Cherubim are angelic beings described in the Bible as attending on God’s glory. The word “cherub” appears 91 times in the Bible, referring to these heavenly creatures who serve and praise God. Though their exact appearance is never fully described, they are often associated with the throne of God and are described as having wings.
Origins and Etymology of “Cherubim”
The word “cherub” is derived from the Hebrew word kerub (כרוב). It is generally thought to come from Akkadian karābu meaning “to bless”, “to intercede”, or “to pray”. The singular form is kerub and the plural is kerubim. In English Bibles, the plural “cherubim” is used exclusively.
The first mention of cherubim in the Bible is in Genesis 3:24 when God stationed cherubim with flaming swords to guard the way to the tree of life after Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. The designation “cherubim” refers to not just a single figure but multiple heavenly beings.
Physical Description and Nature
The physical appearance of cherubim is described in somewhat vague terms, with different passages providing different details. They are often depicted as winged angelic figures, but the exact details of their appearance are unclear.
In Ezekiel 1, the prophet provides an elaborate vision of cherubim. Each had four faces – that of a man, lion, ox, and eagle (Ezekiel 1:10). Each had four wings, the soles of their feet were like calves’ feet, and they sparkled like burnished bronze (Ezekiel 1:6-7). Below the wings was a human hand. Ezekiel describes the sound of their wings like rushing waters or the voice of the Almighty (Ezekiel 1:24).
Exodus 25:18-22 describes cherubim with wings spreading upward, overshadowing the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. Over the mercy seat, God said He would meet with Moses.
In Solomon’s temple, olive wood cherubim were carved, overlaid with gold, and set within the inner sanctuary with wings stretched out over the Ark of the Covenant (1 Kings 6:23-28).
Cherubim are associated with the glory, holiness and presence of God. Their main role is to attend to God and serve as a throne platform for God. They guarded the way to the tree of life (Gen 3:24), overshadowed the Ark of the Covenant which represented God’s presence (Exodus 25:18-22), and were carved on the walls of the tabernacle and temple (1 Kings 6:29).
Cherubim are a separate class of heavenly beings from angels. While angels are messengers, cherubim act as guardians of God’s glory and holiness. They are associated with the throne of God and are described as being close to God’s presence. Seraphim are another class of heavenly being mentioned specifically in Isaiah 6.
Cherubim in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, cherubim are mentioned in the following contexts:
– Guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were banished (Gen 3:24)
– God’s instructions for cherubim to be made of gold for the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22)
– Cherubim woven into the fabric of the tabernacle curtains (Exodus 26:1,31)
– Cherubim carved from olivewood and overlaid with gold for Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:23-29, 32-35)
– Visions of cherubim in Ezekiel chapters 1, 9, 10, 11, 41
– Reference to Satan as the “anointed cherub” before his fall (Ezekiel 28:14, 16)
– Carvings of cherubim in the temple vision of Ezekiel 41:18, 20, 25
In these passages, several key roles and characteristics emerge:
– Guardians of God’s holiness and presence
– Associated with the Ark of the Covenant and temple
– Involved in the worship, praise and exaltation of God
– Messengers of God and executors of His judgment
– Serving God’s purpose and plans
Cherubim in the New Testament
References to cherubim in the New Testament are rare. They include:
– The golden cherubim above the Ark of the Covenant mentioned in Hebrews 9:5
– Satan described as an angel of light in 2 Cor 11:14, possibly linking back to his identity from Ezekiel 28 as a fallen “anointed cherub”
– Four living creatures in Revelation 4 described similarly to cherubim – having six wings and full of eyes all around. They worship God continually saying “Holy, holy, holy” (Rev 4:6-8)
– Twenty four elders seated on thrones with harps and golden bowls, possibly referring to an exalted cherubim function (Rev 5:8-10)
Though mentioned rarely, the continuity from Old to New Testament suggests cherubim continue to act as guardians of God’s glory and holiness while worshiping and praising Him in heaven.
Significant Roles and Functions
Though depictions vary, key roles and functions consistently emerge for cherubim in the Bible:
– Guardians of God’s Presence and Holiness
Cherubim first appear guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden. They continue guarding and protecting the glory and holiness of God, including being woven into the tabernacle curtains and stationed above the Ark of the Covenant.
– Bearers of God’s Throne
God is often depicted as being enthroned between or above the cherubim, suggesting they carry and support His throne as executors of His divine will.
– Agents of God’s Judgment
Cherubim execute acts of God’s judgment and will, such as guarding the entrance to Eden and being associated with God’s glory appearing in the temple.
– Heavenly Worshipers and Exalter’s of God’s Glory
Cherubim continually worship, praise and exalt the glory, holiness and majesty of God. The four living creatures in Revelation repeat “holy, holy, holy” – eternally worshiping the Almighty.
– Messengers of God
Though their role is different than angels, cherubim are used at times by God to deliver messages and communicate His will.
