Cherubim: Called the Cherubim of Glory
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The term "Cherubim" refers to a class of angelic beings frequently mentioned in the Bible, often associated with the presence and glory of God. The Cherubim are depicted as guardians of sacred spaces and as bearers of divine majesty. They are first introduced in the Book of Genesis and appear throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing the holiness and unapproachable nature of God.

Biblical References and Descriptions

The Cherubim are first mentioned in Genesis 3:24, where God places them at the east of the Garden of Eden, along with a flaming sword, to guard the way to the tree of life after Adam and Eve's expulsion: "So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden, with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life" .

In the construction of the Tabernacle, the Cherubim are intricately woven into the design of the sacred space. Exodus 25:18-22 describes the instructions given to Moses for the Ark of the Covenant: "And make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other end; make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends. The cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat" . Here, the Cherubim are depicted as part of the "mercy seat," symbolizing the divine presence and the place where God would meet with His people.

The Cherubim are also prominently featured in the visions of the prophet Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 1:5-11, they are described as having a complex and awe-inspiring appearance, with four faces and four wings, signifying their role as powerful and multifaceted servants of God. Ezekiel 10 further elaborates on their role in the divine chariot, emphasizing their connection to the glory of God.

In the New Testament, the Cherubim are referred to in the context of the heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 9:5 mentions them in relation to the Ark of the Covenant: "Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now" . This passage highlights their association with the divine presence and the reverence due to the sacred objects of worship.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The Cherubim are often seen as symbols of God's holiness, majesty, and the mystery of His presence. Their role as guardians of the Garden of Eden and the Ark of the Covenant underscores their function as protectors of divine sanctity. The imagery of the Cherubim in the Tabernacle and Temple serves as a reminder of the separation between the holy and the profane, illustrating the need for reverence and purity in approaching God.

In Christian theology, the Cherubim are sometimes interpreted as representing the fullness of divine knowledge and wisdom. Their multiple faces and wings suggest their ability to perceive and move swiftly in the service of God's will. As "the Cherubim of Glory," they are a testament to the splendor and awe of God's heavenly throne, inviting believers to worship with humility and reverence.

The Cherubim, therefore, occupy a significant place in the biblical narrative, embodying the themes of divine protection, holiness, and the glory of God. Their presence in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the transcendence and immanence of the Creator, who is both near to His people and exalted above all creation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 9:5
And over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Seraphim and Cherubim and Thrones, and Concerning ...
... They are called, then, "Burning," and Thrones, and Stream of ... But the appellation
of the Cherubim denotes their ... the Heavenly Powers and King of Glory; and others ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput vii concerning the seraphim.htm

The First Part
... For there God was said to dwell, and sit between the cherubim of glory: For which ...
the face of the Dabir [4] , (for so the inmost recess is called in Hebrew ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the holiest of all ... and
the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubim of glory shadowing the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... "Let the saints be joyful in glory: Let them sing aloud upon their beds. ... In Genesis
3:24 they are called "the Cherubim," and this word has never been ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm

Hebrews ix. 5-Jan
... And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all ... and
the tables of the covenant: and over it the Cherubim of glory, shadowing the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xv hebrews ix 5-jan.htm

The Holy Spirit in Relation to the Father and the Son. ...
... Word and Wisdom, which are called Cherubim and Seraphim, with unceasing voices glorify
God; and every created thing that is in the heavens offers glory to God ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 2 the holy spirit 2.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... and over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the ... of fine linen beautifully wrought
with figures of cherubim. ... itself consisted of two apartments called the holy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

Man Summoned by God's Glory and Energy
... name for the supernatural light that lay between the cherubim, and brooded ... second
two words of my text we read, 'He hath called us by the glory, the raying ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/man summoned by gods glory.htm

A Soul Gazing on God
... find that in the Old Testament, where 'glory' is ascribed ... the light which was afterwards
called the 'Shekinah,' and dwelt between the cherubim, and was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a soul gazing on god.htm

Ezekiel's vision (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, June 16 ...
... that Lord speaking to him, not through cherubim, not through ... them see in Him, who
was called the carpenter's son, the beauty of the glory of the ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ix ezekiels vision preached.htm

Resources
What are the ophanim? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the four living creatures in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Do angels have wings? | GotQuestions.org

