cherubim
Cherubim are powerful angelic beings associated with the presence and holiness of God. In Scripture they appear in worship scenes and in symbolic roles connected to God’s throne and sacred spaces.
At a Glance
Cherubim are powerful angelic beings associated with the presence and holiness of God. In Scripture they appear in worship scenes and in symbolic roles connected to God’s throne and sacred spaces.
Description
Cherubim are angelic beings who serve in close association with the holiness, glory, and presence of God. After the fall, cherubim were placed at the east of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life. In the tabernacle and temple, cherubim were represented over the ark of the covenant and in the sanctuary’s design, emphasizing that God dwells in unapproachable holiness among His people. Prophetic visions, especially in Ezekiel, portray cherubim in exalted and awe-inspiring form, while heavenly worship scenes also place them near the throne of God. Scripture clearly treats cherubim as real heavenly beings, but interpreters should be cautious about going beyond the biblical text in describing their order, appearance, or precise functions in the angelic host.