What are Cherubim?

What are Cherubim? Some believe these are just angels that look like babies. But, they have a much more significant meaning! Please view the below videos or review the text that follows the video icons.

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The Spiritual Meaning of Wings

Salvation / Protection that God provides

God rides on the wings of the spirit

Cherubims and Seraphim

Hebrew Word H83, eber

Cherubim

Cherubims and a Flaming Sword Dwelled at the East of the Garden of Eden

God / Ark Dwells between the Cherubim

The Lord flies upon a cherub, with the winds of the wind (Spirit)

Lord Speaks to Moses from the Mercy Seat between the Cherubim

Cherubims of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness

Cherubim of Solomon’s Temple

The Four Cherubim (Living Creatures) of Ezekiel

The King of Tyre – Satan

Jesus is Full of Wisdom

Cherubim Reference in The New Testament

The Four Living Creatures of Revelation

Theology of Cherubims

Summary of Cherubim in the Bible

High, Created Real Beings

Full of Wisdom

Location of Cherubims

Four Faces Comparison

Wings Comparison

High Created Being

The Departing of the Lord’s Glory in Ezekiel

Between the Cherubim

The Inhabitants of the Throne Room of Heaven (Revelation 4 and 5)

Summary

The Spiritual Meaning of Wings

The word ‘wings’ (Hebrew: kanaph, H3671) occurs a little more than 100 times in the Old Testament and is often used in conjunction with birds spreading their wings. A similar word (H83, eber, pinions) is also used 3 times I the Bible. From a negative viewpoint, we find that overspreading wings of a bird was used as an idol (Deut 4:17). It is also used in a negative manner regarding Judah seeking refuge in the great wings of Egypt (Eze 17:3-7). In Dan 9:27, we find that trusting in abominations rather than the overspreading wings of God, shall make Jerusalem desolate. From a positive viewpoint, we find that the spreading of wings can represent:

Salvation / Protection that God provides

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.

(Exodus 19:4)

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

(Psalms 17:8)

How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

(Psalms 36:7)

To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

(Psalms 57:1)

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

(Psalms 61:4)

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

(Psalms 63:7)

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

(Psalms 91:4)

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

(Isaiah 8:8)

And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

(Ruth 2:11)

Thou shalt also take thereof a few in number, and bind them in thy skirts.

(Ezekiel 5:3)

Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.

(Ezekiel 16:8)

If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No.

(Haggai 2:12)

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

(Zechariah 8:23)

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

(Mal 4:2)

God rides on the wings of the spirit

And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.

(2 Samuel 22:11)

And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

(Psalms 18:10)

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

(Psalms 104:3)

Cherubims and Seraphim

The seraphims in the representation of God had 6 wings (Is 6:2). The four living creatures in Ezekiel had 4 wings (Eze 1:6-11, 23-25, Eze 3:13, Eze 10:5-2, 16-19, etc.).

The cherubims that were above the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies each had 2 overspreading wings (1 Ki 6:24-27, 2 Chr 3:11-13, Ex 25:20, etc.).

Hebrew Word H83, eber

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:31)

And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.

(Psalms 55:6)

And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar:

(Ezekiel 17:3, long-winded – H83, eber, wings – H3671)

Cherubim

Cherubims and a Flaming Sword Dwelled at the East of the Garden of Eden

So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

(Genesis 3:24)

Cherubims is plural
‘Placed’ literally means ‘dwelled’ in the Hebrew
Sword – symbolized battle / word of God
‘Turned every way’ – flaming sword rotated
East
- Where the sun rises ‑ Christ symbolized as where glory of God departed from Israel ‑ Eze 10:18‑22, 11:22‑25
- Where Christ returns from ‑ Zech 14:1‑5, Ez 43:1‑4
- Where Christ’s star was ‑ Mat 2:1‑9
- Where Moses, Aaron and priests and Judah camped ‑ Num 2:3, 3:38
- The wind which brings judgment ‑ Ex 10:13, 14:21, Ps 48:17, Jer 18:17, Ez 17:10, 19:12, 27:26, Jonah 4:8, Hos 13:15, Gen 41:6,23,27
- Where salvation comes from ‑ Zech 8:7

God / Ark Dwells between the Cherubim

And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

(2 Kings 19:15)

And David went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is, to Kirjathjearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the LORD, that dwelleth between the cherubims, whose name is called on it.

