A fiery blade flashed brilliantly in the darkness.
Its blazing edge hissed through the cool evening air, illuminating twisted branches and casting sharp shadows upon the earth.
Adam and Eve, now exiled, turned back with sorrowful eyes, hearts heavy with shame and loss.
Standing watch at Eden's entrance were beings beyond comprehension. The cherubim…
They were radiant and fierce, clothed in shimmering light. Their presence meant judgment. They were the guardians of Eden’s gates.
The paradise behind them was sealed by holiness and fire, and now humanity must face life apart from Eden.
Many have tried to map out elaborate hierarchies of angels—categories neatly arranged from highest to lowest:
There’s the high order of Seraphim and Cherubim.
There’s the mysterious order of Dominions, Virtues, and Powers
Then there are the personal orders engaged with humanity: Principalities and Archangels.
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly teach a specific hierarchy of angels, it certainly hints at diversity among angelic beings.
Isaiah vividly describes the Seraphim, their six wings covering their faces and feet as they cry out continually, “Holy, holy, holy!”
Yet the cherubim appear even more frequently, intimately linked to the throne of God and His holy presence.
Scripture places cherubim in scenes of critical significance. They guard the sacred spaces (Genesis 3:24), adorn the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25), and even appear as divine chariots carrying God’s throne (Ezekiel 10).
Cherubim magnify God’s holiness, reflecting His majesty, power, and purity.
Cherubim are mysterious beings described throughout the Scriptures as guardians of God’s sacred presence.
When humanity fell, cherubim guarded Eden, barring the way to the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24).
In Ezekiel, each cherub bears four faces: a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle (Ezekiel 1:10; 10:14).
Their presence declares the manifold wisdom, strength, service, and spiritual insight of God's throne.
The tabernacle and temple were adorned with images of cherubim. Their images were constant reminders of God’s holiness, glory, and abiding presence with Israel.
The very Ark of the Covenant, where God promised to meet His people, was covered by two golden cherubim, their wings stretched toward one another, overshadowing the mercy seat (Exodus 25:17-22).
Cherubim thus became visual symbols of God’s mercy and judgment, protection, and divine purity.
Ezekiel sees cherubim bearing the throne of God, moving in unity, their wings creating a sound like thunder (Ezekiel 10).
In Revelation, cherub-like beings surround the throne, ceaselessly declaring God's eternal holiness (Revelation 4:6-9).
CONSIDER THIS:
When was the last time you boldly approached Christ in prayer?
Cherubim teach us something crucial about God and ourselves.
Their fierce guardianship reminds us that God’s holiness isn’t casual; it’s sacred. To approach His presence is no trivial matter.
Yet, their presence near the mercy seat also reminds us of God’s deep desire to dwell among His people. Holiness and intimacy coexist within His divine character.
The cherubim are heavenly pointers to the One whose holiness demands reverence and whose presence invites intimacy.
Yet, unlike angels, we humans alone bear the image of God. We alone have experienced the redemption angels long to look into (1 Peter 1:12).
Ultimately, cherubim are not objects of worship—they direct our gaze upward. As the angel said to the apostle John, overwhelmed by heavenly splendor:
“Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you... Worship God!” (Revelation 19:10)
Remember that the holiness they guard is now freely available to you through Jesus Christ.
The veil separating humanity from God’s holy presence has been torn (Matthew 27:51). The flaming sword barring Eden has been sheathed at Calvary, allowing us access again to God’s presence.
Come with awe.
Come with reverence.
Come boldly before His throne.
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