The cherubim are a class of angelic beings frequently depicted in the Bible as guardians of divine holiness and the presence of God. Their role as protectors and attendants of the sacred is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing their importance in the heavenly hierarchy and their association with God's majesty and purity.

Biblical Descriptions and Roles

The first mention of cherubim occurs in Genesis 3:24, where they are stationed at the east of the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve's expulsion: "So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life" . Here, the cherubim serve as protectors, ensuring that humanity, now tainted by sin, cannot access the tree of life and live forever in a fallen state.

In the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, cherubim are prominently featured, symbolizing their role as guardians of God's holiness. In Exodus 25:18-22, God instructs Moses to make two cherubim of gold for the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant: "And make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub at one end and the second cherub at the other end; make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends. The cherubim are to have wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat" . These cherubim signify the divine presence and the sacredness of the space where God would meet with His people.

The prophet Ezekiel provides a vivid description of cherubim in his visions, particularly in Ezekiel 1 and 10. These beings are depicted with multiple faces, wings, and a radiant appearance, symbolizing their power and the awe-inspiring nature of God's holiness. Ezekiel 10:18-19 describes the cherubim as part of the divine chariot, emphasizing their role in the movement and presence of God's glory: "Then the glory of the LORD moved away from the threshold of the temple and stood above the cherubim. As I watched, the cherubim lifted their wings and rose from the ground, with the wheels beside them, and they stood at the entrance to the east gate of the house of the LORD, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them" .

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The cherubim's role as guardians of holiness is deeply symbolic. They represent the boundary between the divine and the profane, serving as a reminder of God's unapproachable holiness and the need for reverence in approaching Him. Their presence in the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle and Temple, underscores the sanctity of the space where God's presence dwells.

In Christian theology, cherubim are often associated with the protection of divine mysteries and the execution of God's will. Their depiction in art and literature frequently emphasizes their role as intermediaries between God and humanity, reflecting the belief that they serve as both protectors and heralds of God's holy presence.

The cherubim's association with the throne of God, as seen in Ezekiel's visions and the book of Revelation, further highlights their role in the divine order. Revelation 4:6-8 describes four living creatures around the throne, often identified with cherubim, who continually worship God, proclaiming His holiness: "Day and night they never stop saying: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!'" . This perpetual worship underscores the cherubim's function as eternal witnesses to God's glory and holiness.