Yaldabaoth a Political Understanding
An opening reading
Ezekiel 28:1 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 “Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Because your heart is lifted up, And you say, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods, In the midst of the seas,’ Yet you are a man, and not a god, Though you set your heart as the heart of a god 3 (Behold, you are wiser than Daniel! There is no secret that can be hidden from you! 4 With your wisdom and your understanding You have gained riches for yourself, And gathered gold and silver into your treasuries; 5 By your great wisdom in trade you have increased your riches, And your heart is lifted up because of your riches),”
On account of the reality of the authorities, (inspired) by the spirit of the father of truth, the great apostle – referring to the "authorities of the darkness" – told us that "our contest is not against flesh and blood; rather, the authorities of the universe and the spirits of wickedness." I have sent this (to you) because you inquire about the reality of the authorities. The Hypostasis of the Archons
Since that day, the heaven has been consolidated along with its earth by means of Sophia, the daughter of Yaldabaoth, who is beneath them all. After the heavens and their powers and all of their government set themselves aright, the chief creator exalted himself and was glorified by the whole army of angels. And all the gods and their angels gave him praise and glory. On the Origin of the World
Myth as a Reflection of Mental Patterns: Myths are more than just stories; they reflect inherent patterns in human consciousness. These accounts often symbolize fixed mental structures, emphasizing contrasts like good versus evil or compassion versus cruelty, rather than unconscious feelings or desires.
The majority of Gnostic scriptures take on the form of myths, but it's crucial to clarify that when using the term "myth," we don't imply falsehood. Instead, these myths convey truths of a different nature than theological dogmas or philosophical statements.
The Gnostic texts, born from persecution by the Romans and rejection by orthodox Christian authorities, the Gnostic texts symbolize a revolt against established political systems. Likewise, Gnostic myths function as a mode of defiance, actively challenging the existing political order.
An allegorical interpretation of Gnostic myths, like the Apocryphon of John, unveils parallels with the claims of Roman emperors. Just as Ezekiel 28:1-3 highlights the King of Tyre's excessive pride, these Gnostic texts are allegorically the Roman emperors' assertions of divine authority, echoing the deceptive doublespeak ingrained in imperial rule.
Interpreting Gnostic Myths
These Gnostics overtly challenged the political structures of their time. While they did not explicitly detail the political views or activities of these individuals, their myths, featuring tyrannical creator-archons, serve as veiled political protests. These myths call on those living under oppressive power to rise against it.
The Gnostic narrative unfurls with a cosmic interplay of light and darkness, highlighting the duality emerging from the mingling of these forces. Yaldabaoth, also recognized as Sakla or Samael, asserts his divinity by declaring, "I am God." This declaration resonates with Ezekiel 28, where the King of Tyre similarly affirms, "I am a god, I sit in the seat of God." Drawing parallels between Yaldabaoth and earthly rulers, such as King Nebuchadnezzar in Isaiah 14 and Judith 3:8, 6:12, Antiochus Epiphanies in Daniel 11:36, Herod in Acts 12:21-23, and the transformative journey of figures like Julius Caesar and Augustus, Caligula and Nero (with Nero symbolizing the antichrist in typology) in Ascension of Isaiah 4:6-8. This transformation from men to Gods, within the thought world of the cosmic order, aligns with Yaldabaoth's bold claim, "I am God."
Since that day, the heaven has been consolidated along with its earth by means of Sophia, the daughter of Yaldabaoth, who is beneath them all. After the heavens and their powers and all of their government set themselves aright, the chief creator exalted himself and was glorified by the whole army of angels. And all the gods and their angels gave him praise and glory. On the Origin of the World
Gnostic Myths and Political Allegory in Light of Ezekiel 28
Introduction:
Gnostic scriptures, often conveyed through myths, delve into the complexities of power, rebellion, and the human psyche. The Gnostic scriptures carry layers of symbolic meanings that connect with socio-political realities, much like the allegorical dimensions found in Ezekiel 28. These myths, often misunderstood as mere fictitious tales, are detailed reflections of the social, political, and ideological landscapes of their times.
