The Seven Levels of Heaven | Understanding Their Significance for Humanity and Elohim’s Plan in Messianic Judaism

The seven levels of heaven represent an ancient yet profoundly relevant framework in both Jewish and Messianic thought. These layers reveal Elohim’s divine order, offer insights into humanity’s journey, and underscore the mission to establish the New Jerusalem on earth as the center of peace and righteousness. By exploring these heavens, we see not only the proximity of Elohim to His creation but also humanity’s role in building a world aligned with divine intent. This article weaves together scriptural insights, scholarly perspectives, and mystical wisdom to delve into the meaning and relevance of the seven levels of heaven.

Vilon (וילון): The Curtain of Heaven

The first heaven, Vilon, meaning “veil” or “curtain,” symbolizes the boundary separating humanity from Elohim’s hidden reality. This heaven, drawn back each morning as a gesture of divine renewal, reminds us of Elohim’s presence and His nurturing of creation. Vilon corresponds to Elohim’s provision of light, suggesting His active sustenance of life, as in Genesis 1:3, where light emerges from the void.

Sid Roth (2007) highlights the importance of unity in the divine vision for humanity, emphasizing how Elohim’s nearness fosters togetherness across His creation. The concept of Vilon resonates with this theme, calling humanity to step into Elohim’s light and grow in alignment with His nature.

Raki’a (רקיע): The Firmament

Raki’a, the “firmament,” is the heavenly layer of stars, planets, and celestial bodies, representing the covenant between Elohim and creation. In Genesis 1:6–8, Elohim creates Raki’a to divide the waters, setting order in the cosmos. The idea of order aligns with the wisdom of Robert’s Rules of Order, where establishing structure creates harmony.

In Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus, the firmament is seen as part of a divine narrative that points toward Yeshua’s fulfillment of the Torah. Raki’a not only calls humanity to seek divine order in their lives but also serves as a reminder of the eternal covenant Elohim has made, underscoring humanity’s responsibility to live in accordance with His word.

Shehakim (שחקים): The Clouds of Heaven

The third heaven, Shehakim, or “clouds,” is where manna — the bread of heaven — is stored. Psalm 78:23–24 mentions Elohim’s opening of the heavens to provide sustenance for His people, symbolizing both physical and spiritual provision. This imagery connects to the concept of abundance described in The Council of Light by Hoffman (2013), where divine energies transmit sustenance for the soul’s deepest desires.

For messianic believers, Shehakim reflects Yeshua’s provision as the “bread of life” (John 6:35), calling humanity to seek spiritual nourishment from Him. Shehakim invites believers to rely on Elohim fully, recognizing His ability to fulfill their every need.

Zebul (זבול): The Dwelling of the Heavenly Temple

Zebul, the fourth heaven, houses Elohim’s heavenly temple, where angelic hosts offer eternal worship. This realm reminds believers of the purpose of worship in their spiritual lives. In Isaiah 6:1–3, Isaiah witnesses Elohim on His throne, surrounded by angels who cry out, “Holy, holy, holy.”

The writings in The Incomplete Church (Roth, 2007) further emphasize the role of worship and unity in approaching Elohim. Messianic believers view Zebul as a place of reverence and commitment, mirroring the New Jerusalem’s purpose as a city of perpetual worship. This level of heaven invites humanity to cultivate a life of prayer, devotion, and worship as they anticipate the fullness of Elohim’s kingdom.

Ma’on (מעון): The Realm of the Angelic Host

The fifth heaven, Ma’on, is where angels dwell, fulfilling Elohim’s commands to protect and minister to humanity. In Psalm 91:11, Elohim commands His angels to guard His people. John Paul Jackson and John Sanford (1999) in Needless Casualties of War explore the role of angelic protection, discussing how spiritual beings guard the righteous amid spiritual warfare.

