Angelology Part 3 - The 7 Heavens & Their Rulers : Angels Of Jewish Lore

Jewish and Arabian lore often say there exists 7 heavens, 7 divisions and levels of
heaven, heavily guarded by angels of different ranks, with the lowest layer being the
farthest away from God, and the highest layer, the closest to God.

From the lowest to the highest, they are as follows, Shamayim, Raqia, Shehaqim,
Machonon, Mathey, Zebul, and Araboth.

The Book Enoch however, says there are 10 heavens, with the last 3 being Muzaloth,
Kukhavim and Aravoth.

The 1st of the heavens is called Shamayim, and it is the abode of the stars. The chief
ruler of Shamayim is Gabriel, and the angels of light who reside here include Sabrael,
Sidriel, and Asrulyu. The 1st heaven is not only a place for the angels of light, it is also
the abode of many fallen angels, who, although rejected, still dwell among the stars.

The 2 heaven is called Raqia, and is said to be composed of water. This is where moses
encountered the angel Nuriel, and where Muhammed of Islam encountered the angel
Habib. The Muslim’s say this is where the garden of Eden is located, the first home of
Adam and Eve. But the book of Enoch disagrees, saying the Tree of life and the garden of
Eden are located in the 3rd heaven. The 2nd heaven is governed by the angels, Raphael,
Zachariel, and Nuriel.

The 3rd heaven is called Shehaqim, and It was in the 3rd Heaven that Moses
encountered an angel "so tall, it would take a human 500 years to climb to his height. An
angel who had 70,000 heads, each head with as many mouths, and each mouth with as
many tongues. Likewise, Mohammed of Islam was said to have seen such an angel. The
3rd heaven is where the tree of life and garden of Eden are found, according to the Book
of Enoch. And the chief governor of this heaven is Anahel; alongside his subordinate
princes: Jabniel, Rabacyel, and Dalquiel.

The 4th Heaven is called Machonon, and is said to contain the heavenly Jerusalem, the
temple, and the altar. It was in the 4th Heaven that Mohammed of Islam encountered
Enoch of the Hebrews. This heaven is governed by Michael, and the angels who dwell
here include, Shamshiel, and Sapiel. Here also, dwells Sandalphon, angel of tears.

The 5th heaven is called Mathey, and it was in the 5th Heaven the prophet Zephaniah
beheld "angels that are called lords. Each of the angels had a crown upon his head as
well as a throne shining 7 times brighter than the light of the sun. The governor of this
heaven is the dark lord Samael, some say Shatqiel, and a few say Sandalphon. In Islamic
lore, the 5th Heaven is the seat of Aaron the Avenging Angel.

The 6th heaven is called Zebul, and here dwells the guardian angel of heaven and earth,
who is half snow and half fire, according to the Muslims. The 6th heaven is governed by
Zachiel, assisted by subordinate princes: Zebul (during the day), and Sabath (during the
night).

The 7th heaven is called Araboth, and the book of Enoch says this is where the major
experiences of Enoch occurred. The 7th heaven is the abode of human souls waiting to
be born. It is also the seat of the most high God; and the abode of Zagzagel, prince of the
Torah; as well as the dwelling place of the seraphim, the Ofanim, and the angels of love,
fear, grace, and dread. It is in the 7th Heaven, that Isaiah had a glimpse of God and his
son Jesus Christ, and hears the Most High dictating the program of his earthly
manifestation and return of Jesus Christ. This heaven is governed by the angel Cassiel.

According to the book of Enoch which mentions 10 heavens, the 8th heaven is called
Muzaloth and is the same and part of the 7th heaven Araboth, the 9th heaven is called
Kukvahim, and is the home of the 12 signs of the Zodiac. While the 10th heaven is called
Aravoth, and is where Enoch saw the "vision of the face of the Lord''.