Prelude
This second article builds upon the first one by incorporating additional research and expanding on key areas, significantly extending the discussion by:
- Expanding Kabbalistic and Mystical Interpretations – It introduces deeper discussions on Or Yashar and Or Chozer, the connection to Ruach Hakodesh, and their relationship with Metatron.
- Adding New Areas of Study – It proposes further research topics on practical applications, Messianic redemption, and meditative practices.
- Further Analyzing Prophetic Consciousness – It brings additional perspectives from the Ramak and Torah Sheba’al Peh” (תורה שבעל פה).
- Providing More Comprehensive Conclusions – It integrates new findings and emphasizes the necessity of continued research.
Introduction
The Hashmalim, celestial beings of immense mystery, hold a pivotal role in Kabbalistic thought. Their mention in the visionary prophecy of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:4, 27) ties them to both divine fire and electrum, a luminous, fiery substance that embodies the intersection of divine revelation and concealment. The Hashmalim are not merely angelic figures; they are active forces of divine transmission, balancing the light of the Infinite (Or Ein Sof) with the structured emanations of the sefirot.
This paper provides a comprehensive study of the Hashmalim, integrating Torah, Talmudic, Midrashic, and Kabbalistic sources, including the Zohar, Torah Sheba’al Peh” (תורה שבעל פה), and the teachings of the Ari and Ramak. Furthermore, it explores the esoteric significance of electrum fire as a metaphysical and cosmic force that governs divine energy.
The Biblical and Rabbinic Context of the Hashmalim
The term Hashmal (חַשְׁמַל) appears explicitly in Ezekiel 1:4, 27, where the prophet describes a brilliant, fiery substance surrounding the divine chariot. The classical commentators wrestled with its meaning:
- Targum Yonatan translates Hashmal as a radiant, fiery substance, reinforcing the idea of electrum as a fusion of light and flame.
- Rashi (Ezekiel 1:27) follows the Talmudic derivation from Chagigah 13b, where Hashmal is described as “ḥash-mal”—alternating between silence (ḥash) and speech (mal)—indicating their dual role in proclaiming divine will while maintaining reverent stillness.
- Midrash Konen situates the Hashmalim within the broader celestial hierarchies, describing them as angelic entities that regulate the manifestation of divine light into creation.
Further rabbinic discussions in the Talmud (Chagigah 13b) highlight the Hashmalim’s dangerous sanctity, warning that those who gaze upon them without proper spiritual preparation risk immediate destruction. This aligns with the Kabbalistic principle that divine light, when unmediated, can be overwhelming to finite beings.
Electrum Fire: The Mystical Essence of Hashmal
In Kabbalah, electrum (Hashmal) is a manifestation of the Or Makif (Surrounding Light)—a powerful divine radiance that encircles yet does not immediately penetrate creation. The Zohar (II:251b) and Torah Sheba’al Peh” (תורה שבעל פה) (1:7) describe Hashmal as an intermediary energy, akin to the balance between the restrictive power of Gevurah and the expansive mercy of Chesed, harmonized in Tiferet.
Sefer (124) deepens this concept, depicting electrum as a fusion of red and white fire, corresponding to Gevurah and Chesed. This symbolic synthesis illustrates the dynamic interaction between divine judgment and mercy, a balance necessary for sustaining the created order.
Nachmanides (Ramban, Commentary on Exodus 24:10) expands on the nature of Hashmal, suggesting that it represents the refinement of divine energy before it enters the lower worlds. It is a filter ensuring that creation can withstand divine illumination without being annihilated.
Hashmalim and the Merkavah Mysticism
The Merkavah (Divine Chariot) tradition, central to early Jewish mysticism, places the Hashmalim at the threshold of divine revelation. They function as:
- Regulators of Divine Energy – Ensuring that divine influx is tempered before reaching the lower worlds.
- Protectors of the Throne of Glory (Kisei HaKavod) – As described in Sefer Heichalot (3 Enoch), they guard the divine mysteries from unworthy seekers.
