- published: 12 Jul 2016
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The Thrones (Ancient Greek: θρόνος, pl. θρόνοι; Latin: thronus, pl. throni) are a class of celestial beings mentioned by Paul the Apostle in Colossians 1:16. According to the New Testament, these high celestial beings are among those Orders at the Christ's service. They are the carriers of the Throne of God, hence the name.
According to Matthew Bunson, the corresponding order of angels in Judaism is called the abalim or "arelim/erelim, but this opinion is far from unrivaled. The Hebrew word erelim is usually not translated "Thrones", but rather "valiant ones", "heroes", "warriors". The function ascribed to erelim in Isaiah 33:7 and in Jewish folklore is not consonant with the lore surrounding the Thrones.
The Ophanim (Wheels or Galgallin) is a class of celestial beings, from Daniel 7:9, that are also equated with the "Thrones" occasionally. They are said to be great wheels covered in eyes.
Dionysius the Areopagite includes the Thrones as the third highest of 9 levels of angels.
I saw a maiden by the river side
Waiting for her lover to come a-riding by
She dressed her hair with a golden comb
Love, it seemed, had gained the throne
And then he killed her
Struck once, then twice
And then he killed her
With his knife
From stately mansion to the lowest slum
Love and death beat their drums
Lovers touch and lovers sigh
Lovers part and lovers cry
And then he killed her
Struck once, then twice
And then he killed her
With his knife
How easily love's vine does wilt
How easily love's vine is spilt