Symbolism and Significance
Though details vary, the symbolism of cherubim remains powerful and consistent:
– God’s unapproachable holiness
Their position guarding the way to Eden and God’s presence indicates the separation between a holy God and sinful man. This was later bridged through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-20).
– Heavenly beings attending to God
Their main role is perpetual service and worship of God as executors of His divine will. This models the call for all creation to worship the Creator.
– Representatives of God’s creation
Their four faces often represent the noblest creatures God made – man, wild animal, domestic animal, and bird. Collectively they may symbolize all creation declaring God’s glory.
– Figures of Complexity and Mystery
Their elaborate description with multiple wings and faces shrouds them in mystery, depicting the limits of human understanding of the spiritual realm.
Questions Cherubim Raise
The limited revelation given about cherubim motivates several important questions:
– What exactly do cherubim look like? Why are artistic depictions so varied?
– How do cherubim relate to other spiritual beings like angels and seraphim? What distinguishes their roles and purposes?
– What is the relationship between Satan, identified as a fallen cherub, and the faithful cherubim who serve God?
– What can we learn from cherubim about the nature of God, the limits of our understanding, and how we should approach and relate to God?
– How do symbolic depictions of cherubim celebrate God’s glory and holiness as well as man’s purpose in worshiping Him?
Though many details remain shrouded in mystery, the revealed purposes of cherubim consistently point to the majesty, glory and holiness of God – challenging us to join these mighty guardians in worshiping our awesome Creator.
Cherubim in Ancient Near East Context
To better understand biblical cherubim, it is helpful to examine how similar creatures and images appeared in the Ancient Near East context:
– Winged Creatures and Hybrids
Archaeological evidence shows winged sphinx, lamassu, griffin, and lion-bird images used in temples, palaces and thrones in Egypt, Assyria, Babylon and Persia. This links to descriptions of cherubim as winged, hybrid creatures.
– Guardian Figures
Colossal lamassu and sphinx figures flanked the entrances to temples, palaces, and throne rooms in Assyria just as cherubim guarded the garden of Eden and God’s presence.
– Heavenly Creatures
Mythic creatures like griffins and winged sphinxes represented heavenly guardians and served as throne bearers for deities in Ancient Near Eastern art. This likely influenced depictions of cherubim associated with God’s throne.
– Divine Intercessors
Akkadian term “karābu” refers to supernatural beings who intercede between gods and men. This intercessory role links to the mercy seat positioned between the cherubim above the Ark of the Covenant.
– Symbols of Kingship
Winged creatures symbolized divine rulership and sanction of authority for Ancient Near Eastern kings. Cherubim similarly legitimized God’s sovereignty as the true King.
Jewish Interpretations
In Jewish mystical traditions, cherubim have been interpreted and described in various ways:
– As having four faces, four wings, and human form according to the Talmud
– As youths with two faces from the Zohar literature
– As angels positioned in different ranks in the Jewish angelic hierarchy
– As symbols of righteous kingship who lost their place in Eden because of Adam’s fall
– As angels sent to inspire prophecy in Ezekiel and escort him in visions
– As angels made of fire and wind who do not eat or drink and whose knowledge of the future is limited
– As winged protectors of God’s glory and holiness whose images in the tabernacle and temple represented God’s royal throne
– As guardians of Paradise and as intercessors who carry prayers to God
This rich mystical tradition offers additional insight into cherubim, though diverges at points from biblical revelation. It emphasizes their roles as angels exalting God’s glory through worship and intercession.
Christian Interpretations
Key insights on cherubim emerged in early Christian interpretation and theology:
– Associated cherubim with angels and considered them part of the angelic hierarchy
– Viewed them as actual physical beings, not just symbolic representations
– Emphasized them as models of service, obedience and worship to God
– Linked cherubim to God’s divine self-revelation and manifestation of His glory
– Saw their limited earthly description as evidence of secret mysteries of heaven unknown to man
– Associated the four cherubic faces with the four Gospels – man for Matthew, lion for Mark, ox for Luke, and eagle for John
– Connected twenty-four cherubim elders in Revelation to the twenty-four priestly and Levitical orders serving in the Jerusalem temple
– Considered cherubim part of the heavenly host worshiping Christ upon his ascension into heaven
This shows cherubim were integral in early Christian worship, theology, and interpretation of God’s glory and self-revelation through Christ.
Key Lessons from Cherubim
Though mysterious in many ways, cherubim consistently point towards key theological lessons:
– God’s glory and holiness is far beyond human grasp, yet He reveals glimpses of heavenly realities for our understanding.
– All creation is called to serve and worship God as cherubim continually praise His holiness.
– God graciously communed with man in the temple between the figures of cherubim, pointing toward Christ the true mediator.
– Christ has now opened the way to God’s presence, removing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity.
– God’s divine self-revelation should leave us in awe and wonder with a passion to worship Him and declare His glory.
– Though we can only grasp glimpses of the heavenly realm now, eternity awaits where we will join cherubim in worshipping God face to face.
Cherubim model for all believers passionate worship and surrender to our majestic, glorious Creator and Redeemer.