(1 Chronicles 13:6)

So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

(1 Samuel 4:4)

And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up from thence the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the LORD of hosts that dwelleth between the cherubims.

(2 Samuel 6:2)

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

(Psalms 80:1)

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

(Psalms 99:1)

O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

(Isaiah 37:16)

The Lord flies upon a cherub, with the winds of the wind (Spirit)

And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.

(2 Samuel 22:11)

And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.

(Psalms 18:10)

Lord Speaks to Moses from the Mercy Seat between the Cherubim

And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

(Numbers 7:89)

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

(Exodus 25:22)

Cherubims of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness

Cherubim on both sides of the Mercy Seat

And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

(Exodus 25:18)

And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.

(Exodus 25:19)

And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

(Exodus 25:20)

(Exodus 25:22)

And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;

(Exodus 37:7)

One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof.

(Exodus 37:8)

And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.

(Exodus 37:9)

Cherubims on the Fabric of the Tabernacle

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

(Exodus 26:1)

And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:

(Exodus 26:31)

And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.

(Exodus 36:8)

And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.

(Exodus 36:35)

Cherubim of Solomon’s Temple

Two Cherubim within the Inner Sanctuary

And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high.

(1 Kings 6:23)

And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.

(1 Kings 6:24)

And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size.

(1 Kings 6:25)

The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.

(1 Kings 6:26)

And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.

(1 Kings 6:27)

And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.

(1 Kings 6:28)

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims.

(1 Kings 8:6)

For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.

(1 Kings 8:7)

And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

(1 Chronicles 28:18)

And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold.

(2 Chronicles 3:10)

And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

(2 Chronicles 3:11)

And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub.

(2 Chronicles 3:12)

The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward.

(2 Chronicles 3:13)

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, to the oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubims:

(2 Chronicles 5:7)

For the cherubims spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.

(2 Chronicles 5:8)

Carved Figures of the Cherubim on the walls and doors

And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.

(1 Kings 6:29)

He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

(2 Chronicles 3:7)

Carved Figures of the Cherubim on the doors of inner and outer sanctuary

And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall. The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.

(1 Kings 6:31-32)

So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall. And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding. And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

(1 Kings 6:33-35)

And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.

(2 Chronicles 3:14)

Cherubim on the 10 Stands for the 10 Basins that were on the Right and Left Sides of Solomon’s Temple

Note: see 1 Kings 7:27-39, 43 for context of the construction of the 10 stands

Bronze, 4 (W) X 4 (L) X 3 (H) cubits
Borders between the frames (with a pedestal above)
4 bronze wheels, 4 bronze axles (height of wheel was a cubit and a half), rims, hubs, spokes
One basin of bronze, held 40 baths on each of the 10 stands

And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.

(1 Kings 7:29)

For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

(1 Kings 7:36)

The Four Cherubim (Living Creatures) of Ezekiel

And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. And they went every one straight forward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning. Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies. And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings. And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings. And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

(Ezekiel 1:4-28, see Eze 10:22 that indicate that the 4 living creatures equal the Cherubim)

And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side;

(Ezekiel 9:3)

Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight. Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’S glory. And the sound of the cherubims’ wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when he speaketh. And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels. And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out. And there appeared in the cherubims the form of a man’s hand under their wings. And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the colour of a beryl stone. And as for their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel. When they went, they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned not as they went. And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had. As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing, O wheel. And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. And the cherubims were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them. When they stood, these stood; and when they were lifted up, these lifted up themselves also: for the spirit of the living creature was in them. Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD’S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar; and I knew that they were the cherubims. Every one had four faces apiece, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man was under their wings. And the likeness of their faces was the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves: they went every one straight forward.

