Reference: Cherub (1)
Fausets
Cherub; plural, Cherubim. Composite animal forms, always spoken of as familiar to the Hebrew: fourfold, Consisting of man, lion, ox, and eagle; ideal representatives of redeemed creaturely life, in which man is prominent (Eze 1:5; Re 4:7). Distinct from the Assyrian and Egyptian winged forms still existing (almost always a beast' form with human head) in having the fourfold composite animal aspect, with the characteristics of manhood as the basis and body of the whole. "At the E. of Eden (after Adam's fall) God placed (yashkeen, 'set as the dwelling place of His Shekinah glory') the Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of life" (Ge 3:24). As the flaming sword proclaimed God's just wrath against sin, so the Cherubim mercy in store for lost man.
They were "the provisional occupants of man's lost inheritance" (Fairbairn), the pledge of the restoration of man and the creaturely world closely allied with and subject to him (Psalm 8; Isa 11:6-9; Ro 8:17-24; Eze 34:25; Ho 2:18); the symbolical prophecy of the recovery of the tree of life; for they guard it, not against but for man, against the time when man shall be fit to enjoy it and never to lose it. Re 2:7; 22:14; they, with the flaming sword, were the forerunners of the sanctuary, where the Cherub on either side of the bright Shekinah cloud (from which, as on Sinai, the flame might at any moment dart) looked down on the blood-sprinkled mercy-seat of the ark, God's meeting place in reconciliation with sinners by the stoning blood; mercy and justice meeting together in man's redemption.
Hence it was before God's manifested presence, between the Cherubim at the E. of Eden, the first sacrifices were offered (Ge 4:3-4,16; 3:21). Whereas pagan sacrificed to appease their God, Bible sacrifices were brought before God expressing the propitiation which He had already in His gracious purpose made by His Son (Re 13:8). The placing of the man-like Cherub on the inheritance once man's suggested the truth that man and the creatures involved in his fall have still by some gracious mystery, of which the Cherubim are the pledge, an interest in Eden. The appearance of the Cherubim in the holiest place afterward suggested to man the same assurance of a common meeting ground with God at peace and in holiness. Finally, their appearance in Revelation, round God's throne as the redeemed, crowned that hope with joyful certainty.
As the glory of God was last seen on the E., so shall "the glory of the God of Israel come from the way of the E." (Ge 3:24; Eze 11:23; 43:2.) As the redeemed will hereafter be one with Christ in His executing vengeance on the ungodly (Re 19:11-16), so the Cherubim (Re 15:7; Eze 10:7). In Ezekiel 1 the four living creatures of the Cherubim stand in contrast with the four world monarchies (Daniel 7), termed "beasts." The four answers to the four quarters of the world, implying worldwide extension, true universality, which the world powers sought vainly to attain by ambitious selfishness. The Mosaic cherubim were formed out of the same mass of pure gold as the mercy-seat (Ex 25:19-20). The wings express rapidity in fulfilling God's will. The eyes all over (Eze 10:12) express manifold and ubiquitous wisdom.
The ox form represents tame animals, of which he is chief; the lion represents wild animals; the eagle represents birds; man, representing the head of all, in his ideal realized by the Son of man, combines all animal excellencies. The redeemed shall be the ruling powers, through whom, as now by the angels, God shall administer the government of the world, and proclaim His manifold wisdom (Mt 19:28; 1Co 6:2; Eph 3:10; Re 3:21; 4:6-8). In Eze 10:13 "it was cried unto the wheels ... O wheel," i.e. "Roll on." Jehovah by His word in connection with His ministering powers sets the whole "wheel of nature" (Greek text of Jas 3:6) and providence in motion.
In Re 5:9-12 the four living creatures (zooa, not theeria, "beasts") identify themselves as the redeemed (All creation is summed up in man its lord; from whence Christ's command, "preach the gospel to every creature," for man's redemption involves the restoration of the creature now subject to vanity: Romans 8) "Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred and tongue ... and hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth." Whereas in Ezekiel (Eze 1:6) each living creature has all four faces, in Re 4:6-9 the four faces are distributed, one to each.
The Christian fathers identify them with the four Gospels: Matthew, the lion, the kingly aspect of Christ's manifestation; Mark, the ox, Christ's laborious endurance; Luke, the man, Christ's brotherly sympathy with our whole race; John, the eagle, the soaring majesty of the divine Word made flesh. The grain of truth in this view is that the church of the redeemed, like Christ her Head and His gospel, is one under a fourfold aspect answering to the several characteristics represented by the four heads of animal life. In and with Christ she shall realize the ideal of man combining fourfold creaturely perfection:
(1) kingly righteousness with hatred of evil, as "the lion springing terribly on the victim";
(2) laborious diligence in duty, as the "ox bound to the soil";
(3) human sympathy, as "the man";
(4) sublime contemplation of heavenly things, as "the eagle."
