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Hi
@IndigoChild5559
I assumed that, since you made the claim regarding the tradition of councils of Angels assisting in the creation, you had some data upon which you based the claim. While it is well known historically that the early Judeo-Christians believed that Angels existed prior to creation of the earth (as well as the Messiah who created the earth), I had questions as to the version of the tradition you referred to.
For example, the Jewish Talmudic tradition is that 987 earths were created prior to this one.
I wanted to explore regarding the role of angels in creation of these many other worlds according to the specific tradition you are referring to.
I am interested in any early literature that better illuminates the specific tasks performed by the spirits of mankind and angels in the early Creation literature.
For example, In early Judeo-Christian tradition, it is the Messiah (Jesus in Christian tradition) who creates the earth, and he does so under the authority of his Father who delegates tasks. The Messiah then further delegates certain tasks to the spirits of mankind and angels that are in pre-creation heaven. Literature that better illuminates the various roles played by the various heavenly beings would help clarify early Judeo-Christianity and their beliefs.
In early Judeo-Christian Religion, there are various beings that are called by different names with God in heaven. For example, in the New Testament literature, when Jesus goes into heaven he is “
on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. 1 Pet 3:22”
While the Judeo-Christian literature describes heavenly councils, all plans and authority take place under God the Fathers direction and all authority centers in him as he delegates to others that which he directs them to do.
“Surely He is the utterly divine over all the exalted princes, King of kings over all the eternal councils. By the wise will–through the words of His mouth – shall come into being all the exalted godlike; at the utterance of His lips all the eternal spirits shall exist.” 4Q403 Frag. 1 Col 1. p 371;
Speaking of the King of Righteousness, the early Jewish documents speak of the Songs of David and it’s meaning that
“A godlike being has taken his place in the council of God; in the midst of the divine beings he holds judgment” (ps 82:1)” where at least one of the purposes of this position is to “judge the peoples”. However not all of the council judge correctly and the head of the council berates some of it’s members for not judging justly, and the DDS refer to their interpretation of Ps. 82:2 saying
“Concerning what scripture says, “How long will you (plural) judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?...”, 11Q13 Col 2 p 456;
1) WHICH HEAVENLY COUNCIL?
a) ANGELS AND “THE HOLY ONES” WHO SERVE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
The early literature delineates different types of beings that are present in the pre-creation heaven. While literature says "angels" and "the hosts” of heaven, more literature may further clarify who was there and what purpose they served during creation.
For example, when Cave of Treasures mentions “
the angels and the hosts of heaven…” the main division of beings is into “angels” and “the hosts”. Other literature has this binary division. For example, In Abrahams vision, he saw in the seventh heaven (firmament)
“a multitude of angels and a host of the unseen glory…” Apocalypse of Abraham 19: 1-5
In the early Judeo-Christian traditions the blessing is given to the sons of Levi to ultimately serve in the sanctuary as God.
“May he draw you and your seed near to him from all flesh to serve in his sanctuary as the angels of the presence and the holy ones.” Jubilees 31:13-15
b) The angels that surround God in the pre-creation heaven.
It is not merely a multitude of angels surrounding the “House” of God, but “
countless angels–a hundred thousand times an hundred thousand, ten million times ten million–encircling that house. Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, Phanuel, and numerous (other) holy angels that are in heaven above, go in and out of that house—” In such literature where God is described as having a head that “is white and pure like wool and his garment is indescribable…”, he is surrounded by
“angels that are countless.” 1st Enoch 71:8,10,13;
While the angels are described in their various orders to perform organized and specific duties, there is little data regarding what purpose they served in actual activities associated with the creation of worlds. For example, Testament of Abraham describes
“The heavenly powers what they are like and how each of their orders is occupied in the service and the plan of this world.”
“The lowest order is the angels. And the plan has been revealed to it by God concerning every human being whom they watch over,,, 2 “The second order is the archangels. This is the service: directing everything in this creation according to the plan of God, whether powers or animals, birds, or creeping things, or fish…3 The third order, which is the Archons...and this (order) makes all the variations in the atmosphere,.... 4 The fourth order, which is authorities. This is its service: the administration of the lights, of the sun and the moon and the stars. 5 The fifth order, which is the powers. This is its service: they keep the demons from destroying the creation of god … ...6 The sixth order, which is the dominions. This is its service: they rule over kingdoms and in their hands are victory and defeat in battle.... Testament of Adam 4:1-6;
In such early descriptions, I do not see literature which described in any detail, the role of such councils of angels in the actual process of creation; that is, in the construction of the material worlds such as the stars or the earth.
While the literature is specific that there are different types of messengers (angels) and multiple councils, it is difficult to tell with specificity what the purpose of multiple councils are.
“In the congregation of all the wise godlike beings, and in the councils of all the divine spirits, He has engraven his precepts to govern all spiritual works and his glorious laws for all the wise divine beings, that sage congregation honored by God, those who draw near to knowledge.””…Precept by precept they shall grow strong, to be seven eternal councils; for He established them for Himself to be the most holy of those who minister in the Holy of Holies. [...] They shall become mighty thereby in accordance with the council… 4Q400 Frag. 1 Col. 1
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