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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Then said Jesus unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Then said Jesus unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
But if children, then heirs; heirs indeed of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be we suffer with him, that we may also together with him be glorified.
But if children, then heirs; heirs indeed of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be we suffer with him, that we may also together with him be glorified. For I reckon that the sufferings of the present moment are not worthy to be placed against the future glory that shall be revealed to us.
For I reckon that the sufferings of the present moment are not worthy to be placed against the future glory that shall be revealed to us. For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revelation of the children of God.
For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revelation of the children of God. For the creation was made subject to vanity, not voluntarily, but by him who made it subject,
For the creation was made subject to vanity, not voluntarily, but by him who made it subject, in hope that the same creation shall be emancipated from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
in hope that the same creation shall be emancipated from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth together and travaileth in birth to this moment.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth together and travaileth in birth to this moment. And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan in ourselves, expecting the adoption, the redemption of our body.
And not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan in ourselves, expecting the adoption, the redemption of our body. For by hope we have been saved: now hope seen is not hope; for that which any man seeth how doth he yet hope for?
For by hope we have been saved: now hope seen is not hope; for that which any man seeth how doth he yet hope for?
I am crucified with Christ, yet I live; though no more I, but Christ liveth in me: and my present life in the flesh, is a life by faith in the Son of God, who hath loved me, and delivered up himself for me.
I am crucified with Christ, yet I live; though no more I, but Christ liveth in me: and my present life in the flesh, is a life by faith in the Son of God, who hath loved me, and delivered up himself for me.
that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church,
that now to the principalities and powers in the heavenly regions, the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church,
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing with grace in your heart unto the Lord.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing with grace in your heart unto the Lord. And everything that ye do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
And everything that ye do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
For both he that sanctifies, and they who are sanctified, are all of one. For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
For both he that sanctifies, and they who are sanctified, are all of one. For which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: in such manner is the tongue placed among our members, that it defileth all the body, and setteth on fire the circle of nature; and is set on fire of hell.
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: in such manner is the tongue placed among our members, that it defileth all the body, and setteth on fire the circle of nature; and is set on fire of hell.
whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.??5 And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence;
whereby superlatively great and precious promises are freely given to us: that by these ye might become partakers of a divine nature, having fled far away from the corruption that is in the world through inordinate concupiscence.??5 And for this very purpose employing the greatest diligence, lead up in the train of your faith courage; and with courage intelligence;
He that hath ears, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches, To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
He that hath ears, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches, To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit on my throne, as I also have overcome, and have sat down with my Father on his throne.
He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit on my throne, as I also have overcome, and have sat down with my Father on his throne.
And before the throne was a sea of glass like crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and within the circle of the throne, were four living beings full of eyes before and behind.
And before the throne was a sea of glass like crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and within the circle of the throne, were four living beings full of eyes before and behind.
And before the throne was a sea of glass like crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and within the circle of the throne, were four living beings full of eyes before and behind.
And before the throne was a sea of glass like crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and within the circle of the throne, were four living beings full of eyes before and behind. And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was like an eagle with wings expanded.
And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was like an eagle with wings expanded.
And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was like an eagle with wings expanded.
And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was like an eagle with wings expanded.
And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was like an eagle with wings expanded.
And the first living being was like a lion, and the second living being was like a calf, and the third living being had a face as a man, and the fourth living being was like an eagle with wings expanded. And the four living beings had each for himself six wings encircling him, and within they were full of eyes; and they never cease day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is coming.
And the four living beings had each for himself six wings encircling him, and within they were full of eyes; and they never cease day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is coming.
And the four living beings had each for himself six wings encircling him, and within they were full of eyes; and they never cease day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is coming.
And the four living beings had each for himself six wings encircling him, and within they were full of eyes; and they never cease day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was, and who is, and who is coming. And when these living beings give glory, and honour, and thanksgiving to him that sitteth on the throne, to him who liveth for ever and ever,
And when these living beings give glory, and honour, and thanksgiving to him that sitteth on the throne, to him who liveth for ever and ever,
And I beheld, and lo! in the midst of the throne, and of the four living beings, and in the midst of the presbyters, stood a lamb as just slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God that are sent forth into all the world:
And I beheld, and lo! in the midst of the throne, and of the four living beings, and in the midst of the presbyters, stood a lamb as just slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God that are sent forth into all the world:
And when he had taken the book, the four living beings and the four and twenty presbyters prostrated themselves before the lamb, having each harps, and vases of gold, full of perfumes smoaking, which are the prayers of the saints.
And when he had taken the book, the four living beings and the four and twenty presbyters prostrated themselves before the lamb, having each harps, and vases of gold, full of perfumes smoaking, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereon; because thou hast been slaughtered, and hast redeemed us for God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sung a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereon; because thou hast been slaughtered, and hast redeemed us for God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sung a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereon; because thou hast been slaughtered, and hast redeemed us for God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation;
And they sung a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereon; because thou hast been slaughtered, and hast redeemed us for God by thy blood, out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us for our God kings and priests, and we shall reign upon the earth.
and hast made us for our God kings and priests, and we shall reign upon the earth. And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands,
And I looked, and heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and the living beings, and the presbyters, and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, crying with a loud voice, Worthy is the slaughtered lamb to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
crying with a loud voice, Worthy is the slaughtered lamb to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and might, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
And all the inhabitants who dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
And all the inhabitants who dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
And one of the four living beings gave unto the seven angels seven golden vases full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
And one of the four living beings gave unto the seven angels seven golden vases full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.
And I saw heaven opened, and lo a white horse; and he that sat upon it, is called Faithful and True, and with righteousness doth he judge and make war.
And I saw heaven opened, and lo a white horse; and he that sat upon it, is called Faithful and True, and with righteousness doth he judge and make war. And his eyes were as a flame of fire, and upon his head were many diadems; and he hath a name inscribed which no man knoweth but himself.
And his eyes were as a flame of fire, and upon his head were many diadems; and he hath a name inscribed which no man knoweth but himself. And he was clothed in a garment dipt in blood, and his name is styled the word of God.
And he was clothed in a garment dipt in blood, and his name is styled the word of God. And the hosts which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
And the hosts which are in heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth proceeded a sharp sword, that therewith he may smite the heathen and he will rule them with an iron sceptre: and he will tread the wine-press of the fury and of the wrath of God Almighty.
And out of his mouth proceeded a sharp sword, that therewith he may smite the heathen and he will rule them with an iron sceptre: and he will tread the wine-press of the fury and of the wrath of God Almighty. And he hath upon his vesture and upon his thigh this name written, king of kings, and lord of lords.
And he hath upon his vesture and upon his thigh this name written, king of kings, and lord of lords.
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall pitch his tent with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, their own God.
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall pitch his tent with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, their own God.
Blessed are they who keep his commandments, that they may have authority to approach unto the tree of life, and that they may enter in by the gates into the city.
Blessed are they who keep his commandments, that they may have authority to approach unto the tree of life, and that they may enter in by the gates into the city.