What are cherubim according to the Bible?

Cherubim are one of the most fascinating and enigmatic spiritual entities mentioned in the Bible. Their presence is noted in several key passages, and they play a significant role in the theological and symbolic framework of Scripture. To understand what cherubim are according to the Bible, we need to delve into their descriptions, roles, and the significance they hold in biblical theology.

The first mention of cherubim occurs in the book of Genesis. After Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, God placed cherubim to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24 states, "He drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim, and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life" (ESV). This passage introduces cherubim as guardians, protecting the sacred and ensuring that humanity, in its fallen state, could not access the tree of life.

In the book of Exodus, cherubim are intricately associated with the Ark of the Covenant. God instructed Moses to construct the Ark with a mercy seat on top, and two cherubim of gold were to be made at the two ends of the mercy seat. Exodus 25:18-20 describes this: "And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end; of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be" (ESV). Here, cherubim are depicted as part of the sacred furniture within the Holy of Holies, emphasizing their role in the divine presence and worship.

The prophet Ezekiel provides one of the most detailed and vivid descriptions of cherubim. In Ezekiel 1 and 10, he describes his vision of these heavenly beings. Ezekiel 1:5-11 reads: "And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness, but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings. Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf's foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze. Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. And the four had their faces and their wings thus: their wings touched one another. Each one of them went straight forward, without turning as they went. As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and the face of an eagle. Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies" (ESV). This complex imagery reveals cherubim as multi-faceted beings with a combination of human and animal features, symbolizing various aspects of creation and divine attributes.

In Ezekiel 10, the prophet identifies these creatures explicitly as cherubim: "And the cherubim lifted up their wings and mounted up from the earth before my eyes as they went out, with the wheels beside them. And they stood at the entrance of the east gate of the house of the Lord, and the glory of the God of Israel was over them" (Ezekiel 10:19, ESV). This passage further emphasizes their role as bearers of God's glory and presence.

The book of Revelation also mentions cherubim, referring to them as "living creatures" around the throne of God. Revelation 4:6-8 describes: "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: 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. 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!'" (ESV). These creatures, reminiscent of the cherubim in Ezekiel's vision, are depicted as worshipers of God, continually proclaiming His holiness.

Theologically, cherubim represent several profound truths. Firstly, they are symbols of God's holiness and the separation between the divine and the profane. Their role as guardians in Genesis and their placement on the Ark of the Covenant signify the sacredness of God's presence and the need for reverence and purity in approaching Him.

Secondly, cherubim are associated with God's glory and majesty. Their presence in Ezekiel's visions and around the throne in Revelation underscores their function as bearers of God's glory. They are not merely decorative or symbolic but are active participants in the divine realm, reflecting the splendor and awe of God.

Thirdly, cherubim embody the idea of divine protection and guidance. In Genesis, they protect the way to the tree of life, and in Ezekiel, they accompany the movement of God's glory. This protective aspect can be seen as a reassurance of God's sovereignty and care over His creation.

The imagery of cherubim, with their multiple faces and wings, also conveys the completeness and universality of God's dominion. The faces of a man, lion, ox, and eagle represent different aspects of creation—humanity, wild animals, domesticated animals, and birds—indicating that God's rule encompasses all of creation.

In Christian literature, cherubim have been the subject of much theological reflection and artistic representation. Early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Gregory the Great, pondered their significance, often interpreting them allegorically to represent various virtues or aspects of the Church. In medieval art, cherubim were frequently depicted in illuminated manuscripts and church decorations, symbolizing the heavenly realm and the divine presence.

In contemporary theology, cherubim continue to be seen as powerful symbols of God's holiness, glory, and protection. Their mysterious and awe-inspiring nature invites believers to reflect on the majesty of God and the reverence due to Him. They remind us that the divine is both transcendent and immanent, beyond our full comprehension yet intimately involved in the world.

In conclusion, cherubim are complex and multifaceted beings in the biblical narrative. They serve as guardians of the sacred, bearers of God's glory, and symbols of divine protection and majesty. Their vivid descriptions in Genesis, Exodus, Ezekiel, and Revelation provide a rich tapestry of imagery that underscores their significance in the theological and symbolic framework of Scripture. As we contemplate the cherubim, we are invited to a deeper appreciation of God's holiness, glory, and the mystery of His divine presence.