Who were the Cherubim in the Bible?
The Cherub Near Babel
The term Cherub appears in the Bible in several instances, including Ezra 2:59 and Nehemiah 7:61. In the original Hebrew, the word used is כְּרוּב (keruv), which refers to a type of angelic being often associated with the presence of God. Cherubim (plural of Cherub) are depicted as powerful and majestic creatures, often serving as guardians or attendants in the divine realm.
Depiction and Role of Cherubim
Cherubim are seen as part of the angelic hierarchy created by God to carry out His purposes and reflect His glory. They are mentioned in various parts of the Bible, including in the descriptions of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle, where they are depicted as having wings and a human-like form (Exodus 25:18-22, 1 Kings 6:23-28).
In Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 10, Cherubim are described as having four faces – that of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle – symbolizing different aspects of God’s creation and authority. These creatures are associated with themes of protection, worship, and the holiness of God. Their role in guarding sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden after the Fall (Genesis 3:24), highlights their function as divine protectors.
Biblical References to Cherubim
The presence of Cherubim in the Bible serves multiple symbolic purposes. In the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, God commands Moses to make two Cherubim of gold at the ends of the mercy seat (Exodus 25:18-22). These Cherubim were to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings and facing each other. This imagery signifies the presence of God dwelling between the Cherubim, indicating His direct interaction with His people.
Additionally, in Solomon’s Temple, Cherubim were prominently featured in the inner sanctuary, where two large Cherubim were made of olive wood and overlaid with gold, their wings touching each other in the center of the room (1 Kings 6:23-28). This further emphasizes their role as symbols of God’s divine presence and majesty.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Cherubim serve as a powerful reminder of the holiness and majesty of God. For modern Christians, the depiction of Cherubim in the Bible can enhance understanding of the nature of God’s presence. They symbolize the awe-inspiring and unapproachable aspects of God’s character, reinforcing the idea that God is both transcendent and immanent.
Moreover, the protective role of Cherubim reminds Christians of the spiritual warfare that exists and the divine protection that believers have through faith in God. Just as Cherubim guarded the way to the Tree of Life, Christians can trust that God’s angels are at work, guarding and guiding them in their spiritual journey.
Connection to a Loving God
Cherubim, while awe-inspiring and majestic, are also a testament to God’s love and care for His creation. They are part of the heavenly host that serves God and carries out His will, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. The presence of Cherubim around sacred spaces signifies God’s desire to be near His people, to dwell among them, and to protect them.
In modern times, this connection to a loving God is seen in the continued belief in angels and divine intervention. Christians can find comfort in knowing that God’s angels, including Cherubim, are still active and present, ministering to those who inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
Connection to Jesus Christ
The connection between Cherubim and Jesus Christ is profound. In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system and the ultimate expression of God’s presence among His people. The imagery of Cherubim overshadowing the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies points to Jesus as the mercy seat (hilastērion in Greek, Romans 3:25) where God’s justice and mercy meet.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for believers to enter into the presence of God boldly (Hebrews 10:19-22). The veil in the temple, which had Cherubim embroidered on it, was torn in two at the moment of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. This act signifies that through Christ, the way to eternal life and intimate fellowship with God is now open.
Conclusion
Cherubim in the Bible are significant figures that symbolize God’s majesty, protection, and holiness. Their presence in biblical narratives serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual realm and the heavenly beings that surround God’s throne. For modern Christians, understanding the role and symbolism of Cherubim can deepen their appreciation of God’s nature and His active presence in their lives. Through the lens of Jesus Christ, Cherubim also highlight the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation and the open invitation to enter into His presence.
References:
– Ezekiel 10:1-22