Supernal Serpent

This work examines the evolution of the Leviathan tradition from ancient West Asian and biblical origins to later rabbinic interpretations, highlighting its significance in cosmology and divine revelation.

Supernal Serpent examines the evolution of the Leviathan tradition, tracing its origins from ancient West Asian and biblical narratives to later rabbinic interpretations. The author, Andrei Orlov, focuses on the theophanic aspects of Leviathan's appearances in Jewish texts, including the Book of Job and the Apocalypse of Abraham. Orlov posits that the Apocalypse of Abraham presents a unique perspective on Leviathan, depicting it as an anti-theophany, or a manifestation of the ruler of the underworld.

In his analysis, Orlov highlights the cultic significance of Leviathan, exploring its role as the sacred courtyard of the cosmological sanctuary and its connection to the Foundation Stone of the Temple of Creation. He contextualizes Leviathan's function as a foundational figure in various ancient texts, including biblical, rabbinic, and Muslim literature. This exploration reveals how the concept of a cosmological temple, anchored by a primordial monster, offered Jewish apocalypticists a way to maintain their cultic practices in the absence of a physical temple.

Ultimately, Supernal Serpent suggests that the Leviathan tradition, particularly as articulated in the Apocalypse of Abraham, plays a crucial role in shaping the understanding of divine knowledge. Orlov argues that Leviathan serves as a bridge connecting ancient West Asian, biblical, and pseudepigraphical accounts with their later rabbinic and Muslim interpretations. Through this comprehensive study, the book provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between mythology, theology, and the evolution of religious thought surrounding Leviathan.