Myth as a Reflection of Mental Patterns: Myths are more than just stories; they reflect inherent patterns in human consciousness. These accounts often symbolize fixed mental structures, emphasizing contrasts like good versus evil or compassion versus cruelty, rather than unconscious feelings or desires.
Myths as Charters for Cultural Norms: Some myths, especially origin stories, serve as mythic charters that legitimize cultural norms and social institutions. They provide a foundational narrative that underpins the values and practices of a society.
Myths and Power Dynamics: Mythology is closely interconnected with power structures, political systems, and economic interests. Myths can be used as tools to reinforce or challenge existing power dynamics within a society.
Political Myths: Political myths specifically deal with political themes and typically revolve around a group of people who are portrayed as heroes or villains. These narratives often offer an ideologically charged account of a community's past, present, and future.
The majority of Gnostic scriptures take on the form of myths, but it's crucial to clarify that when using the term "myth," we don't imply falsehood. Instead, these myths convey truths of a different nature than theological dogmas or philosophical statements.
Myth as a Tool of Power and Legitimization:
Gnostic myths, including the Apocryphon of John, serve as narratives legitimizing cultural norms and societal institutions, much like how Ezekiel 28 conveys political themes through its metaphorical language. Myths, interpreted as fixed mental structures representing opposing forces, shape understanding and wield significant influence in the socio-political realm.
The Role of Myths in Gnostic Texts
Why do Gnostic texts for the most part employ myths? The answer lies in the historical context of Gnostic Christians who faced severe persecution, initially by the Roman Empire and later by orthodox Christian authorities. Unlike many early Christians who embraced martyrdom, Gnostic Christians rejected this path.
The Testimony of Truth highlights this departure from martyrdom, criticizing those who choose to be martyrs. It suggests that becoming "perfected" through martyrdom is an incomplete path. Instead, it implies that such individuals merely bear witness to themselves without achieving spiritual advancement.
Why do Gnostic texts for the most part employ myths? The answer lies in the historical context of Gnostic Christians who faced severe persecution, initially by the Roman Empire and later by orthodox Christian authorities. Unlike many early Christians who embraced martyrdom, Gnostic Christians rejected this path.
The Testimony of Truth highlights this departure from martyrdom, criticizing those who choose to be martyrs. It suggests that becoming "perfected" through martyrdom is an incomplete path. Instead, it implies that such individuals merely bear witness to themselves without achieving spiritual advancement.
Political Myths and Social Ideologies:
Like the Gnostic myths centred on opposition to political structures, Ezekiel 28 resonates with the portrayal of an arrogant ruler claiming divine status. Both accounts provide an ideologically marked account of past, present, and future, reflecting the political community's identity, much like the Gnostics' rejection of martyrdom in favour of a different ideological stance.
Gnostic Mythology and Resistance to Political Order:
Allegorical Readings and Political Commentary:
Interpreting Gnostic Myths
When interpreting Gnostic myths, it is crucial not to isolate them from the social, political, and economic factors that influenced their creation. The authors of Gnostic texts rejected the legitimacy of existing political orders. Gnosticism emerged as a response from a politically marginalized intellectual elite in the eastern regions of the Roman Empire during the second and first centuries CE.
These Gnostics overtly challenged the political structures of their time. While they did not explicitly detail the political views or activities of these individuals, their myths, featuring tyrannical creator-archons, serve as veiled political protests. These myths call on those living under oppressive power to rise against it.
Conclusion:
The Gnostic myths, similar to the allegorical representation in Ezekiel 28, serve as potent tools to challenge exsting socio-political structures. Their detailed accounts, misunderstood as mere stories, reflect a powerful resistance against oppressive political orders, shedding light on the ideological and power struggles of their times. The allegorical lens unveils a potential critique within these texts, offering a nuanced understanding of political resistance intertwined with mythic storytelling.
Political Deification and Cosmic Rebellion: A Gnostic Interpretation of Ezekiel 28
Introduction:
The biblical passage in Ezekiel 28 has been a subject of diverse interpretations, with some scholars drawing connections between the arrogance of rulers and the elevation of political figures to near-divine status. In this discourse, we delve into the Gnostic perspective, particularly examining the Apocryphon of John and its portrayal of Yaldabaoth, a cosmic entity associated with political power and rulership.
