The cherubim are a class of angelic beings frequently mentioned in the Bible, known for their close proximity to the divine presence and their role as guardians of sacred spaces. They are often depicted as having a majestic and awe-inspiring appearance, symbolizing the holiness and power of God.

Biblical Descriptions and Roles

The first mention of cherubim occurs in Genesis 3:24, where they are stationed at the east of the Garden of Eden, along with a flaming sword, to guard the way to the tree of life after Adam and Eve's expulsion: "So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden, with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life" .

In the construction of the Tabernacle, cherubim are intricately woven into the design of the inner sanctuary. Exodus 25:18-20 describes the cherubim on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant: "And make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings and facing each other. The faces of the cherubim must be toward the mercy seat" . This imagery signifies their role as guardians of God's throne and His covenant with Israel.

In the Temple built by Solomon, cherubim are again prominently featured. 1 Kings 6:23-28 describes the large cherubim made of olive wood and overlaid with gold, standing in the inner sanctuary: "In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So it was ten cubits from wing tip to wing tip. The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape. The height of each cherub was ten cubits. And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. The wings of the cherubim were spread out, so that the wing of one cherub touched one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall, while their wings touched one another in the middle of the room" .

Visionary Appearances

The prophet Ezekiel provides one of the most detailed descriptions of cherubim in his visions. In Ezekiel 1:4-14, he describes them as having four faces—of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle—and four wings. Their appearance is radiant, like burning coals of fire or torches, and they move with the speed of lightning. Ezekiel 10 further elaborates on their role in the divine chariot, emphasizing their mobility and the glory of God they accompany.

In Revelation 4:6-8, the Apostle John describes four living creatures around the throne of God, which bear a resemblance to Ezekiel's cherubim. These creatures, full of eyes and with six wings, continually worship God, proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!" .

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Cherubim symbolize the majesty and holiness of God, serving as a reminder of His unapproachable and transcendent nature. Their presence in the Tabernacle and Temple underscores the sacredness of these spaces and the divine protection over God's covenant with His people. As guardians of the divine presence, cherubim also represent the boundary between the holy and the profane, emphasizing the need for reverence and purity in approaching God.

Throughout Scripture, cherubim are associated with God's throne and His sovereign rule over creation. Their depiction in visions and sacred art serves to inspire awe and worship, pointing believers to the glory and majesty of the Almighty.

Of Preparation.
... God set a flaming sword in a cherubim's hand to smite our first parents, being defiled
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Cherubim's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cherubim's (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 10:5 And the
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Cherubims (19 Occurrences)

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Cherubs (52 Occurrences)

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