In the Bible, a cherub is a celestial being that serves as a guardian of sacred spaces, often depicted as having multiple wings and a human-like form. They are associated with the presence of God, as seen in the descriptions of the cherubim in the Garden of Eden and in the design of the Ark of the Covenant (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18-22).
Scripture
22 Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—”
23 therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.
24 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.
Biblical Significance of Cherubs
The cherubim in the Bible symbolize profound theological themes, particularly the intersection of God’s holiness and the protection of sacred realms. As guardians of the Garden of Eden, the cherubim are introduced in Genesis 3:24 as God placed them to prevent humanity from accessing the Tree of Life after the Fall. This act underscores the cherub’s role as enforcers of divine boundaries, echoing a deeper narrative of separation between humanity and God’s perfection. The vivid imagery of cherubs, described in Ezekiel 1 as having multiple faces and wings, emphasizes their otherworldly nature and the majesty of God’s creation, illustrating the awe and reverence that the divine commands.
Additionally, cherubim appear prominently in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, where they serve not only as ornamental figures but as active symbols of God’s presence among His people (Exodus 25:18-22). Here, the cherubim are positioned above the mercy seat, representing the throne of God and how He dwells with His people, facilitating communion through sacrificial atonement. This dual role—both as guardians and as bearers of God’s glory—reflects the multifaceted nature of divine interaction with the world and highlights the themes of holiness, judgment, and grace throughout the biblical narrative. The cherubim ultimately bridge the gap between the transcendent and the immanent, reminding believers of both the sanctity of God’s presence and the access granted to them through Christ.
Furthermore, the depiction of cherubim throughout the biblical text extends beyond their initial guardianship in Eden and their presence in the Ark of the Covenant, reinforcing their integral role as mediators between the divine and human realms. In the prophetic literature, particularly in Isaiah 6, the seraphim—often associated with cherubim—are shown in the heavenly throne room, attending to God and proclaiming His holiness. This imagery reinforces the concept that cherubim are not merely protectors but also worshipers, signifying that their existence is deeply tied to the glorification of God. In this sense, cherubim serve as heavenly beings who reflect the ultimate purity and sovereignty of God, intended to inspire awe and reverence in all creation.
Moreover, cherubim are mentioned in relation to God’s judgment and mercy in the broader narrative. In the Book of Revelation, for example, there are references to winged creatures that echo the attributes of cherubim, signifying their eternal role in the divine order. These celestial beings praise God continuously, symbolizing both the glory of God and the created order’s response to it. Cherubim, therefore, resonate beyond a static role; they embody God’s dynamic engagement with the cosmos, illustrating that His holiness demands reverence while simultaneously inviting humanity into a relationship characterized by grace and redemption. Thus, cherubim not only protect divine mysteries but are also emblematic of a continuous invitation to worship, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God’s interactions with creation throughout biblical history.
Symbol of Divine Presence
Cherubs are often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces, representing the immediate presence of God. Their role emphasizes the holiness and majesty of God, serving as intermediaries between the divine and humanity. This symbolism highlights the idea that access to God is both a privilege and a responsibility, reminding believers of the sanctity of the divine.
Representation of Knowledge and Wisdom
In various interpretations, cherubs are associated with knowledge and wisdom. They are seen as beings that possess deep understanding and insight into the mysteries of God and creation. This aspect of cherubs encourages believers to seek wisdom and understanding in their spiritual journeys, reflecting the importance of knowledge in one’s relationship with the divine.
Guardianship and Protection
Cherubs are often viewed as protectors, serving to guard sacred truths and spaces. This guardianship extends beyond physical protection to encompass spiritual safeguarding, symbolizing the protection of divine truths and the faithful. This role reassures believers of God’s watchful care and the presence of divine protection in their lives, fostering a sense of security in their faith.
How to Embrace Divine Guardianship in Daily Life
Embracing divine guardianship in our daily lives is about recognizing and inviting God’s presence into every moment, no matter how mundane. Start by cultivating a heart of gratitude; when you wake up, take a moment to thank God for the gift of a new day and the opportunities it brings. Throughout your day, practice mindfulness—be aware of the small blessings and the guidance you receive, whether it’s a kind word from a stranger or a moment of peace in a hectic schedule. When faced with challenges, turn to prayer, asking for wisdom and strength, and trust that God is watching over you, guiding your steps. Surround yourself with scripture that reassures you of His protection, like Psalm 91, and let it be a source of comfort. Remember, divine guardianship isn’t just about protection from harm; it’s about feeling loved and supported in every aspect of your life, allowing you to extend that same love and support to others.