Yaldabaoth as a Political Image:
The Apocryphon of John paints a graphic picture of Yaldabaoth, a cosmic ruler associated with political imagery, specifically likened to the Roman emperors. Stationing seven kings over the heavens and five over the abyss, Yaldabaoth is portrayed as a figure who shares his fire but retains the power of light from his mother, representing an ignorant darkness.
Gnostic Cosmology:
The Deification of Rome:
A key aspect of this Gnostic interpretation is the association of Samael with Rome, particularly the Roman angel or prince. Drawing from Jewish texts like the Ascension of Isaiah and the Third Book of Enoch, Samael becomes the symbolic representation of the Roman Empire's divine authority. The Gnostic rejection of political legitimacy is reflected in their view of Samael as the angel of Rome, challenging the ideals propagated by the Roman rulers.
Samael in Jewish Texts:
Jewish texts from the same period identify Samael with the angel of Edom, a reference to Rome. This cosmic connection between angels and earthly nations provides a context for interpreting Samael's role in the Gnostic worldview. The angelic embodiment of Rome, coupled with the rejection of political order, underscores the Gnostic rejection of the Roman Empire's claims to peace and justice.
Gnostic Resistance:
The Gnostic texts, emerging as a response to political marginalization in the Roman Empire, express a rejection of the legitimacy of political authority. The irony of Rome's claim to a peaceful reign, juxtaposed with the violence and displacement used to maintain control, reflects the Gnostic critique of the Empire's lofty ideals. The Gnostics perceive Roman virtues like peace, justice, and wisdom as veiled expressions of war, injustice, and ignorance for those under Roman rule.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Gnostic interpretation of Ezekiel 28, as reflected in the Apocryphon of John, presents a cosmic narrative intertwining political power, angelic entities, and the rejection of earthly rulership. By aligning Yaldabaoth with Rome and drawing parallels between the King of Tyre and other historical rulers, the Gnostics offer a unique lens through which to view the complexities of cosmic rebellion and political resistance in the ancient world.
The Allegorical Lens: Roman Emperors as Yaldabaoth
Consider the possibility of reading texts like the Apocryphon of John allegorically, interpreting Yaldabaoth as a representation of Roman emperors who claimed divine status and rulership over the world. In this interpretation, the term "Cosmocrator," meaning "lord or ruler of the world," parallels the contemporary Greek belief that rulers and authorities were controlled by malevolent forces.
The Apostle Paul's words in Ephesians 6:12&13, urging individuals to combat spiritual wickedness in high places, become a call to resist the manipulative machinations of emperors and authorities.
Notably, the Apocryphon of John assigns Yaldabaoth multiple names, including Saklas and Samael. The association of Samael with the angel of Rome aligns with the ancient belief that heavenly battles corresponded to earthly nations.
In the ancient world, politics and religiosity were deeply interconnected. Rather than solely viewing the material world as a realm where divine sparks are trapped, it becomes conceivable to interpret these Gnostic texts as critiques of Roman emperors' claims to godhood and their creation of a world in their image.
Yaldabaoth, in this context, symbolizes an arrogant ruler who ensnares people within the structures of the political system. This perspective prompts us to question the spiritual implications of such entanglement and offers a nuanced lens through which to understand the complex relationship between religion and politics within Gnostic narratives.
