Lexical Summary Kerub: Cherub Original Word: כְּרוּב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kerub, a place in Bab. The same as kruwb; Kerub, a place in Bab.: see HEBREW kruwb NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as kerub Definition a place in Bab. NASB Translation Cherub (2). Topical Lexicon Name Significance Kerub, rendered “Cherub” in most English versions, is a personal or clan name that evokes the cherubim—angelic guardians associated with the divine presence (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18-22). Although the bearer of the name in the post-exilic lists is a human returnee, the name itself points to Israel’s deep awareness that identity and calling are inseparably linked to the holiness of God. Biblical Occurrences 1. Ezra 2:59 – listed among those who “could not prove that their families or ancestry were from Israel.” In both texts Kerub appears amid a cluster of settlements (Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Addan/Addon, Immer) whose inhabitants joined the first wave of returnees under Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel (Ezra 1–3). Historical Context After Cyrus of Persia authorized the return (538 B.C.), repatriated Judeans faced the monumental tasks of rebuilding the Temple and re-establishing covenant life in the land. Accurate genealogies were essential for allocating land, assigning Levitical and priestly duties, and safeguarding the messianic line. Families bearing the name Kerub either lacked surviving records or possessed records deemed unreliable after decades in Babylon. As a result, they were counted among the “unregistered” and, like certain priestly claimants (Ezra 2:62), were likely excluded from official cultic functions until proof could be produced. Genealogical and Covenant Implications The inability to verify lineage underscores how seriously post-exilic Israel regarded corporate holiness. Covenant privilege was never merely ethnic; it required demonstrated connection to the covenant promises. The Kerub group reminds readers that inclusion in God’s congregation is not presumed but authenticated by God-given credentials—foreshadowing the New Testament insistence on rebirth and faith as the true marks of belonging (John 1:12-13; Galatians 3:7). Link with Cherubim Symbolism The juxtaposition of a name meaning “cherub” with an unverified pedigree forms an instructive irony. The heavenly cherubim stand eternally certified as attendants of God’s throne, yet an earthly “Cherub” group awaits confirmation. The contrast highlights the gulf between divine perfection and human frailty, while also inviting faith that God can restore what exile has obscured (Isaiah 44:21-22). Theological Reflection 1. God guards His worship—genealogical scrutiny served to protect the sanctity of the Temple, just as cherubim guard the way to the tree of life. Practical Ministry Lessons • Churches and ministries today must balance grace with due diligence when recognizing leadership or membership. See Also Ezra 2; Nehemiah 7; Exodus 25:18-22; Ezekiel 10; Revelation 4 Forms and Transliterations כְּר֥וּב כרוב kə·rūḇ kərūḇ keRuvLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:59 HEB: תֵּ֣ל חַרְשָׁ֔א כְּר֥וּב אַדָּ֖ן אִמֵּ֑ר NAS: Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan KJV: Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, INT: Tel-melah Tel-harsha Cherub Addan Immer Nehemiah 7:61 2 Occurrences |
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