Angels-HAYYOTH

Hayyoth, meaning “holy, heavenly beasts,” are a class of Merkabah
(Jewish mystical) angels, corresponding to the cherubim who reside in
the seventh heaven. The hayyoth are also considered angels of fire
who support the throne of Glory, each having, as reported by Enoch,
four faces, four wings, and two thousand thrones.
According to Ezekiel, the Hayyoth were seen by the river Chebar,
whereas the Zohar argues that they number thirty-six, constitute the
“camp of Shekinah,” uphold the universe, and break into songs of
praise when they spread their wings. Abelson, in Jewish Mysticism
(1913), asserts that they receive from above the holy effluence, which
is eventually disseminated to the hayyoth, or movers of the wheels. It
is said that the work of the contemporary painter Marc Chagall was
considerably influenced by the prophet’s vision of the hayyoth, and by
the postbiblical lore on these angels.