The Ophanim refer to the wheels seen in the vision of the chariot, described in the Book of Ezekiel (1,15–21). One of the Dead Sea Scrolls interprets them as angels; the final sections of the Book of Enoch (61,10, 71,7) portray them as a class of celestial beings who along with the Cherubim and Seraphim guard the throne of God and never sleep.
Description[]
The Ophanim were the very wheels of the heavenly chariot of the Lord. Often, they are referred to as "many eyed-ones".
Judaism[]
Maimonides lists them in second place in his angelic hierarchy, among the angels closest to God.
Christianity[]
De Coelesti Hierarchia refers to the Old Testament description of the Thrones as the third Order of the first sphere, of which the Cherubim and Seraphim are higher orders.