In Revelation the four living creatures represent the elect redeemed, as they shall be when perfected, ministering as king-priests unto God, and media of blessing to the redeemed earth with its nations and its animal creation. The four standards under which Israel encamped in the wilderness were a lion for Judah on the E., an eagle for Dan on the N., an ox for Ephraim on the W., and a man for Reuben on the S. In the midst was the tabernacle with the Shekinah cloud symbolizing God's presence, "the picture of the blessed period when the earth being fitted for the kingdom of the Father ... heaven's court will be transferred here (Re 21:3), and the world is subject to a never ending theocracy" (DeBurgh). The cherubic four stand always in nearest relationship to God in His holiness and life-imparting presence; compare Ex 25:22; Ps 80:1.
Whereas angels are "round about the throne," the living creatures occupy the innermost circle next it and Him who is in their midst (Re 5:6,11). Thirty times they are called "the living creatures," full of the life of God everlastingly flowing into them. (See ADAM.) The griffins of northern fable and the winged beasts of Assyria and Egypt seem a relic of primeval tradition corrupted. The Greek grups, glufo, and the Syriac and Arabic words for "carve" and griffin, seem kindred words to cherub; cherob is the rabbinical term for an image; cherub, the Coptic. Gesenius takes the root chaarab "to consecrate a shrine." Colossal figures of compound living creatures are still found "guarding the portals of the Assyrian temples" (Layard).
The pagan knowledge of the cherubim of the Book of Revelation is implied in Eze 28:13-14, where the king of Tyre is represented as having been "in Eden the garden of God," and as boasting that he is "the anointed cherub that covereth," i.e. the cherub of the temple anointed by the consecrating oil, and defending Tyre as the cherubim "covered" or overshadowed the mercy-seat; the type of Antichrist who shall usurp the attributes of the true Anointed One, who "covers" His church, the beautiful ideal of humanity. The clearness of the type as symbolizing the redeemed increases as the revelation of the scheme of redemption becomes fuller. At Eden the cherubim are mysteriously indefinite.
In the tabernacle they are lifeless carved figures, with faces ever turned to the mercy seat, the pledge of redemption. In Solomon's temple they are of colossal size, symbolizing the future grandeur of the church, reigning with the antitypical Solomon over the earth. In Ezekiel, for the first time, instinct with life, zeal, and ceaseless untiring motion. In Revelation they reveal who and what they are, and sing the song of praise for their redemption (Re 5:8-9). As the mercy-seat (typifying Christ as our propitiation) interposed between t
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And Jesus said to them, Truly I say unto you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man may sit upon the throne of His glory, you shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And Jesus said to them, Truly I say unto you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man may sit upon the throne of His glory, you shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And if children, indeed heirs; truly heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if we suffer together, in order that we may also be glorified together.
And if children, indeed heirs; truly heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if we suffer together, in order that we may also be glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of these present times are not worthy to be compared to the glory which is about to be revealed in us.
For I reckon that the sufferings of these present times are not worthy to be compared to the glory which is about to be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature awaits the revelation of the sons of God.
For the earnest expectation of the creature awaits the revelation of the sons of God. For the creature has been subordinated to mortality, not willingly, but through Him who subordinated it;
For the creature has been subordinated to mortality, not willingly, but through Him who subordinated it; therefore indeed pursuant to hope, the creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
therefore indeed pursuant to hope, the creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For we know that all creation groans together and travails together until now;
For we know that all creation groans together and travails together until now; and not only so, but we ourselves, having the earnest of the Spirit, and we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of sons, the redemption of our body.
and not only so, but we ourselves, having the earnest of the Spirit, and we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of sons, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope which is seen is not hope: for why does any one indeed hope for that which he sees?
For we are saved by hope: but hope which is seen is not hope: for why does any one indeed hope for that which he sees?
I am crucified along with Christ; and I live no longer, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
I am crucified along with Christ; and I live no longer, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Let the word of God dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another, in all wisdom, in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, with grace making melody in your hearts to God;
Let the word of God dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another, in all wisdom, in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, with grace making melody in your hearts to God; and every thing whatsoever you may do, in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
and every thing whatsoever you may do, in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
For both the one sanctifying and they who are sanctified are all of one: on account of which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
For both the one sanctifying and they who are sanctified are all of one: on account of which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
The tongue, a fire, the world of iniquity: the tongue sits down in the midst of our members, and corrupting the whole body, and setting on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire from hell.
The tongue, a fire, the world of iniquity: the tongue sits down in the midst of our members, and corrupting the whole body, and setting on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire from hell.
through which precious and greatest promises have been given unto us; that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust.
through which precious and greatest promises have been given unto us; that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Let the one having ears, hear what the Spirit says to the churches; to him who conquers I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
Let the one having ears, hear what the Spirit says to the churches; to him who conquers I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.
The one conquering, I will give unto him to sit with me on my throne, as I indeed have conquered, and sat down with my Father on his throne.
