Who Are the Cherubim?
The cherubim are among God's most magnificent created beings, belonging to the highest order of angels in Scripture. The word "cherub" (plural "cherubim") appears throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis 3:24, where cherubim with flaming swords guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden after humanity's fall. These are not the chubby, winged children depicted in popular art, but rather mighty, complex beings described with multiple faces, wings, and eyes. In Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 1:4-14), the prophet describes cherubim with four faces—human, lion, ox, and eagle—each with four wings covered with eyes, demonstrating their awareness and majesty.
The cherubim serve as God's throne-bearers and guardians of His holiness. In Psalm 99:1, we read that "the Lord reigns... he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name—he is holy." The psalmist continues, describing the Lord as enthroned "between the cherubim" (Psalm 99:1). This imagery reinforces that cherubim surround God's throne in heaven, serving as protective barriers around His absolute holiness. When we encounter cherubim in Scripture, we're seeing evidence of God's transcendence and the careful ordering of His heavenly court.
Cherubim in God's Dwelling Place
Throughout the Old Testament, cherubim were incorporated into the design of God's earthly dwelling places. The tabernacle and later the temple both featured golden cherubim—specifically, two cherubim with their wings stretched over the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 37:7-9). This design placed the cherubim directly over the mercy seat, the place where God's presence met with humanity. The cherubim embroidered into the tabernacle's curtains (Exodus 26:1) and carved throughout Solomon's temple reminded the Israelites that they were in a space consecrated by God's presence and guarded by these holy beings.
When Solomon dedicated the temple, he understood this profound reality. The cherubim weren't merely decorative—they symbolized that God's holiness was being protected and that His people were invited into His presence through proper worship and obedience. The fact that cherubim appeared in such prominent positions shows how central they were to Israel's understanding of approaching a holy God.
What This Means for Us Today
As modern believers, we don't encounter cherubim physically, but their presence throughout Scripture teaches us important truths. They remind us of God's transcendence—that He is infinitely greater than we can comprehend, surrounded by countless beings who exist solely to serve Him. They also assure us that God is intimately involved in protecting His people and His purposes. Just as cherubim guarded Eden and stood watch over the mercy seat, God guards our lives and our salvation through Christ.
When we feel small or overwhelmed by life's challenges, remembering the cherubim can strengthen our faith. These powerful beings exist to serve God's glory, and so do we. Our purpose, like theirs, is to glorify our Holy God and reflect His character in our daily lives.
"Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts" (Psalm 148:1-2).