 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
Jahbulon orJabulon orJahbuhlun[1] (supposedly fromHebrew:יָהּ בַּעַל אוֹן,romanized: Yāh baʿal ʾōn, "Jah-Baal-strength") is a word which is allegedly used in somerituals ofRoyal ArchMasonry and derivations thereof.
 | This section'stone or style may not reflect theencyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. See Wikipedia'sguide to writing better articles for suggestions.(November 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Non-Masonic author,Stephen Knight, alleged that "Jahbulon" is a compositename for God, and even the name of a unique "Masonic god",[2] despite Freemasonry's official claim that "There is no separate Masonic God," nor a separate proper name for a deity in any branch of Freemasonry.[3][4] In England, no ritual containing the name has been in official Masonic use since February 1989.[5]
According to Masonic historianArturo de Hoyos, the word Jahbulon was first used in the 18th century in early French versions of the Royal Arch degree. It relates a Masonic allegory in which Jabulon was the name of an explorer living during the time of Solomon who discovered the ruins of an ancient temple. Within the ruins he found a gold plate upon which the name of God (YHWH) was engraved.[6]
InDuncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor, published in the mid-19th century, Malcolm Duncan uses the word as a recognition password in his rendition of the Royal Arch degree,[note 1] and in a footnote states that the word is a combination of sacred names.[note 2] However, there has been controversy regarding Duncan's ritual. According to Turnbull, Everett and Denslow, Duncan has the candidate swear, "I furthermore promise and swear, that I will support the Constitution of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the United States of America..." whereas the General Grand Chapter at the time styled itselfGeneral Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United States, a subtle but significant difference.[7] Some Masonic authors state that even if Duncan's ritual is authentic, it is either an outdated exposure[8] or that it had been superseded by another explanation.[9]
According toFrancis X. King inThe Secret Rituals of the O.T.O., the word is used in two rituals ofOrdo Templi Orientis:the Lodge of Perfection, in which the candidate receives the Fourth Degree (which is calledPerfect Magician and Companion of the Holy Royal Arch of Enoch); and thePerfect Initiate (orPrince of Jerusalem) degree, which falls between the fourth and fifth degrees. King prints in his book the lyrics of a song that mentions the word "Jahbulon."[10]
According to The Rev. Canon Richard Tydeman, in an address to the Supreme Grand Chapter of England on 13 November 1985, the word is a compound of three Hebrew terms:[11]
According toWalton Hannah, the word is a compound of the names of three gods worshipped in the ancient Middle East:[12]
According to Stephen Knight, each syllable of the 'ineffable name' represents one person of this trinity:[13]
Much of the available material that discusses the wordJahbulon does not address the administrative and jurisdictional distinctions amongst theappendant bodies of Freemasonry. Royal Arch Masonry is an appendant body to Freemasonry. In some areas it forms part of theYork Rite, and in others it is an independent body. To be eligible to join one must first be a Master Mason. The administration of the Royal Arch is entirely separate from the administration of Craft Freemasonry. Every Masonic organization is sovereign only in its own jurisdiction, and has no authority in any other jurisdiction. This means that there is no standardization whatsoever with regards to words, signs, grips, or any other Masonic secrets.[14]
Walton Hannah stated in his bookDarkness Visible that the interpretation that Jabulon was a name for God reportedly disturbedAlbert Pike, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Jurisdiction of theScottish Rite, who, when he first heard the name, called it a "mongrel word" partly composed of an "appellation of the Devil".[15]
Certain Christian ministries take the position that Jahbulon is the name of a Masonic Pagan god, and therefore violates the Biblical commandment "You shall have no other gods before me".[16] AChurch of England report into compatibility of Freemasonry and the Church reached conclusions of objection based on six points. One of these points was Knight's interpretation of Jahbulon; "JAHBULON, the name of description of God which appears in all the rituals is blasphemous because it is an amalgam of pagan deities. In effect, use of the term is taking God's name in vain."[17]
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)