A Description of Yaltabaoth
And when she saw (the consequences of) her desire, it changed into a form of a lion-faced serpent. And its eyes were like lightning fires which flash. She cast it away from her, outside that place, that no one of the immortal ones might see it, for she had created it in ignorance. And she surrounded it with a luminous cloud, and she placed a throne in the middle of the cloud that no one might see it except the holy Spirit who is called the mother of the living. And she called his name Yaltabaoth. (The Apocryphon of John)
And when Pistis Sophia desired to cause the thing that had no spirit to be formed into a likeness and to rule over matter and over all her forces, there appeared for the first time a ruler, out of the waters, lion-like in appearance, androgynous, having great authority within him, and ignorant of whence he had come into being. Now when Pistis Sophia saw him moving about in the depth of the waters, she said to him, "Child, pass through to here," whose equivalent is 'yalda baoth'. (On the Origin of the World)
Since that day, there appeared the principle of verbal expression, which reached the gods and the angels and mankind. And what came into being as a result of verbal expression, the gods and the angels and mankind finished. Now as for the ruler Yaltabaoth, he is ignorant of the force of Pistis: he did not see her face, rather he saw in the water the likeness that spoke with him. And because of that voice, he called himself 'Yaldabaoth'. But 'Ariael' is what the perfect call him, for he was like a lion. Now when he had come to have authority over matter, Pistis Sophia withdrew up to her light. (On the Origin of the World)
Within Gnostic texts, Yaldabaoth embodies a symbolic representation reminiscent of a lion or a lion-faced serpent, both emblematic of kingship, rulership, and imperial power.
Yaldabaoth, as the ruler of the world, personifies the human ego, emerging as a manifestation within the political heavens.
This entity, representing ignorance rooted in the ego, arises when rationality succumbs to the influence of emotions or external senses.
Yaldabaoth: A Gnostic Symbol of Ego and Political Power
Introduction:
In Gnostic thought, Yaldabaoth emerges as a complex symbol representing the lord of this world, influencing the human condition and shaping psychological existence. This discussion explores the Gnostic perspective on Yaldabaoth, portraying this cosmic entity as the shadow of ego development and an archetype integral to human consciousness.
Yaldabaoth and the Ego:
For the Gnostics, the development of the individual ego is intertwined with the influence of Yaldabaoth. This cosmic figure becomes the archetype that propels human consciousness towards the formation of a focal narcissistic ego. Yaldabaoth, as the lord of this world, defines the human will and intellect, leading to the development of individual judgment and rulership.
The Will and Intellectual Learning:
Yaldabaoth's representation in individuals manifests as the human will and intellect, potent up to a certain point. Those embodying Yaldabaoth characteristics often exhibit reluctance to stand on their own judgment, seeking external sources for decision-making. The Gnostic view likens these individuals to rulers who rule arbitrarily, refusing to tap into their own wisdom. This behaviour can lead to a regression to an animal-instinct plane of consciousness, as observed in Daniel 5:21.
Yaldabaoth as a Symbol of Human Consciousness:
In Gnostic cosmology, Yaldabaoth symbolizes human consciousness, both individually and collectively in organized opposition to God. The lion-faced serpent imagery emphasizes Yaldabaoth's connection to the civil and military power of the Roman Empire. The serpent, representing the flesh in political manifestation, becomes identified with the civil and military authority of a supposedly Christianized Empire under Constantine. (Isa. 27:1; Ezek, 29:3; Jer. 51:34; Job 41:1),
Lion Symbolism in the Bible:
The Gnostic interpretation draws on biblical symbolism, where lions are associated with fierce and predatory characteristics. Wicked individuals, nations, false prophets, and oppressive rulers are depicted as lions in various biblical passages (wicked ones (Ps 10:9), persons who oppose God and his people (Ps 22:13; 35:17; 57:4; Jer 12:8), false prophets (Eze 22:25), wicked rulers and princes (Pr 28:15; Zep 3:3), the Babylonian World Power (Da 7:4). The lion's mouth is also employed to describe the seven-headed, ten-horned wild beast in Revelation 13:2, further aligning with the Gnostic view of Yaldabaoth.
The Sea Symbolism:
Yaldabaoth's ascent from the sea mirrors biblical symbolism where the sea represents nations and empires. (Isa. 57:20; Jer. 51:13 Rev. 17:15 ) Rising from the waters signifies the exercise of power over nations and international influence. The imagery parallels the Beast described in Revelation 13:1, emphasizing the political connotations of Yaldabaoth's symbolism.