Bible References to the Meaning of Cherubs:
Exodus 25:17-22: 17 You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold.
18 And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat.
19 And 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.
20 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.
21 And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you.
22 There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.
1 Kings 6:23-28: 23 In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olivewood, each ten cubits high.
24 And five cubits was the length of the wings of the cherubim.
25 The doors for the most holy place were made of olive wood; the lintel and the doorposts were five-sided.
26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was that of the other cherub.
27 He put the cherubim in the innermost part of the house. And the wings of the cherubim were spread out so that a wing of one touched the one wall, and a wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; their other wings touched each other in the middle of the house.
28 And he overlaid the cherubim with gold.
1 Kings 7:29-36: 29 And on the panels that were set in the frames were lions, oxen, and cherubim. Upon the frames, both above and below the lions and oxen, there were wreaths of beveled work.
30 And each stand had four bronze wheels and axles of bronze, and at the four corners were supports for a basin. The supports were cast with wreaths at the side of each.
31 Its opening was within a crown that projected upward one cubit from it. Its opening was round, as a pedestal is made, a cubit and a half deep. And also on its opening there were engravings, and their panels were square, not round.
32 And the four wheels were underneath the panels. The axles of the wheels were of one piece with the stands, and the height of a wheel was a cubit and a half.
33 The wheels were made like a chariot wheel; their axles, their rims, their spokes, and their hubs were all cast.
34 And there were four supports at the four corners of each stand. The supports were of one piece with the stands.
35 He set up the stands on the right side of the house, and when he had set up the sea on the right side of the house, the south side of the house was finished.
36 For on the plates of its stays and on its panels, he carved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the space of each, with wreaths all around.
2 Chronicles 3:10-13: 10 And he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished.
11 The wings of the cherubim together extended twenty cubits: one wing of the one, of five cubits, touched the wall of the house, and its other wing, of five cubits, touched the wing of the other cherub.
12 The two doors were of olive wood, and he carved on them carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees.
13 The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. The cherubim stood on their feet, facing the main hall.
Ezekiel 1:4-14: 4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.
5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness.
6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings.
7 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.
8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands.
9 their wings touched one another. Each one of them went straight forward, without turning as they went.
10 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 four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle.
11 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.
12 And each went straight forward. Wherever the spirit would go, they went, without turning as they went.
13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
14 And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning.
Ezekiel 10:1-22: 1 Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne.
2 And he said to the man clothed in linen, “Go in among the whirling wheels underneath the cherubim. Fill your hands with burning coals from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city.” And he went in before my eyes.
3 Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the house, when the man went in, and a cloud filled the inner court.
4 And the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub to the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the Lord.
5 And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.
6 And when he commanded the man clothed in linen, “Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim,” he went in and stood beside a wheel.
7 And a cherub stretched out his hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between the cherubim, and took some of it and put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who took it and went out.
8 And the cherubim appeared to have the form of a human hand under their wings.
9 And as I looked, behold, four wheels beside the cherubim, one beside each cherub, and the appearance of the wheels was like sparkling beryl.
10 And as for their appearance, the four had the same likeness, as if a wheel were within a wheel.
11 And when they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went, but in whatever direction the front wheel faced, the others followed without turning as they went.
12 And their whole body, their backs, their hands, and their wings, and the wheels were full of eyes all around—the wheels that the four of them had.
13 As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing “the whirling wheels.”
14 And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was a human face, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
15 And the cherubim mounted up. These were the living creatures that I saw by the Chebar canal.
16 And when the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them. And when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels did not turn from beside them.
17 When they stood still, these stood still, and when they mounted up, these mounted up with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in them.
18 Then the glory of the Lord went out from the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim.
19 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.
20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the Chebar canal; and I knew that they were cherubim.
21 Each had four faces, and each four wings, and underneath their wings the likeness of human hands.
22 And the likeness of their faces was the same faces whose appearance I had seen by the Chebar canal. Each one moved straight forward.
Ezekiel 28:12-17: 12 “Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: “You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared.
14 You were an anointed guardian cherub.
15 You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you.
16 In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.
17 Your heart was proud because of your beauty;
you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.
Hebrews 9:1-5: Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness.
2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.
3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place,
4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.
5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.