Secrets from Beyond The Grave

Chapter 6 More Secrets of the Third Heaven

The apostle Paul speaks of being caught up into the third heaven. Among many of the ancient beliefs and religions, it was taught that there were seven levels of heaven. This concept may have originated with the fact that the ancients believed there were seven major lights in heaven, or seven objects that could be seen with the naked eye. These were the five main planets, along with the sun and moon. The Jewish menorah in the temple had seven golden branches, which, according to Josephus, was a picture of the seven heavenly planets.1 Among the early Jews, the days of the weeks were not named but were numbered. Sunday was the first day, Monday the second, and Saturday was the seventh day. Later, the Jewish method of numbering the days was changed by the ancient pagans. Eventually the days of the week were given names dedicated to the seven great lights of heaven:

Sunday was dedicated to the sun. Monday was dedicated to the moon. Tuesday was dedicated to Mars. Wednesday was dedicated to Mercury.

Thursday was dedicated to Jupiter. Friday was dedicated to Venus. Saturday was dedicated to Saturn.2 Jewish mystics have taught that there are seven levels of heaven. Each level is given a specific name and is allegedly ruled by a specific archangel. Each level also has a central feature, such as the level of wicked spirits, the level of paradise, the realm of God's throne, and so forth: The Level

The Hebrew Name

Ruled By

Central Feature

First level Shamayim Gabriel Closest to Earth Second level Raquia Zechariel and Raphael Fallen angels imprisoned

Third level Shehaquim