The one conquering, I will give unto him to sit with me on my throne, as I indeed have conquered, and sat down with my Father on his throne.
and before the throne a glassy sea like crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, are four living creatures filled with eyes in front and in the rear.
and before the throne a glassy sea like crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, are four living creatures filled with eyes in front and in the rear.
and before the throne a glassy sea like crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, are four living creatures filled with eyes in front and in the rear.
and before the throne a glassy sea like crystal; and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, are four living creatures filled with eyes in front and in the rear. And the first living creature was like unto a lion, and the second living creature was like unto a bullock, and the third living creature having the face as of a man, and the fourth living creature was like unto a flying eagle.
And the first living creature was like unto a lion, and the second living creature was like unto a bullock, and the third living creature having the face as of a man, and the fourth living creature was like unto a flying eagle.
And the first living creature was like unto a lion, and the second living creature was like unto a bullock, and the third living creature having the face as of a man, and the fourth living creature was like unto a flying eagle.
And the first living creature was like unto a lion, and the second living creature was like unto a bullock, and the third living creature having the face as of a man, and the fourth living creature was like unto a flying eagle.
And the first living creature was like unto a lion, and the second living creature was like unto a bullock, and the third living creature having the face as of a man, and the fourth living creature was like unto a flying eagle.
And the first living creature was like unto a lion, and the second living creature was like unto a bullock, and the third living creature having the face as of a man, and the fourth living creature was like unto a flying eagle. And the four living creatures having six wings, one opposite one of them; filled with eyes without and within; and they cease not day and night, saying; Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Omnipotent, who was, and who is, and who is the one coming.
And the four living creatures having six wings, one opposite one of them; filled with eyes without and within; and they cease not day and night, saying; Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Omnipotent, who was, and who is, and who is the one coming.
And the four living creatures having six wings, one opposite one of them; filled with eyes without and within; and they cease not day and night, saying; Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Omnipotent, who was, and who is, and who is the one coming.
And the four living creatures having six wings, one opposite one of them; filled with eyes without and within; and they cease not day and night, saying; Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Omnipotent, who was, and who is, and who is the one coming. And when the living creatures shall give glory and honor and thanksgiving to the one sitting upon the throne, who lives unto the ages of the ages,
And when the living creatures shall give glory and honor and thanksgiving to the one sitting upon the throne, who lives unto the ages of the ages,
And I saw, in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, the Lamb standing as having been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God having been sent into all the earth.
And I saw, in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, the Lamb standing as having been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God having been sent into all the earth.
And when he took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each a harp, and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each a harp, and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sing a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to receive the book, and to open its seals: because thou wast slain, and didst with thy blood redeem unto God out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sing a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to receive the book, and to open its seals: because thou wast slain, and didst with thy blood redeem unto God out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sing a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to receive the book, and to open its seals: because thou wast slain, and didst with thy blood redeem unto God out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sing a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to receive the book, and to open its seals: because thou wast slain, and didst with thy blood redeem unto God out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation; and didst make them a kingdom and priests unto our God: and they shall reign on the earth.
and didst make them a kingdom and priests unto our God: and they shall reign on the earth. And I saw, and I heard as it were a voice of many angels round about the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders: and their number was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands;
And I saw, and I heard as it were a voice of many angels round about the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders: and their number was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands;
And I saw, and I heard as it were a voice of many angels round about the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders: and their number was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands;
And I saw, and I heard as it were a voice of many angels round about the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders: and their number was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands; saying with a great voice; Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
saying with a great voice; Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
And all those who dwell upon the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world, will worship him.
And all those who dwell upon the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life of the Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world, will worship him.
And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who liveth unto the ages of the ages.
And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who liveth unto the ages of the ages.
And I saw the heaven open, and behold a white horse; and one sitting on him called, Faithful and True, in righteousness he both judges and wages war.
And I saw the heaven open, and behold a white horse; and one sitting on him called, Faithful and True, in righteousness he both judges and wages war. And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; having a name written, which no one knows, but himself,
And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; having a name written, which no one knows, but himself, and being clothed with a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name has been called, The Word of God.
and being clothed with a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name has been called, The Word of God. Armies in the heaven follow him on white horses, clothed in linen, white and clean.
Armies in the heaven follow him on white horses, clothed in linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goes forth a sharp sword, that with it he may smite the nations; and he will shepherdize them with an iron rod: and he treads the winepress of the wrath of the indignation of God Almighty.
And out of his mouth goes forth a sharp sword, that with it he may smite the nations; and he will shepherdize them with an iron rod: and he treads the winepress of the wrath of the indignation of God Almighty. And he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.
And he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of kings, and Lord of lords.
And I heard a great voice speaking from the throne, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with the people, and he will tabernacle with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them:
And I heard a great voice speaking from the throne, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with the people, and he will tabernacle with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them:
Happy are those who wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.
Happy are those who wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.