hasmalim (chasmalim; hasmallim)

In Jewish lore, a high-ranking order of angels, along with the CHERUBIM and SERAPHIM . The hasmalim are sometimes equated with DOMINIONS . Their name means “brilliant ones” and the “ HAYYOTH ” or “living creatures,” also a reference to a high class of MERKABAH angels (see SERAPHIM ). The fiery hasmalim support the throne of God. In his heavenly journey, the prophet EZEKIEL sees a sap- phirelike throne occupied by a humanlike form, in a reference to the “glory of the Lord” or also one of the hasmalim: And upward from what had the appearance of his loins I saw as it were gleaming bronze, like the appearance of fire enclosed round about; and downward from what had the appearance of his loins I saw as it was a brightness round about him. (Ezekiel 1:27) Hasmalim have been given different rankings. The Zohar places them sixth highest; the Maseket Azilut seventh; and the Berith Menucha fourth, by which EL (God) framed the effigies of bodies. Angels named as rulers of the hasmalim are Has- mal, Zadkiel, and Zacharael. In the KABBALAH , the has- malim belong to Yetzirah, the World of Formation, ruled by Metatron. Their sweat from carrying the throne of God forms a fiery river, Dinur.