Beholders of divine secrets

By Vita Daphna Arbel

Book Description

Journey into the hidden depths of ancient Jewish mystical tradition with this illuminating exploration of the Hekhalot and Merkavah literature. Vita Daphna Arbel opens a window into these enigmatic spiritual writings from late antiquity, revealing the profound mystical teachings and transcendent experiences they contain.

This scholarly yet accessible work examines how these ancient texts communicate their mystical wisdom through spiritualized mythological patterns drawn from Near Eastern traditions. Rather than simply cataloging historical connections, Arbel demonstrates how these mystical writers transformed ancient mythological themes and models into vehicles for conveying deep spiritual insights and revelations.

The book traces the intricate web of influences that shaped this mystical literature, showing its relationships to rabbinical writings, the Dead Sea Scrolls, apocalyptic traditions, early Christian sources, and Gnostic materials. Yet it goes further, uncovering additional mythological resonances that previous scholarship has overlooked.

Beyond textual analysis, Arbel thoughtfully considers the cultural and social world that gave birth to these mystical compositions and their creators. She reveals how ancient spiritual seekers used familiar mythological language to express the inexpressible dimensions of divine encounter and mystical experience.

For readers drawn to the intersection of mythology, mysticism, and spiritual wisdom, this work offers fresh insights into how ancient traditions can illuminate pathways to transcendent understanding.