(Ezekiel 10:1-22)

Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

(Ezekiel 11:22)

Physical Characteristics of Ezekiel’s Cherubim

Four Living Creatures (equated to Cherubims in Eze 10:22)
- Eze 1:4, 1:13-15, 1:20-22, 10:15, 10:17, 10:20
- Four – number of universality – Rev 4:5-9, 7:1, Gen 2:10, Dan 7:2-3, Is 11:12
  - 4 corners – Rev 7:1, Job 1:19 (wind), Acts 10:11, Is 11:12
  - 4 points of the compass – Dan 11:4, Eze 37:9, etc.
- Living creatures – Heb: chay, literally means living (god is the giver of life, therefore, they are created beings)
Four faces
- See study below on faces
- All are symbolic of Jesus Christ
- Man – man created in the image of God
  - Christ in His humanity (Phil 2:1-10)
- Ox – sacrifice Note: the ox face is called a cherub face in Eze 10:14. Therefore, it could be concluded that a cherub is a similar symbol as what an ox is (i.e., a sacrifice)
  - Calf (not ox, Gr:moschos) – Ez 1:10, points to sacrifice of Christ (Jer 34:18-19, Lk 15:23,27,30, Heb 9:12,19)
  - Sacrifice(calves) of our lips – Hos 14:2, Ro 12:1-2
  - Lion – Jesus is the lion of the tribe of Judah
    - Judgment ‑ 2 Ki 17:25‑26, Jer 2:30, 5:6, 2 Ki 13:26, 1 Sam 17:37, Hos 11:10, Dan 6, Pr 19:12
    - Christ as a Lion: devours in judgment by Word of God (Gen 49:9, Rev 5:5, 4:7, Pr 19:12, Hos 11:9‑11, Is 31:4, Jer 25:30, Amos 1:2, Judges 14:5, Lam 3:10, Joel 3:16, Hos 13:7‑8, 5:14, Amos 3:6‑8, Rev 10:3)
  - Eagle – Heb: H5403, H5404 (28 occurrences)
    - Have wings (Dan 7:4) – see wings study
    - Unclean animal (Lev 11:13, Deut 14:12)
    - Makes nest on high – Job 39:27
    - Spreads wings – salvation – Jer 48:40, 49:22, Ex 19:4, Is 40:31, Ps 103:5, Rev 12:14, Deut 32:11
    - Judgment – Mat 24:28, Lk 17:37 w/ Rev 19:17-18, Pr 30:17-19, Jer 4:13, etc.
    - Flying eagle – Deut 28:49, 2 Sam 1:23, Is 40:31, Ez 1:8-10,10:14, Dan 7:4, Ob 4, Mat 24:28, Lk 17:37, Rev 12:14
    - Present at Judgment Supper of Lamb – Mat 24:28, Lk 17:37 w/ Rev 19:17-18
    - Wings to escape from Satan / evil – Rev 12:14, Ex 19:4
    - Judgment of Babylon on Israel – Deut 28:49
    - God’s protection of His own – Deut 32:11
    - Fast/swift – 2 Sam 1:23, Job 9:26
    - Prey/scavenger – Job 39:28-30
    - Swift Judgment – Is 40:31, Ps 103:5
    - Judgment – Pr 30:17-19, Jer 4:13, 48:40, 49:16,22, Lam 4:19, Ez 17:3,7, Hos 8:1, Hab 1:8
    - Be alert and ready – Rev 1:3, 3:11
  - Four wings (6 wings in living creatures of Revelation 4)
    - See wings study above
      - Salvation / protection
      - God rides on the wings of the spirit
    - 2 wings stretched above joined
      - Unity in praise of God
    - 2 wings covered their body – protection
    - Wings went straight forward, turned not
      - Straight path, turned not – Christ is the way – John 14:6
    - Noise of the wings as the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty – Eze 1:24 (salvation, word of God)
  - Hands of a man under their four wings (Eze 1:8)
    - Hands represent work – will of God in salvation – Ps 44;3, Jud 7:6, Ps 10:12, Ps 20:6-87, Ps 28:5, Ps 78:54, Lk 1;66, etc., etc.
  - Living creatures appearance like (Eze 1:13-14)
    - burning coals of fire – Judgment on Christ for our sins
    - lamp (torch) – Gospel
    - went up and down – literally, walked – walk points to activity, active creatures
    - fire bright – Christ is the light of the world
    - Out of fire came lightning – judgment
  - Four wheels – Description (Exe 1:15-16, 18)
    - Wheel upon the earth – ministers on earth – Holy Spirit sent on the Day of Pentecost
    - Wheel – tied to was chariot, etc. – spiritual battle
    - Color – literally ‘eyes’
    - Beryl (Eze 1:16, 10:9) – H8658 and H8659 – identical to city of Tarshish
      - Tarshish connected to merchandise, ships and the city where Paul was from (G5018, G5019 – Acts 9:11, Acts 9:30, Acts 11:25, Acts 21:39, Acts 22:3)
      - City of Tarshish – Gen 10:4, 1Ch 1:7, 2Ch 9:21 (2), 2Ch 20:36-37 (2), Est 1:14, Psa 48:7, Psa 72:10, Isa 2:16, Isa 23:1, Isa 23:6, Isa 23:10, Isa 23:14, Isa 60:9, Isa 66:19, Jer 10:9, Eze 27:12, Eze 27:25, Eze 38:13, Jon 1:3 (3), Jon 4:2, 1Ki 10:22 (2), 1Ki 22:48, 1Ch 7:10
      - Stone on High Priests breastplate – Ex 28:20
      - Precious stone in Garden of Eden – Eze 28:13
      - Appearance of Angel – Dan 10:6
      - His hands are gold rings set with beryl – Song 5:14 (Christ)
    - All four wheels looked the same – consistent – not error or duplicity (Eze 1:16)
    - Appearance and work as a wheel within a wheel (Eze 1:16)
      - Appearance is a symbol of their work (types)
      - Wheel in a wheel – spirit world versus physical world (spiritual battle, physical battle)
    - Rings so high that they were dreadful (Eze 1:18)
      - Rings – eminence, height (Eze 16:24, 16:31, 16:39)
      - High – height points to greatness, exalted
      - Dreadful – literally, fear (Holy Spirit is God and to be feared)
    - Rings full of eyes round about them four (Eze 1:18)
      - Full of Eyes – points to spiritual understanding (Holy Spirit enlightens people)
      - Round about – Holy Spirit, as God is in all places, surrounds
    - Four wheels – movement (Eze 1:17, 19-21)
      - Wheels always went with living creatures – points to unity with the Holy Spirit our comforter
      - Spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels (Eze 1:20-21) – Acts 10:38, Christ anointed with the Holy spirit and went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him

