SPECIAL TOPIC: Cherubim

SPECIAL TOPIC: CHERUB. . .CHERUBIM (BDB 500, KB 497)

One of several types of angelic beings mentioned in the OT (i.e., Cherubim, Seraphim [see SPECIAL TOPIC: SERAPHIM], national angels, Arch Angels, Messenger Angels). This particular type of angelic being guarded sacred areas (cf. Gen. 3:24; Exod. 25:18-22; 1 Kgs. 8:6-7; Daniel 10). It is mentioned over 90 times in the OT, but only once in the NT (cf. Heb. 9:5).
Etymology is uncertain.
1. from Akkadian "intercessor" or "mediator" between God and mankind
2. from Hebrew there is a possible word play between "chariot" and "cherub" (cf. Ezek. 1; 10)
3. some scholars say it means "brilliant appearance" (i.e., like the Shekinah; see SPECIAL TOPIC: SHEKINAH)
Physical form ‒ This has been difficult to ascertain because of varying descriptions within the Bible and varying animal-human forms found in the ANE. Some link them to
1. winged bull of Mesopotamia
2. winged eagle ‒ lions of Egypt called "griffins"
3. winged creatures on Hiram's (King of Tyre) throne
4. sphinx of Egypt and similar forms found in King Ahab's ivory palace in Samaria
Physical Description
1. The form of the Cherubim is linked with the form of the Seraphim of Isaiah 6.
2. Examples of different forms
  1. Number of faces
    (1) two ‒ Ezek. 41:18
    (2) four ‒ Ezek. 1:6,10; 10:14,21
    (3) one ‒ Rev. 4:7
  2. Number of wings
    (1) two ‒ 1 Kgs. 6:24
    (2) four ‒ Ezek. 1:6,11; 10:7,8-21
    (3) six (like Seraphim of Isa. 6:2) ‒ Rev. 4:8
3. Other features (also called "the Living Creatures")
  1. Human hands ‒ Ezek. 1:8; 10:8,21
  2. Legs
    (1) straight, no knee ‒ Ezek. 1:7
    (2) calf feet ‒ Ezek. 1:7
4. Flavius Josephus admits that no one knew what a cherub looked like (cf. Antiquities of the Jews, VIII.3.3).
Places and purpose found in the Bible
1. Guardian of the tree of life, Gen. 3:24 (possibly used as imagery in Ezek. 28:14,16)
2. Guardian of the Tabernacle (see SPECIAL TOPIC: TABERNACLE OF THE WILDERNESS)
  1. over the Ark of the Covenant (see SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT); Exod. 25:18-20; Num. 7:89; 1 Sam. 4:4; Heb. 9:5
  2. depicted on veil and curtains of the tabernacle; Exod. 26:1,31; 36:8,35
3. Guardian of Solomon's temple
  1. two large carved cherubs in Holy of Holies; 1 Kgs. 6:23-28; 8:6-7; 2 Chr. 3:10-14; 5:7-9
  2. on walls of inner shrine; 1 Kgs. 6:29,35; 2 Chr. 3:7
  3. on panels that were associated with the several lavers; 1 Kgs. 7:27-39
4. Guardian of Ezekiel's temple ‒ carved on walls and doors; Ezek. 41:18-20, 25
5. Connected with transportation of deity
  1. possibly imagery for wind; 2 Sam. 22:11; Ps. 18:10; 104:3-4; Isa. 19:1
  2. guardian of God's throne; Ps.80:1; 99:1; Isa. 37:16
  3. guardian of God's portable throne chariot; Ezek. 1:4-28; 10:3-22; 1 Chr. 28:18
6. Herod's temple ‒ painted on walls (i.e., guardian cf. Talmud "Yoma" 54a)
7. Revelation throne scene (i.e., guardian cf. Revelation 4-5)