Conclusion:
Original text
What are Myths
Since the term myth is widely used to imply that a story is not objectively true, the identification of a narrative as a myth can be highly political:Myths reflect patterns in the mind and we interpret those patterns more as fixed mental structures, specifically pairs of opposites (good/evil, compassionate/callous), rather than unconscious feelings or urges.
Myths such as origin stories might provide a "mythic charter"—a legitimisation—for cultural norms and social institutions.
Myth is a form of understanding and telling stories that are connected to power, political structures, and political and economic interests.
Political myths simply deal with political topics and always use a group of people as the hero or protagonist
A myth is considered a political myth when the narrative provides an ideologically marked account of the past, present, and future of the political community.
One finds that most Gnostic scriptures take the form of myths. The term “myth” should not here be taken to mean “stories that are not true”, but rather, that the truths embodied in these myths are of a different order from the dogmas of theology or the statements of philosophy.
Why myths?
Why would the Gnostic text use myths the answer is because of persecution!
Gnostic Christians have been heavily persecuted, first by the Roman Empire and for centuries afterwards by orthodox Christian authorities
The Gnostic Christians rejected martyrdom
The Testimony of Truth They are blind guides, like the disciples. They boarded the ship; at about thirty stadies, they saw Jesus walking on the sea. These are empty martyrs since they bear witness only to themselves. And yet they are sick, and they are not able to raise themselves.
But when they are "perfected" with a (martyr's) death, this is the thought that they have within them: "If we deliver ourselves over to death for the sake of the Name we will be saved." These matters are not settled in this way. But through the agency of the wandering stars they say they have "completed" their futile "course", and [...] say, [...]. But these [...] they have delivered themselves ...
... (7 lines unrecoverable)
How does one Interpret the Gnostic myths?
Interpretation should not take place in isolation, of the social, political, and economic factors which influenced how the writers wrote these texts.
The writers of the Gnostic texts were rejecting the legitimacy of all political order, ancient Gnosticism arose as a reaction of a politically marginalized intellectual elite in the eastern regions of the Roman Empire in the second and first centuries C.E.
The Gnostics were explicit in revolt against the political structures of their age, and/or they showed little or no interest in surrounding society, or had even somehow radically severed their connections with society or were at least completely indifferent to the political well-being and future of society?
Gnostics never made any direct testimony about the political views or activity of these people, but rather in their myths about demiurges. In the mythic characters of tyrannical creator-archons. These demiurgical myths are veiled political protests, calling people who live under such power to rebellion. World rejection was therefore equivalent to the rejection of the legitimacy of all political structures in the world or the political structure of the Roman Empire.
Though the Roman rulers claimed peaceful reign the violence intimidation and displacement used to maintain this piece made it ironic the lofty ideals with which the Empire framed itself were a type of double-speak for those under its rule The Peace of the Roman Empire meant War for those subjected by it Justice meant injustice Wisdom meant ignorance
What if the texts, such as the Apocryphon of John, were meant to be read allegorically, symbolizing the Roman emperors' assertions of divinity and their claims as saviors of the world, suggesting they've crafted the known world in their likeness? What if this aspect forms a significant part of the narrative?
for instance, the Apocryphon of John describes Yaldabaoth as a political image of the Roman emperor
"Cosmocrator" was the title of the Roman emperor, meaning "lord or ruler of the world", and contemporary Greek thought was, that rulers and authorities, were controlled by demonic forces of evil. The apostle Paul declares that the evil machinations of the emperor and those in high authority can be overcome, by putting on the whole panoply of God, which is described in the verses that follow as: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, sandals of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:12&13 - "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood ['haimakai surka'], but against principalities ['archas', 'rulers'], against powers ['exousias', 'authorities'], against the rulers ['tous kosmokratoras'. 'world rulers'] of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places ['ta pneumatika tes ponerias en tois epouraniois', 'the spiritual hosts of evil in the heavenlies']. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God ['ten panoplian tou theou'], that you may be able to stand in the evil day ['te hemera te ponera'], and having done all, to stand."
The Apocryphon of John Now this weak ruler has three names. The first name is Yaltabaoth. The second is Saklas. The third is Samael. He is impious in his Madness, she who dwells in him. For he said, am God and no other god exists except me,' since he is ignorant of the place from which his strength had come.
