BOOK OF THE VESTMENT [SEPHERHAMELBOSH]
IT IS DECREED, THE HOLY AND PURE ARE FILLED with secret wisdom [Rezi Chokmah]. Theknowledge is the result of understanding.The wise are humble and cry in joy from the names learned in clear language. The chosen are pure of heart. Make to heal the body. Give grace that measures the strength of the light of the shining star. Girdwith the strength. The power is established forever by the actions before the generations. Rejoice insilence from genera-don to generation of the holy heights [Qedoshov Merom]. It is written as pure gold.A bubbling fountain of purity is established in the center of the sublime power. Of the works of glory, themost precious pearls are not compared with the glory, nor the finest gold of Aphier.
The value of wisdomcannot be measured, nor understanding of knowledge. Also, there is no measure to the value of the secretswritten herein, as revealed by Elohim.As the force of fire, all search therein. As the ruler of the heavens, all search therein. The Tree of Life issupported and guarded and protected, as the apple of the eye. By reverence of the Lord, the glory isobtained. Obtain the glory to obtain life. Of understanding, receive wisdom. Of salvation, keep fromdeath. Of fulfillment of the Nephesh, by consecration. Of the power, be strengthened by reverence of theLord. Of learning the knowledge, understand and fill the heart with wisdom. From drawing of life,increase from the sole to the heel. Form divisions in the Garden of Eden.Elohim treasures the reverence. The Lord fills all the Earth with glory, as in heaven where the throne isestablished. There is no measure to the glory. Seven fountains rise and fall to honor a thousand thousandsministers [Mesharethim] and a myriad myriads hosts [Tzebavoth] .
The force of fire ignites the river of fire flowing forth. The sound shakes the nations in fear of destruction. A vison comes forth of the imageof a fiery archer as Tharshish and Sardonyx, and arrows as swift as lightning.
The throne of the glory resembles ice [crystal]. Surrounded by Malachim, the archer Ophan kindles theflames.
The people of the dominion tremble in fear and cover their eyes. The Lord made clouds and fogall around, wrapped in swaddling cloth, dwelling alone upon the throne, concealed and hidden.The worthy go forth to the hidden light. The most profound secrets are revealed. The revelations are madeclear, not obscured by darkness. There is nothing in all the universe that compares. All actions and desiresare fulfilled by works revealed. Become proficient and results occur quickly. Those who attempt toduplicate the works receive no results. The souls [Nepheshoth] of the disobedient and rebellious arepunished by condemnation. By desire, to establish the curse. The sea dries up. The Sun and Moon darken.The light of the stars becomes faint. The mountains shift and fall, and the Earth trembles. This is theresult of arrogance. Those chosen are strengthened by the power of the wisdom, established byunderstanding the knowledge.In the holy book are 72 signs, given by Michael, the great prince above seven princes, ministering beforethe king, king of kings [Melech Melechi Melechim]. From it, Adam, the first man, received the beginningwisdom. From it, awaken and proclaim the names of every living creature and bird and creeping thing andfish. From understanding, increase the wisdom of all created by Elohim on the sixth day of Genesis[Berashith].
A city or province famous for the highest quality of gold.
Ten million. A myriad equals ten thousand.
Tharshish is a semiprecious stone from the Spanish kingdom of the same name. Some suggest it is either amber or chrysolite.It is also the name of the ruling angel of the angelic order of Tharshishiem.
In Gustav Davidson, Dictionary of Angels (New York: Free Press, 1967, p. 213), it is noted that Ophan is identified by theancient sages as the angel Sandalphon, the twin brother of Metatron. Also, see p. 257.