Biblically Accurate Cherubim: Meaning, Origins, and Characteristics
In previous posts, we have covered the Seraphim of the first rank in the first realm and the Throne angels of the third rank. Today, I am going to talk about the second rank of angels in the first realm, which is called Cherubim. When people think of Cherubim, they probably imagine babies with white robes, chubby faces, and perhaps a pair of wings. However, the Biblically Accurate Cherubim described in the Bible are far from these descriptions. In this blog, I’m going to dive into the Bible verses to explore the meaning of Cherubim, their origins, their physical appearance, and what they do.
What is the Meaning of the Cherubim?
In the Hebrew Bible, the word “Cherubim” is the plural form of “Cherub” and is frequently mentioned in contexts that suggest a role of immense importance. They are described as the likeness of a man with four faces: a man, a lion (on the right), a bull (on the left), and an eagle. Traditionally, Cherubim are seen as intermediaries between God and humanity, acting primarily as guardians of God’s throne, protecting his sacred space, and constantly praising him.
In various religious traditions, Cherubim is thought to exemplify the divine attributes of knowledge, wisdom, and strength. Most notably, they are mentioned as guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled from it.
The Origins of Cherubim in the Bible
The imagery and symbolism of cherubim can be found in several books of the Bible, including Genesis, Ezekiel, and Revelation, so the cherubim are probably the most well-described angels in the Bible.
Our best description of a Cherubim comes from the book of Ezekiel. His account is as follows:
Ezekiel 1:5
5 And in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human,
6 but each of them had four faces and four wings.
7 Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides, they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings,
9 and the wings of one touched the wings of another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved.
10 Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. They each had two wings spreading out upward, each wing touching that of the creature on either side, and each had two other wings covering its body.
It opens with a prophet experiencing a profound vision, in his vision, Ezekiel describes them as living creatures, but they are later revealed in chapter 10 as Cherubim. In Ezekiel 1:5, we know that cherubim are angels with four faces, four pairs of wings, the shape of a man, and the hooves of an ox. Their skin color was sparkled like burnished bronze.
Ezekiel 10:8
8 (Under the wings of the cherubim could be seen what looked like human hands.)
9 I looked, and I saw beside the cherubim four wheels, one beside each of the cherubim; the wheels sparkled like topaz.
10 As for their appearance, the four of them looked alike; each was like a wheel intersecting a wheel.
11 As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the cherubim faced; the wheels did not turn about[b] as the cherubim went. The cherubim went in whatever direction the head faced, without turning as they went.
12 Their entire bodies, including their backs, their hands and their wings, were completely full of eyes, as were their four wheels.
13 I heard the wheels being called “the whirling wheels.”
14 Each of the cherubim had four faces: One face was that of a cherub, the second the face of a human being, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
Ezekiel’s encounter with the cherubim continues in Chapter 10, where additional details emerge.
In this chapter, Ezekiel enriches the portrayal of Cherubim by noting that the Cherubim were covered with eyes. This explains why some artistic interpretations of Cherubim do not feature them entirely covered in eyes, as these representations often draw solely from the first chapter of Ezekiel.
Genesis 3:24
24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
In Genesis 3:24, after Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden, cherubim are placed at the east of the garden to guard the way to the Tree of Life. This emphasizes their role as protectors of divine sanctuaries.
In the Tabernacle and later the Temple of Solomon, Cherubim is depicted as part of the sacred furnishings. Their likeness is carved into the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the divine presence. These depictions underscore their function as guardians of holy sanctuaries, emphasizing their integral role in maintaining the sanctity of these spaces.
Revelation 4:
6: and before the Throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind:
7: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight.
8: And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
In Revelation 4, John saw four living creatures, they had a human face, a cow’s face, a lion’s face, and an eagle’s face, and each of the living creatures had six wings with eyes covering their wings and bodies. These are not the same as, but have strong resemblances to the cherubim at the beginning of Ezekiel, each combining features of a human, lion, bull, and eagle, and all covered with eyes. Therefore, some individuals believe the “four living creatures” represent Cherubim.
Characteristics of Cherubim
Physical Appearance
From Ezekiel , we know that:
- Cherubim are described as having four wings. (Ezekiel 1:5)
- They have a general humanlike form but a head with four faces! (Ezekiel 1:5)
- Cherubim their feet were like those of a calf. (Ezekiel 1:5)
- Cherubim are described as transporting God’s throne on supernatural “wheels” full of “eyes”. (Ezekiel 1:5)
- Cherubim their wings and hands are covered with eyes. (Ezekiel 10- 8)
What are the Duties of Cherubim and What Powers Do They Have?
In the Bible, the cherubim are primarily responsible for guarding the Holy Land, guarding the presence of the divine and preserving God’s glory by constantly praising Him; their primary strength lies in protecting and symbolizing the sanctity of God’s dwelling place, most notably in their role of guarding the Garden of Eden.
The duties of Cherubim include:
- Guardianship: In the Bible, cherubim are often depicted as guardians. For instance, they are placed at the east of the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the Tree of Life with a flaming sword after Adam and Eve are expelled (Genesis 3:24).
- Throne Bearers: In Ezekiel and Revelation, cherubim are described as throne bearers of God. They are often seen as supporting or surrounding the divine throne, symbolizing their role in upholding divine authority.
- Messengers: Like other angels, cherubim can serve as messengers of God, delivering divine wisdom and instructions to humans.
- Worship and Praise: Cherubim are often associated with worship, surrounding the throne of God and continuously praising Him, as depicted in the Book of Revelation.
What is the Symbolism of Cherubim?
Cherubim hold rich symbolic meanings across various religious and cultural contexts. Their symbolism often encompasses themes of divine presence, protection, and wisdom. Here are some key symbolic interpretations:
- Divine Presence and Mobility: The cherubim in Ezekiel are part of a vision of God’s mobile throne, symbolizing God’s omnipresence and ability to move and act within the world.
- Wisdom: Each cherub has four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle), representing the multifaceted nature of divine wisdom and creation (Ezekiel 1:10). This signifies the completeness of God’s knowledge and power.
- Judgment and Purity: The cherubim are involved in the purifying judgment of Jerusalem, indicating their role in executing divine justice (Ezekiel 10:2-7).
- Guardianship: Cherubim consistently serve as protectors of sacred spaces and divine mysteries, whether guarding Eden or surrounding God’s throne.
- Divine Authority: The cherubim, armed with a flaming sword, represent God’s authority and the enforcement of divine boundaries (Genesis 3:24).
Conclusion
As guardians of sacred spaces and symbols of divine wisdom, they embody the purity and sanctity of the divine realm. Their presence in religious narratives underscores their importance as intermediaries between the heavenly and earthly realms, serving as protectors of divine truth and bearers of God’s presence.
From their physical appearance to their duties and symbolism, the Cherubim offer a fascinating glimpse into the celestial hierarchy and the divine order. Their portrayal in religious texts highlights their significance as both protectors and servants of the divine will, serving as instruments of God’s power and wisdom. As such, the Cherubim continue to captivate the imagination, inspiring awe and reverence in those who encounter their enigmatic presence.