1
The received Syriac corpus also preserves an account of the orders of the heavenly beings.
2
The lowest order is that of the messengers. They are appointed as guardians concerning individual human beings and accompany the sons of Adam according to the charge given them.
3
Above them are the chief messengers, whose service extends over the non-human living creation: birds, beasts, creeping things, fish, and the orders of life upon the earth.
4
Above these are the rulers or principalities who administer the movements of the upper air: rain, snow, hail, frost, wind, thunder, and lightning.
5
The next order is that of the authorities, who are connected with the heavenly lights: sun, moon, stars, and their appointed courses.
6
The powers restrain destructive ruachot so that their envy and violence do not consume the creation of Elohim.
7
The dominions are associated with the kingdoms of the earth, with victory, defeat, and the overturning of political power.
8
The Syriac text recalls how an appointed heavenly power could overthrow the army of Sancheriv in a single night, showing that earthly armies are not sovereign over history.
9
The thrones stand near the Throne of glory and guard the entrance of the set-apart heavenly court.
10
The seraphim minister before the inner glory and continually proclaim the holiness of Yahuah.
11
The keruvim bear the Throne and guard the divine seals in the imagery preserved by this tradition.
12
Thus the heavenly orders are not independent elohim but servants arranged beneath El Elyon.
13
Each order has its appointed service, and the harmony of the heavens reflects the ordering of creation described in the Hours.
14
The lowest guards Adam; the higher orders govern creation, weather, heavenly lights, hostile powers, kingdoms, and the immediate heavenly court.
15
Their service rises toward one end: the continual praise and rule of the One above them all.
16
Ended is Tzava'at Adam: the Hours of Day and Night, the Prophecy given to Shet, and the ordering of the heavenly hosts.