塞弗·哈巴希尔 21

1[Note: there are different textual variations of this text. Here is the version on Sefaria.] Rabbi Yochanon said, “On the second day, the angels were created, as it is written, 'He rafters the beams [of His upper chambers] in the waters' (Psalms 104:3), and it is written 'He makes the winds His messengers, fiery flames His servants' (Psalms 104:4)." But Rabbi Levitas ben Tavros said, "Everyone, even Rabbi Yochanan, agrees that the water already existed. But it was on the second day that ''He rafters the beams [of His upper chambers] in the waters,' the one who 'makes the clouds his chariot,' and the one who 'walks on the wings of the wind.' But His messengers were not created until the fifth day."[The Vilna Gaon's commentary suggests the following version.]Rabbi Yochanan said, "The angels were created on the second day. It is therefore written, 'He rafters the beams [of His upper chambers] in the waters, making the clouds a chariot, moving on the wings of the wind" (Psalm 104:3). It is then written, 'He makes the wind His angels' (Psalms 104:4)." Rabbi Chaninah said, "The creation of the angels was on the fifth day, as is said, 'And the birds that flew over the earth' (Genesis 1:20)." Rabbi Lulyani ben Tavrai said, "All agree that they [the angels] were not created on day one."