The Throne of Glory: Mystical Visions in Revelation Chapter 4 and Their Roots in Jewish Contemplative Traditions In the swirling chaos of ancient apocalyptic literature, the Book of Revelation stands out not just as a prophecy of end times, but as a profound invitation to mystical ascent. Written around the late 1st century CE, its vivid imagery—especially the throne vision in chapter 4—mirrors the contemplative practices of Jewish Merkabah mysticism, where adepts sought visionary encounters with the divine through meditation, recitation, and ritual. Far from mere symbolism, these elements served as guides for inner transformation, allowing practitioners to "ascend" to heavenly realms and glimpse the eternal harmony underlying creation. At the heart of Revelation 4 is John's ecstatic transport: "Come up here," a voice commands, and suddenly he's "in the Spirit," beholding a door open in heaven. This ascent echoes the heavenly journeys in texts like...