Above the Cherubim – The Firmanent, Throne and Likeness of a Glorious Man on the Throne

And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings. And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone: and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

(Ezekiel 1:25-28)

(Ezekiel 10:1-2)

Ezekiel’s Temple Walls

To that above the door, even unto the inner house, and without, and by all the wall round about within and without, by measure. And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces; So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about. From the ground unto above the door were cherubims and palm trees made, and on the wall of the temple.

(Ezekiel 41:17-20)

And there were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as were made upon the walls; and there were thick planks upon the face of the porch without.

(Ezekiel 41:25)

The King of Tyre – Satan

Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

(Ezekiel 28:14)

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

(Ezekiel 28:16)

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.

(Ezekiel 28:11-19)

Jesus is Full of Wisdom

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

(1 Corinthians 1:24)

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

(1 Corinthians 1:30)

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

(Colossians 2:3)

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

(Luke 2:40)

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

(Luke 2:52)

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

(Matthew 13:54)

And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?

(Mark 6:2)

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

(Revelation 5:12)

Cherubim Reference in The New Testament

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

(Hebrews 9:5)

The Four Living Creatures of Revelation

And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

(Revelation 4:2-8)

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

(Revelation 5:6)

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

(Revelation 5:12-14)

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

(Revelation 6:1)

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

(Revelation 7:11-12)

And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

(Revelation 14:3)

And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

(Revelation 15:7)

And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia. And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

(Revelation 19:4-5)

Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and every one had four wings.