In the ancient world politics and religiosity are not two separate things they're part and parcel of one another and interwoven with one another and what might it mean instead of saying you know instead of saying this horrible material world where these divine sparks are trapped what if this was was about the Roman emperors in particular.
What if the texts, such as the Apocryphon of John, were meant to be read allegorically, symbolizing the Roman emperors' assertions of divinity and their claims as saviors of the world, suggesting they've crafted the known world in their likeness? What if this aspect forms a significant part of the narrative?
for instance, the Apocryphon of John describes Yaldabaoth as a political image of the Roman emperor
"Cosmocrator" was the title of the Roman emperor, meaning "lord or ruler of the world", and contemporary Greek thought was, that rulers and authorities, were controlled by demonic forces of evil. The apostle Paul declares that the evil machinations of the emperor and those in high authority can be overcome, by putting on the whole panoply of God, which is described in the verses that follow as: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, sandals of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:12&13 - "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood ['haimakai surka'], but against principalities ['archas', 'rulers'], against powers ['exousias', 'authorities'], against the rulers ['tous kosmokratoras'. 'world rulers'] of the darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places ['ta pneumatika tes ponerias en tois epouraniois', 'the spiritual hosts of evil in the heavenlies']. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God ['ten panoplian tou theou'], that you may be able to stand in the evil day ['te hemera te ponera'], and having done all, to stand."
The Apocryphon of John Now this weak ruler has three names. The first name is Yaltabaoth. The second is Saklas. The third is Samael. He is impious in his Madness, she who dwells in him. For he said, am God and no other god exists except me,' since he is ignorant of the place from which his strength had come.
In the ancient world politics and religiosity are not two separate things they're part and parcel of one another and interwoven with one another and what might it mean instead of saying you know instead of saying this horrible material world where these divine sparks are trapped what if this was was about the Roman emperors in particular.
What if we consider Yaldabaoth as an embodiment of an overbearing ruler, akin to a Roman emperor, ensnaring people within the structures of a political system? How might this impact our spiritual understanding and perception of such circumstances?
Understanding the religious, political, social, and cultural significance embedded in the Gnostic texts is crucial in reshaping our interpretation. Neglecting these contextual layers inhibits a comprehensive comprehension of the myths.
It's essential to delve into the intricate interconnections among these facets of human existence, evident in the characters of Adam and Eve within these texts. They embody the complexities woven into human life.
The pursuit of transcending this world's disorder involves attaining extraordinary insight, knowledge, or understanding—a state referred to as gnosis.
To escape this disorder of the world one can transcend it by extraordinary insight, learning, or knowledge, called a gnosis
Ialdabaoth Greek Ιαλνταμπαόθ Yaldabaoth Hebrew ילדאבהות (Literally "Children of the Void," or Children of the Abyss (depth of the waters) from ילדה = yalda= child; בהו = bohu = void; אבהות = abbott = fatherhood, parentage, paternity).
And when she saw (the consequences of) her desire, it changed into a form of a lion-faced serpent. And its eyes were like lightning fires which flash. She cast it away from her, outside that place, that no one of the immortal ones might see it, for she had created it in ignorance. And she surrounded it with a luminous cloud, and she placed a throne in the middle of the cloud that no one might see it except the holy Spirit who is called the mother of the living. And she called his name Yaltabaoth.
The Apocryphon of John
And when Pistis Sophia desired to cause the thing that had no spirit to be formed into a likeness and to rule over matter and over all her forces, there appeared for the first time a ruler, out of the waters, lion-like in appearance, androgynous, having great authority within him, and ignorant of whence he had come into being. Now when Pistis Sophia saw him moving about in the depth of the waters, she said to him, "Child, pass through to here," whose equivalent is 'yalda baoth'.