- Embodiments of Lightning and Fire – The Zohar (I:21b) compares them to flashes of celestial fire, signifying their role as conduits of divine wisdom.
Rabbi Isaac Luria (Ari) in Etz Chaim elaborates that the Hashmalim facilitate the descent of divine light from Atzilut (Emanation) into Beriah (Creation). They are responsible for filtering the light so that it does not overwhelm the spiritual structures of existence.
Electrum in Kabbalistic Cosmology
Kabbalists view Hashmal as a direct representation of the Or Yashar (Direct Light) and Or Chozer (Returning Light)—the two fundamental movements of divine energy. In this context:
- Or Yashar represents the divine influx from the Infinite down into creation.
- Or Chozer signifies the return of created consciousness back toward divine unity.
This dynamic is reflected in the Hashmalim’s alternating state of silence and speech, illustrating how divine wisdom is both received and transmitted.
Hashmalim and Prophetic Consciousness
Ezekiel’s vision suggests that Hashmalim mediate prophetic insight. Their presence in his vision indicates that divine knowledge is not transmitted directly but rather through structured, hierarchical forces.
- Talmud Chagigah 13b warns that excessive contemplation of Hashmal leads to peril, indicating the risks of unfiltered divine encounter.
- Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak, Pardes Rimonim 23:6) describes the Hashmalim as gatekeepers of higher prophecy, requiring purity and wisdom for access.
- Torah Sheba’al Peh” (תורה שבעל פה) suggests that the energy of Hashmal functions as a bridge between the upper sefirot and the lower realms, enabling controlled prophetic revelation.
This suggests that the Hashmalim are both protectors and enablers of divine wisdom, ensuring that prophecy remains aligned with the will of the Creator.
Further Areas of Study in Kabbalah and Hashmalim
Further research is needed in several areas to expand our understanding of the Hashmalim and their electrum fire:
- The Relationship Between Hashmal and Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit) – Investigating whether Hashmal serves as an intermediary force in divine inspiration.
- Comparisons Between Hashmal and the Angelic Orders of Metatron – Examining whether the Hashmalim are subordinate to, or aspects of, Metatron’s governance over the heavenly realms.
- The Role of Hashmalim in Messianic Redemption – Exploring their function in facilitating the revelation of divine light in the era of Moshiach.
- The Interplay Between Hashmal and the Sephirotic Tree – Studying the precise placement of Hashmal within Kabbalistic sefirot beyond its connection to Tiferet.
- Applications of Hashmal in Meditative Practices – Delving into practical Kabbalistic methods for safely engaging with Hashmalic energy without spiritual overload.
Conclusion
The Hashmalim are not merely angelic beings but cosmic regulators of divine energy, embodying the delicate balance between revelation and concealment. Their electrum fire represents the transformative power of divine light, which, when properly mediated, guides creation toward spiritual ascent.
Understanding the Hashmalim deepens one’s grasp of the mysteries embedded within the Torah and sheds light on the celestial hierarchies governing divine flow. Further study in this area remains crucial for unlocking deeper levels of Kabbalistic wisdom.
By Apostle Brandon Barthrop
Red Letter Ministries, RLM TV
Bibliography
- Sefer. (Trans. Aryeh Kaplan). San Francisco: Weiser Books, 1979.
- Chagigah 13b, Babylonian Talmud.
- Etz Chaim. Rabbi Isaac Luria.
- Ezekiel 1:4, 27. Hebrew Bible.
- Midrash Konen.
- Pardes Rimonim. Rabbi Moshe Cordovero.
- Ramban, Commentary on the Torah. Nachmanides.
- Rashi, Commentary on Ezekiel 1:27.
- Sefer Heichalot (3 Enoch).
- Torah Sheba’al Peh” (תורה שבעל פה).
- Targum Yonatan, Commentary on Ezekiel.
- Zohar. (Trans. Daniel Matt). Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2003.
