GALGAL (Ezéchiel 10, 2.6.13 et Daniel 7,9)

The word GALGAL, in Ez 10,2.6.13 (hebrew) and Dn 7,9 (aramaic), certainly designates a round or circular thing. But we must precise the correct meaning of the word according to the two contexts. Ez 10,1-17 is a very difficult text, with its 'k e rubim' and ''ofannim'. As for Dn 7,9, connected with 1 Henoch 14,14-23, it seems easier to translate: but who will allow the Ancient-of-days to be sitting on a throne-with-casters?. Consequently we propose for the two texts a meaning that suits to the two contexts: GALGAL designates the brilliant circle(s) that surround(s) the 'kerubim' and that surround(s) God himself (the Ancient-of-days) in his glory (italian: a mandorla). This meaning is established, when Ez 10,1-17 is examined word for word); and also in Dn 7,9, supported by 1 Henoch in greek: both texts sustain that hypothesis. As for the ''ofannim' in Ez 10, they are not wheels for God's chariot, but two circles that delimit the mandorla. So we find in the Bible the equivalence of akkadian 'melannu' (sum. m e - l a m) and persian 'hvarenah', that will be bequeathed to christian art, either byzantine or medieval.