On the Origin of the World
Since that day, there appeared the principle of verbal expression, which reached the gods and the angels and mankind. And what came into being as a result of verbal expression, the gods and the angels and mankind finished. Now as for the ruler Yaltabaoth, he is ignorant of the force of Pistis: he did not see her face, rather he saw in the water the likeness that spoke with him. And because of that voice, he called himself 'Yaldabaoth'. But 'Ariael' is what the perfect call him, for he was like a lion. Now when he had come to have authority over matter, Pistis Sophia withdrew up to her light.
On the Origin of the World
In the Gnostic scriptures Yaldabaoth is described as a lion or a lion-faced serpent these are symbols of kings rulers and empires
O Ialdabaoth, who art the ruler of the world, Yaldabaoth is a personification of the human ego manifested in the political heavens
Yaldabaoth (ignorance via the ego) is created when reason follows the emotions or outward senses
a description of Yaltabaoth
And when she saw (the consequences of) her desire, it changed into a form of a lion-faced serpent. And its eyes were like lightning fires which flash. She cast it away from her, outside that place, that no one of the immortal ones might see it, for she had created it in ignorance. And she surrounded it with a luminous cloud, and she placed a throne in the middle of the cloud that no one might see it except the holy Spirit who is called the mother of the living. And she called his name Yaltabaoth.
The Apocryphon of John
And when Pistis Sophia desired to cause the thing that had no spirit to be formed into a likeness and to rule over matter and over all her forces, there appeared for the first time a ruler, out of the waters, lion-like in appearance, androgynous, having great authority within him, and ignorant of whence he had come into being. Now when Pistis Sophia saw him moving about in the depth of the waters, she said to him, "Child, pass through to here," whose equivalent is 'yalda baoth'.
On the Origin of the World
Since that day, there appeared the principle of verbal expression, which reached the gods and the angels and mankind. And what came into being as a result of verbal expression, the gods and the angels and mankind finished. Now as for the ruler Yaltabaoth, he is ignorant of the force of Pistis: he did not see her face, rather he saw in the water the likeness that spoke with him. And because of that voice, he called himself 'Yaldabaoth'. But 'Ariael' is what the perfect call him, for he was like a lion. Now when he had come to have authority over matter, Pistis Sophia withdrew up to her light.
On the Origin of the World
In the Gnostic scriptures Yaldabaoth is described as a lion or a lion-faced serpent these are symbols of kings rulers and empires
O Ialdabaoth, who art the ruler of the world, Yaldabaoth is a personification of the human ego manifested in the political heavens
Yaldabaoth (ignorance via the ego) is created when reason follows the emotions or outward senses
I am God
Secret Book of John
This gloomy ruler has three names: the first name is Yaldabaoth, the second is Sakla, the third is Samael.
He is wicked in his mindlessness that is in him. He said, I am god and there is no other god but me, since he did not know where his own strength had come from.
Yaldabaoth is also referred to as Sakla or Samael. Samael God of the Romes in Jewish texts see the Ascension of Isaiah and the third book of Enoch Sammael is identified with the angel of Edom (Rome) the prince arkon of the Roman people is also frequently given the title of Prince of the world
The Reality of the Rulers (The Hypostasis of the Archons)
Their chief is blind. Because of his power and his ignorance and his arrogance, he said, with his power, “I am god; there is no other but me.”
On the Origin of the World
Since that day, the heaven has been consolidated along with its earth by means of Sophia, the daughter of Yaldabaoth, who is beneath them all. After the heavens and their powers and all of their government set themselves aright, the chief creator exalted himself and was glorified by the whole army of angels. And all the gods and their angels gave him praise and glory.
And he rejoiced in his heart, and he boasted continually, saying to them, “I do not need anything. I am god and there is no other god but me.” But when he said these things, he sinned against all of the immortal imperishable ones, and they kept their eyes on him.
the statement I am God comes from Ezekiel 28 Yaldabaoth is described as proclaiming himself to be God or saying I am God this is a reference to the Deification of the Rome Emperors the same is also said of the King of Tyre Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyre, Thus saith the Lord Yahweh: Because thy heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art man, and not God, though thou didst set thy heart as the heart of God
The arrogant statement by Yaldabaoth the chief archon I am God should be explained in terms of Isaiah 14 a lamentation for the King of Babylon. in Ezekiel 28:2,9 the king of Tyre said "I am god" Notice other arrogant rulers who claimed to be divine or were acclaimed as gods King Nebuchadnezzar in Judith 3:8 6:12 Antiochus Epiphanies in Daniel 11:36 Herod in Acts 12:21-23 thus the transformation of Julius Caesar and Augustus, Caligula and Nero (Nero is symbol of the antichrist in typology) in Ascension of Isaiah 4:6-8 from men to Gods which in the thought world of the cosmologies would be akin to Yaldabaoth's claim I am God.