(Ezekiel 1:5-6)

Theology of Cherubims

Summary of Cherubim in the Bible

Cherubims are Different than Angels
Cherubims are created beings
- Perfect in Beauty
- Full of Wisdom
Cherubims are located with God
- Garden of Eden
- Throne of God – Ezekiel and Revelation
- Ark of the Covenant – On Both Sides and cover the mercy seat

High, Created Real Beings

Seals the sum (measurement): full of wisdom, perfect in beauty
- …take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre…Thus says the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. (Ezekiel 28:12)
- Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering…the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. (Ezekiel 28:13)
- Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou was upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (Ezekiel 28:14)

Full of Wisdom

Features of Cherubim represent great truths about Jesus Christ:
Jesus Christ is full of wisdom:
- But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24)
  - In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
- Wheels of Cherubim
  - Spirit of Cherubim in the wheels (Eze 1:20-21)
  - Wheel full of eyes (spiritual discernment) – Eph 1:18, 1 John 2:11
  - Christ anointed with Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38)
- Holy Spirit gives knowledge and wisdom (1 Cor 12:8, Col 1:9)

Location of Cherubims

Garden of Eden

…take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyre…Thus says the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering…(Ezekiel 28:12-13)
- Satan sinned and was the source of temptation (Gen 3:1-6)
So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24)
- Cherubims reflect the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Symbolic Picture of the Way of Christ

Throne of God

…and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. (Revelation 4:6)
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne…(Ezekiel 1:26)
Cherubims are in the middle, around and below the throne
- Cherubims reflect the glory of God
- Jesus is on the throne / Ling of Kings and Lord of Lords:
  - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Revelation 22:1)
  - These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17:14)
- …behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire enfolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures…(Ezekiel 1:4-5)

Mercy Seat

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. (Exodus 25:22)
…O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leads Joseph like a flock; thou that dwells between the cherubims, shine forth. (Psalms 80:1)
Mercy Seat on the ark of the covenant point to salvation in Jesus Christ
The Cherubim also point to the glory of God in salvation in Jesus Christ

Four Faces Comparison

Man, lion, ox and eagle:

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

(Ezekiel 1:10)

Ox (a.k.a., bullock – H7794, Heb: shor occurs about 80 times – often as a sacrifice, also an animal used for work)
Ox – New Testament, G1016, Greek: bous – 6 occurrences (Luk 13:15, Luk 14:5, 1Co 9:9, 1Ti 5:18, Luk 14:18-19 (2), Joh 2:14-15 (2))
Bull – New Testament G5022, Greek: tauros – 4 occurrences – (Heb 9:13, Heb 10:4, Mat 22:4, Acts 14:13

Cherub, man, lion, eagle:

And every one had four faces: the first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

(Ezekiel 10:14)

Note: the ox face is called a cherub face in Eze 10:14. Therefore, it could be concluded that a cherub is a similar symbol as what an ox is (i.e., a sacrifice)

Man, lion, calf, eagle:

And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

(Revelation 4:7)

Man, lion:

And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces; So that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side: it was made through all the house round about.

(Ezekiel 41:18-19)

Wings Comparison

The seraphims in the representation of God had 6 wings (Is 6:2).

The four living creatures in Ezekiel had 4 wings (Eze 1:6-11, 23-25, Eze 3:13, Eze 10:5-2, 16-19, etc.).

The cherubims that were above the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies each had 2 overspreading wings (1 Ki 6:24-27, 2 Chr 3:11-13, Ex 25:20, etc.).

And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

(Revelation 4:8)

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

(Isaiah 6:2-3)

High Created Being

Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

(Ezekiel 28:12-14)

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

(Colossians 1:15-17)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

(John 1:1-3)

The Departing of the Lord’s Glory in Ezekiel

Summary of 7 Moves

River Chebar
Plain (Valley)
Jerusalem – inner gate of the north – views idolatry
Jerusalem – threshold of the Lord’s house – judges idolatry
Jerusalem – east gate (judges false teachers)
East mountain (Olivet)
God’s return to future temple

In the book of Ezekiel, the Cherubims and the Lord’s glory move to and from Jerusalem:

1. God’s glory at the River Chebar, in the land of the Chaldeans – (Ezekiel Chapters 1-3, 593 B.C.) – see Eze 43:3

Eze 1:4-28 (see Eze 10:22 that equate the living creatures to the Cherubims)
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity, The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him. (Ezekiel 1:1-3)
And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear. Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place. I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing. So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days. (Ezekiel 3:11-15)

2. God’s Glory and Ezekiel move to the plain (valley) – (Ezekiel, Chapters 3-7)

And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee. Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face. Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house. But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them: And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house. But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

