What are the Cherubim?

The Guardians of God’s Holy Glory

 

“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.” — Genesis 3:24

 

A biblically based definition of the Cherubim (singular: Cherub) is a high-ranking class of angelic beings who are intimately associated with the vindication, guarding, and transportation of the holy glory of God. Unlike the popularized cultural depictions of chubby, winged babies, the biblical Cherubim are fierce, awe-inspiring, and multifaceted spiritual creatures. They dwell near the throne of God and serve as the supreme defenders of His absolute holiness, ensuring that no impurity or unchecked sin approaches the unapproachable light of the Almighty.

Continuing Our Journey Through the Spirit World

In our ongoing discipleship series exploring the unseen spiritual realm, we have already examined the general nature of angels, the militant leadership of the Archangels, and the ceaseless worship of the Seraphim. We now turn our attention to another extraordinary order of celestial beings: the Cherubim.

For a growing Christian disciple, studying the Cherubim provides profound insights into the majesty, justice, and transcendent glory of God. While the Seraphim are primarily focused on declaring God’s holiness through worship, the Cherubim are actively engaged in guarding and bearing that holiness. Understanding their function helps us comprehend the gravity of sin, the necessity of the atonement, and the magnificent reality of the God we serve.

The Origin and Nature of the Cherubim

To understand the Cherubim, we must look at their origin and how they fit into God’s created order. They are not eternal beings, but rather magnificent creations designed for a specific and exalted purpose.

Created by the Sovereign Lord

The Cherubim, like all things visible and invisible, were created by God through Jesus Christ. The Scriptures teach that all principalities and powers in the heavenly realms were made by Him and for Him . As spiritual beings, they are immortal and possess immense power, entirely submitted to the sovereign will of the Creator.

A Unique and Awe-Inspiring Appearance

The physical manifestation of the Cherubim, as recorded in prophetic visions, defies human imagination and emphasizes their extraordinary nature. The prophet Ezekiel provides the most detailed description of these beings in Ezekiel chapter 1 and chapter 10.

• The Four Faces: Ezekiel 10:14 describes them as having four faces: the face of a cherub (often associated with an ox in Ezekiel 1), the face of a man, the face of a lion, and the face of an eagle. Theologians often interpret these faces as representing the pinnacle of God’s creation (domestic animals, humanity, wild beasts, and birds) all serving the Creator.
• The Wings and Hands: They possess four wings, and beneath their wings are the hands of a man, symbolizing their active service and swift mobility to carry out God’s commands (Ezekiel 10:8).
• The Wheels and Eyes: They are accompanied by mysterious, gleaming wheels within wheels, and their entire bodies, backs, hands, and wings are full of eyes. This vivid imagery represents the omnipresence and omniscience of the God they serve—nothing escapes His sight, and His Spirit moves seamlessly in every direction (Ezekiel 10:12).

The Primary Functions of the Cherubim

The biblical record reveals that the Cherubim are entrusted with specific, highly vital functions within the heavenly and earthly realms. Their duties are inextricably linked to the presence and glory of God.

1. Guardians of God’s Holiness

The first time we encounter any angelic being in Scripture, it is the Cherubim. Following the tragedy of the Fall, when Adam and Eve rebelled against God, they were expelled from the perfection of Eden. God placed Cherubim at the east of the garden, armed with a flaming sword, “to keep the way of the tree of life” (Genesis 3:24). Their role was to guard the holy place and prevent sinful humanity from eating of the tree of life and living forever in a fallen state. They stand as sentinels of divine justice, ensuring that sin cannot comfortably dwell in the presence of pure holiness.

2. Bearers of the Divine Throne

In the prophetic visions of the Old Testament, the Cherubim are frequently depicted as bearing the throne or the “chariot” of God’s glory. God is repeatedly referred to in Scripture as the One “which dwelleth between the cherubims” (1 Samuel 4:4; Psalm 80:1). When Ezekiel sees the glory of the Lord departing from the temple in Jerusalem due to the people’s idolatry, the presence of God is carried upon the wings of the Cherubim (Ezekiel 10:18-19). They are the chosen vessels to transport the manifest glory of the Lord.

3. The Representation on the Mercy Seat

God commanded Moses to construct the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in Israel’s worship, which housed the tablets of the Law. Upon the top of the Ark was a solid gold cover known as the Mercy Seat. God instructed, “And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat” (Exodus 25:18).

These golden Cherubim faced one another with their wings spread over the Mercy Seat. It was here, between the Cherubim, that God promised to meet with Moses and speak to him (Exodus 25:22). Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Mercy Seat to satisfy the holy justice of God. The Cherubim looked down upon the blood, visually representing that God’s righteous wrath against sin was appeased by the blood of the sacrifice—a beautiful foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Importance of Knowing This for a Growing Disciple

Why should a modern, growing Christian disciple study the Cherubim? The theological truths embedded in their existence have profound practical implications for our daily walk with God.

1. It Deepens Our Reverence and Awe
We often approach God with a casual attitude, forgetting the sheer magnitude of His glory. The existence of the Cherubim—powerful, burning creatures covered in eyes and radiating with lightning—reminds us that the God we serve is a consuming fire. Understanding the guardians of His throne instills a healthy, biblical fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. It drives us to worship Him with the profound reverence He is due.

2. It Magnifies the Grace of the Gospel
The Cherubim barred the way back to the tree of life in Eden because of human sin. However, through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the veil of the temple—which was intricately embroidered with images of Cherubim (Exodus 26:31)—was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). The flaming sword of justice fell upon Christ, and the Cherubim no longer bar the way for those who are in Him. We now have bold access to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Knowing the severity of the Cherubim’s guard duties makes the grace of our free access to God infinitely sweeter.

3. It Reminds Us of God’s Omniscience and Sovereignty
The eyes covering the Cherubim and the wheels that move swiftly in any direction are vivid reminders that God sees everything and is active everywhere. When we face trials, persecution, or confusion, we can rest securely in the knowledge that the God who rides upon the Cherubim is entirely in control of history. Nothing escapes His notice, and His purposes will always be perfectly accomplished.

Next Steps for Your Discipleship Journey

To practically apply this knowledge and continue growing in your faith, consider taking the following steps this week using your S.T.E.P.S. resources:

1. Review Your THEOLOGY Assessment: Revisit the sections on “God’s Nature and Character” and “The Fall and Sin” (Topics 1 and 2). Meditate on how the holiness of God required the Cherubim to guard Eden, and how that same holiness is part of God’s unchanging nature today.
2. Engage with Your EQUIP Assessment: Focus on the “Jesus Christ and Salvation” section (Topic 3). Reflect on how Jesus fulfilled the symbolism of the Mercy Seat, appeasing the wrath of God and granting us access past the guarding Cherubim.
3. Deepen Your PRACTICE of Worship: Use your prayer time this week to focus on the transcendent majesty of God. Review the “Prayer and Worship” section (Topic 9). When you pray, consciously acknowledge that you are approaching the One who dwells between the Cherubim. Let this reality elevate your praise and deepen your humility.