The Gnostics held that Yaldabaoth was the lord of this world who dominates the human condition. Yaldabaoth defines human psychological existence. humans are of necessity ego-bound in the sense of being required to develop an individual ego for the gnostics the figure of Yaldabaoth is the shadow of ego development. Yaldabaoth is the archetype that creates and sustains an inevitable development within human consciousness toward the formation of the focal narcissistic ego.
Yaldabaoth represents in us the human will and intellect; this brings about human judgment. A ruler always represents some function of the will. The Will entrenched in intellectual learning, giving its full attention to material subjects, is very powerful up to a certain point. The world is full of these Yaldabaoth people.
They are loath to stand on their own judgment in any matter. When a decision is required of them they fly to some oracle. It may be a friend whose good advice they ask or a medium, or they may even resort to the tossing of a coin or the cutting of a deck of cards. They are willful and they rule arbitrarily. Refusing to bring forth their own good judgment, they become mendacious and tyrannical. The ultimate of this sort of action is a return to the animal-instinct plane of consciousness, as described in Daniel 5:21.
Mankind animal characteristic
Mankind has observed the characteristics and habits of animals and has applied them in a figurative or symbolic sense to persons, peoples, governments, and organizations. Thus Yaldabaoth is a symbol of human consciousness individually and organised collectively (that is politically) in opposition to GodThe lion-faced serpent The "serpent" represents the civil, or military power of the Roman Empire. The word is also rendered leviathan (Isa. 27:1; Ezek, 29:3; Jer. 51:34; Job 41:1), and is used as representing the flesh in political manifestation.
Finally, when Constantine transferred his civil and military headquarters from Rome to Constantinople (previously the very centre of pagan resistance), the "serpent" became identified with the civil and military power of a so-called Christianised Empire.
In the Bible wicked people and nations are described as a lion
.Because of the lion’s fierce and predatory characteristics, the animal was also used to represent wicked ones (Ps 10:9), persons who oppose God and his people (Ps 22:13; 35:17; 57:4; Jer 12:8), false prophets (Eze 22:25), wicked rulers and princes (Pr 28:15; Zep 3:3), the Babylonian World Power (Da 7:4). And the seven-headed, ten-horned wild beast out of the sea, which gets its authority from the dragon, was depicted as having a lion’s mouth. (Re 13:2) At Psalm 91:13 the lion and the cobra seem to denote the power of the enemy, the lion being representative of open attack and the cobra of underhanded scheming, or attacks from a concealed place.—Compare Lu 10:19; 2Co 11
The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.
Rev 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
Like the Beast in Rev 13:1 Yaldabaoth is described as ascending out of the sea there appeared for the first time a ruler, out of the waters, lion-like in appearance the beast of the sea
And when she saw (the consequences of) her desire, it changed into a form of a lion-faced serpent.
And when Pistis Sophia desired to cause the thing that had no spirit to be formed into a likeness and to rule over matter and over all her forces, there appeared for the first time a ruler, out of the waters, lion-like in appearance,
The "Seas" Sea is symbolic of nations and empires (Isa. 57:20; Jer. 51:13 Rev. 17:15 ). it is international in its influence; it dominates "the waters," or nations. To rise out of the waters is to exercise power over them
Yaldabaoth is not Yahweh but represents the carnal mind or the ego
Yaldabaoth is a personification of human nature
Yaldabaoth describes human psychological existence
the figure of Yaldabaoth is the shadow of ego development Yaldabaoth is the archetype that creates and sustains an inevitable development within human consciousness toward the formation of the focal narcissistic ego