(Ezekiel 3:22-27)

God’s glory and messages at Jerusalem for destruction (Ezekiel Chapters 8-11, 592 B.C.) – see Eze 43:3

3. God’s glory in Jerusalem at the inner gate that looks to the north (seat of the image of jealousy)

And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I sat in mine house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell there upon me. Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber. And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain. (Ezekiel 8:1-4)

4. God’s glory moves to the threshold of the house – Idolators killed, others marked by the man in linen, coals scattered on city

Eze 9:3 – God’s glory moves from above Cherubims to the threshold of the house at Jerusalem
- He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity (Ezekiel 9:1-5)
Eze 10:3 – Cherubim on the right side of house of God
- Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. (Ezekiel 10:3)
Eze 10:4 – Glory of the Lord went from the Cherubim on stood over the threshold of the house and the house was filled with the cloud and the court was full of glory
- Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’S glory. (Ezekiel 10:4)
Eze 10:6-7 – Man of linen scatters coals on Jerusalem
- And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels. And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out. (Ezekiel 10:6-7)

5. God’s glory moves to the east gate of the Lord’s house – 25 elders (Jaazaniah and Pelatiah) spread wicked counsel and will be judged – (Eze 10:18-22, Eze 11:1-13)

Eze 10:18-19 – Glory of the Lord returned from the threshold of the house to over the cherubim and moves to the east gate of the Lord’s house
- Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD’S house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. (Ezekiel 10:18-19)

6. God’s glory moves from Jerusalem to the mountain on the east side of the city (Eze 11:22-24)

Eze 11:22-23 – God’s glory went from midst of the city to the mountain which is on the east side of the city
- Then did the cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. And the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city. (Ezekiel 11:23)
Eze 11:24 – Spirit of God brought Ezekiel back to the captivity in Chaldea
- Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me. (Ezekiel 11:24)

7. God’s glory in the future temple of God (Ezekiel, Chapters 40-48) – Eze 43:3

Eze 43:1-5 – Spirit took Ezekiel takes Ezekiel to the east gate and into the inner court
- Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house. (Ezekiel 43:1-5)

Between the Cherubim

Mercy Seat

(Exodus 25:22)

Ark of the Testimony / Covenant

(Numbers 7:89)

(1 Samuel 4:4)

(2 Samuel 6:2)

(1 Chronicles 13:6)

Lord God of Israel (Lord of Hosts)

(2 Samuel 6:2)

(2 Kings 19:15)

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

(Psalms 80:1)

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved.

(Psalms 99:1)

O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

(Isaiah 37:16)

Coals of Fire

And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and said, Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and scatter them over the city. And he went in in my sight.

(Ezekiel 10:2)

And it came to pass, that when he had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in, and stood beside the wheels.

(Ezekiel 10:6)

And one cherub stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire that was between the cherubims, and took thereof, and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with linen: who took it, and went out.

(Ezekiel 10:7)

A Palm Tree

And it was made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub; and every cherub had two faces;

(Ezekiel 41:18)

The Inhabitants of the Throne Room of Heaven (Revelation 4 and 5)

God the Father on the Throne – Rev 4:1-3
24 Elders around the throne – Rev 4:4, Rev 4:10-11
- Fell down before the lamb – Rev 5:8-10
- Man a little lower than the angels – Heb 2:7, Heb 2:9, Ps 8:3-5
7 Spirits of God before the throne (Holy Spirit) – Rev 4:5
Four beasts in the midst and round about the throne – Rev 4:6-9
- Midst = Greek: mesos = middle
- Round about = Greek: kuklo = encircle / encompass
- Fell down before the lamb – Rev 5:8-10
Lamb that stood in the midst of the throne and of the 4 beasts and in the midst of the 24 elders – Rev 5:5-7
Angels round about the throne, the four beasts and the 24 elders – Rev 5:11-12

Summary

Cherubims are Different than Angels
Cherubims are created beings
- Perfect in Beauty
- Full of Wisdom
Cherubims are located with God
- Garden of Eden
- Throne of God – Ezekiel and Revelation
- Ark of the Covenant – On Both Sides and cover the mercy seat
Cherubims symbolize beautiful truths about God, the Holy Spirit and Salvation in Jesus Christ