Ma’on emphasizes Elohim’s commitment to humanity’s well-being, as angels act as divine messengers. For believers, Ma’on illustrates Elohim’s constant support and calls them to emulate angelic obedience as they participate in the New Jerusalem’s creation.

Machon (מכון): The Foundation and Storehouses

Machon, meaning “foundation,” is where Elohim stores the elements of creation, such as snow and hail, as seen in Job 38:22. This level symbolizes Elohim’s sovereignty over the natural world, as well as His control over judgment and mercy. It aligns with The Possible Human by Houston (1998), which encourages people to explore and enhance their capacities within Elohim’s order.

Machon calls humanity to respect Elohim’s creation and to understand that Elohim’s justice is a balance of mercy and discipline. Believers in the messianic faith see this realm as a foundation of divine justice, reminding them of their responsibility to live righteously and work toward the realization of the New Jerusalem’s justice and peace.

Aravot (ערבות): The Highest Heaven

Aravot, the seventh and highest heaven, is Elohim’s ultimate dwelling place and the seat of His divine glory. Here, Elohim’s full presence is revealed, beyond the veil of human comprehension. Psalm 68:4 refers to “He who rides upon the heavens,” affirming Elohim’s majesty and transcendence. In Tesla’s writings (1905), this upper heaven can be seen as a metaphor for human enlightenment and spiritual transcendence.

For believers, Aravot represents the ultimate goal of creation: perfect union with Elohim in a world remade in righteousness. Aravot is the prophetic fulfillment of Elohim’s promises, where the New Heaven and New Earth will emerge, and the New Jerusalem will be fully realized. Messianic teachings hold that in this realm, Elohim and humanity will exist in perfect unity, with Yeshua as the eternal King.

The Role of Humanity in Building the New Jerusalem

The journey through the seven heavens holds deep significance for messianic believers. Each level underscores the need for spiritual growth, the pursuit of justice, and the creation of a holy community. Just as these heavens provide a roadmap for understanding Elohim’s divine order, they also present humanity with a blueprint for realizing the New Jerusalem.

In Power Moves, Sarah Jakes Roberts (2017) speaks to the power of individuals to enact positive change. Likewise, each level of heaven calls believers to contribute to a higher purpose, working toward the establishment of Elohim’s kingdom on earth.

Messianic believers see the New Jerusalem as a vision of hope, a place where Elohim will dwell fully with His people. As Revelation 21:3–4 promises, “Behold, the dwelling of Elohim is with mankind… there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.” This eternal city is not just a distant goal but a mission that begins with each believer’s journey toward holiness, unity, and devotion.

Conclusion

The seven levels of heaven represent an extraordinary path to understanding humanity’s purpose, Elohim’s love, and the ultimate reality of the New Jerusalem. By ascending through these realms in heart and spirit, messianic believers prepare themselves to become citizens of Elohim’s eternal kingdom.

This journey calls believers to embody divine love, uphold justice, and work toward a future where Elohim’s light shines unobstructed across all creation. Through prayer, devotion, and a commitment to live by Elohim’s commandments, humanity takes part in realizing the New Heaven and New Earth — an eternal home where Elohim’s glory will be fully manifest among His people.

References

• Hoffman, D. R. (2013). The Council of Light: Divine Transmissions for Manifesting the Deepest Desires of the Soul. Bear & Company.

• Houston, J. (1998). The Possible Human: A Course in Enhancing Your Physical, Mental, and Creative Abilities. TarcherPerigee.

• Jackson, J. P., & Sanford, J. (1999). Needless Casualties of War. Streams Publishing House.

• Jakes Roberts, S. (2017). Power Moves. Thomas Nelson.

• Joseph, H. B. (2005). Book of Wisdom. Sterling Publishing.

• Roth, S. (2007). The Incomplete Church: Unifying God’s Children. Destiny Image Publishers.

• Tesla, N. (1905). The Problem of Increasing Human Energy. Century Magazine.

• One for Israel. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.oneforisrael.org

• Tour of Heaven. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://tourofheaven.com