awaiting him, 40 parasangs high and double that in width and length.

Architect's Note : 40 measurements high and double that in length.

When David came and was seated on the Throne prepared for him, facing the Throne of his master, with all the kings of Israel standing before him, David immediately began to recite hymns and praises like no ear had ever heard.

Once he opened with: "May YHWH Rule Forever", Metatron and his entire retinue began to say: "Holy, Holy, Holy is YHWH SEVA'AT."

The "Hayyot" recited praise and said, "Blessed is the Glory of YHWH from His place."

The firmaments said, "May YHWH rule forever."

The earth said, "YHWH is King, YHWH was King, YHWH shall be King forever."

And all the Kings of the House of David said: "YHWH shall be King over all the earth; on that day will YHWH be one and his name one."

Architect's Note : David's crown is the Political aspect of the Merkavah's 3 crowns. It contains the court of 70 Kings as presenters of earthly issues to the Merkavah. It is the lowest position, and second in width. David here, is the Political Messiah presenting the earth to the Angels.