Cherubim: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Cherubim

Cherubim Cherub

Cherubim in Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple

Cherubim in the Tabernacle

Cherubim in the Temple

Cherubim of Gold: Formed out of, and at Each End of the Mercy Seat

Cherubim of Gold: God's Presence Manifested Between

Cherubim of Gold: Placed Over the Ark of the Covenant

Cherubim of Gold: The Oracles or Answers of God Delivered from Between

Cherubim: Animated by the Spirit of God

Cherubim: Called the Cherubim of Glory

Cherubim: Eastward of the Garden of Eden

Cherubim: Engaged in Accomplishing the Purposes of God

Cherubim: Figurative

Cherubim: Figures of On the Curtain

Cherubim: Figures of On the Lavers

Cherubim: Figures of On the Walls

Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: And on the Curtain

Cherubim: Figures of, Embroidered: On the Walls of the Tabernacle

Cherubim: Form and Appearance of

Cherubim: Placed at the Entrance of Eden

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Bases of Brazen Lavers

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Curtains of the Tabernacle

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Doors of the Temple

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Tabernacle

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Vail of the Temple

Cherubim: Representations of, Made on The: Walls of the Temple

Cherubim: Riding On, Illustrative of Majesty and Power of God

Cherubim: Sound of Their Wings Was As the Voice of God

Cherubim: Symbolical

Cherubim: The Ark of the Covenant Rested Beneath the Wings of

Cherubim: The Glory of God Exhibited Upon

Related Terms

Cherubim's (1 Occurrence)

Ark-cover (21 Occurrences)

Mercy-seat (23 Occurrences)

Enthroned (25 Occurrences)

Cherub (21 Occurrences)

Palm-trees (23 Occurrences)

Carved (36 Occurrences)

Wheels (30 Occurrences)

Overshadowing (5 Occurrences)

Living (3112 Occurrences)

Finely (27 Occurrences)

Twined (25 Occurrences)

Craftsman (23 Occurrences)

Artistic (14 Occurrences)

Screening (3 Occurrences)

Skilled (44 Occurrences)

Skillful (42 Occurrences)

Skilful (38 Occurrences)

Workman (22 Occurrences)

Curious (18 Occurrences)

Cunning (43 Occurrences)

Ends (108 Occurrences)

Byssus (40 Occurrences)

Overlaid (50 Occurrences)

Twisted (79 Occurrences)

Material (61 Occurrences)

Wings (81 Occurrences)

Olivewood (4 Occurrences)

Olive-wood (4 Occurrences)

Graved (5 Occurrences)

Stuff (49 Occurrences)

Cherubims (19 Occurrences)

Carvings (6 Occurrences)

Skilfully (13 Occurrences)

Seraphim (2 Occurrences)

Flowers (42 Occurrences)

Scarlet (54 Occurrences)

Staffs (47 Occurrences)

Nave (19 Occurrences)

Wing (18 Occurrences)

Poles (58 Occurrences)

Yarn (37 Occurrences)

Sits (52 Occurrences)

Covering (191 Occurrences)

Hammered (22 Occurrences)

Threshold (28 Occurrences)

Purple (54 Occurrences)

Engraved (62 Occurrences)

Beaten (73 Occurrences)

Blue (51 Occurrences)

Staves (50 Occurrences)

Beneath (73 Occurrences)

Faces (158 Occurrences)

Inner (141 Occurrences)

Palm (49 Occurrences)

Oracle (57 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Underneath (19 Occurrences)

Overshadowed (4 Occurrences)

Lions (50 Occurrences)

Ledges (7 Occurrences)

Whirling (7 Occurrences)

Wreaths (9 Occurrences)

Innermost (22 Occurrences)

Faced (32 Occurrences)

Cover (254 Occurrences)

Panels (10 Occurrences)

Chebar (8 Occurrences)

Curtains (34 Occurrences)

Seatward (1 Occurrence)

Sittest (15 Occurrences)

Extended (40 Occurrences)

Upward (74 Occurrences)

Vail (44 Occurrences)

Sitteth (74 Occurrences)

Spread (257 Occurrences)

Center (30 Occurrences)

Carrying (88 Occurrences)

Cherubim: Animated by the Spirit of God
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