Cherubim

An order of angels serving as guardians and throne-bearers of God in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition. Cherubim are among the most frequently mentioned angelic beings in scripture, appearing in contexts of divine holiness and protection.

Biblical Descriptions

Scripture provides multiple descriptions of cherubim, varying by context:

In Genesis

• Guard the way to the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden
• Positioned east of the Garden with a flaming sword
• First mention of angelic beings in scripture (Genesis 3:24)

On the Ark of the Covenant

• Two golden cherubim placed on the mercy seat (covering of the Ark)
• Face each other with wings spread upward
• God speaks to Moses from between the cherubim
• Represent God’s throne on earth (Exodus 25:18-22)

In Ezekiel’s Vision

Ezekiel provides the most detailed description (Ezekiel 10:1-22):

• Four faces each: human, lion, ox, and eagle
• Four wings
• Hands of a human under their wings
• Bodies covered with eyes
• Accompanied by wheel-like structures (ophanim)
• Bear God’s throne-chariot (merkabah)
• Move in unison with the wheels, guided by the spirit

In the Psalms

• God “rode on a cherub and flew” (Psalm 18:10)
• Associated with divine mobility and power
• Connected to storm imagery and divine majesty

In Judaism

Jewish tradition understands cherubim as:

Temple Guardians

• Large cherubim stood in the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple
• Wings spread over the Ark, symbolizing God’s presence
• Woven into the temple veil and curtains
• Represent the boundary between holy and profane

Mystical Significance

• In Kabbalah, associated with divine wisdom (Chokmah)
• Part of the merkabah (divine chariot) mysticism
• Guardians of sacred knowledge
• Intermediaries between human and divine realms

In Christianity

Christian angelology places cherubim high in the celestial hierarchy:

Celestial Rank

In Pseudo-Dionysius’s hierarchy, cherubim are the second-highest order:

1. First Sphere: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones

Theological Role

• Bear and guard God’s throne
• Represent divine knowledge and wisdom
• Model contemplation of God
• Bridge between Creator and creation

In Christian Art

Medieval and later Christian art often depicts cherubim as:

• Winged infant heads (putti) - a departure from biblical descriptions
• Blue-winged angels (in traditional iconography)
• Multi-faced beings in more biblically accurate representations
• Guardians at church entrances and on altarpieces

In Islam

Islamic tradition recognizes cherubim (Karubiyun):

• Among the angels closest to God
• Continuously glorify and worship Allah
• In some traditions, created from the tears of Mikail
• Associated with the highest heavens
• The Quran mentions angels bearing Allah’s throne (possibly cherubim)

Etymology and Symbolism

The Hebrew word “kerub” has uncertain origins:

• Possibly related to Akkadian “karabu” (to bless or praise)
• May be connected to “karibu” (intercessor)
• Associated with protection, blessing, and mediation

Symbolic Meanings of the Four Faces

Traditional interpretations of Ezekiel’s cherubim:

• Human face: Reason and intelligence
• Lion: Strength and kingship
• Ox: Service and sacrifice
• Eagle: Swiftness and divine nature

These four faces later became associated with the four Gospel writers in Christian tradition.

Distinction from Popular Culture

It’s important to note that biblical cherubim differ greatly from the cherubic babies of Renaissance art and popular culture. The biblical cherubim are awesome, multi-faced beings of great power and holiness, not cute infant angels. The conflation likely arose from misunderstanding artistic conventions in the late medieval and Renaissance periods.

Theological Significance

Cherubim represent:

• Divine Transcendence: Marking the boundary between holy and common
• God’s Immanence: Bearing His throne and presence
• Protection of the Sacred: Guarding holy places and objects
• Heavenly Worship: Continuously attending God’s throne